May in the Philippines is synonymous with the Flores de Mayo, a month-long devotional celebration honouring the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Empress Helena, Protector of the Holy Places. It’s a vibrant spectacle of faith, community, and blooming flowers. This tradition culminates in the Santacruzan, a colourful parade re-enacting the finding of the True Cross by the Empress Helena and her son, Constantine.
But this rich cultural tapestry isn’t confined to the Philippine archipelago. As the Filipino diaspora has grown, so too have their efforts to keep these cherished traditions alive, no matter how far from home. A testament to this is the recent celebration of Flores de Mayo and Ascension Day in Notting Hill. The Filipino Chaplaincy of the Diocese, based at St John’s Notting Hill is rapidly growing, and with an electoral roll of 270, is now larger than many Parishes. In addition, Tagalog, (the national language of the Philippines), is now the second language of RBKC (Census of 2021).
Canon William Taylor, Vicar of St John’s said
We are proud to be hosting the Filipino Chaplaincy for the Diocese of London in this church. The Chaplaincy is not a guest, but an integal member of what makes St John’s what it is now. It is also a concrete expression of the unity in Communion between the Church of England and the Iglesia Filipina Independiente, part of the Old Catholic Federation of churches.
The Santacruzan street parade is an opportunity for the Filipino community in London to gather, celebrate their faith, and share their heritage with a wider audience. The prayers and hymns of Flores de Mayo and Ascension Day bridge the geographical distance between the Philippines and London, connecting Filipinos to their roots and to fellow Christians worldwide.
Fr Larry Galon, the Filipino Chaplain for the Diocese said
Our Filipino tradition of joining hands for the Lord’s Prayer is a powerful symbol of the unity which our common baptism brings, stronger than any human identity markers.
The inclusion of Ascension Day in this month of celebration is also significant. While Flores de Mayo is uniquely Filipino in its expression, Ascension Day is a universal Christian feast commemorating Christ’s ascent into heaven. Celebrating both together in Notting Hill underscores the deep Christian faith that underpins Filipino culture, while also demonstrating their integration into the broader Christian community in the UK, and the Diocese of London in particular.
Bishop Anderson Jeremiah, who presided and preached at the occasion commented:
This church is a shining example of what it means to be enriched by being a truly intercultural church.
These inter-cultural celebrations are vital, life-affirming, joyous and faith-affirming for all. They not only preserve the unique traditions of the Philippines but also enrich the cultural landscape of their adopted homes. They offer a glimpse into the beauty and devotion of Filipino faith, inviting others to share and join in a vibrant part of their identity. Flores de Mayo and Ascension Day both serve as powerful reminders of faith, community, and the enduring spirit of Filipino culture, now enriching the Diocese of London.
