FLORES DE MARIA

by Jeff L. Jacinto, PhD, DHum

museodelprado.es

​Profound affection to Mary is deeply ingrained in the Filipino consciousness. The Blessed Virgin Mary is honored by various names, with numerous churches and shrines dedicated to her. Various organizations and sodalities have been established to promote devotion to her, and the Angelus Domini and the Rosary are recited daily in many households. Therefore, it's undeniable that we are a nation deeply devoted to Mary, known as "Un Pueblo Amante de Maria."

It's unsurprising that just 13 years after Pope Blessed Pius IX declared the dogma of the Immaculate Conception of Mary in 1854, Father Mariano Villena Sevilla compiled a collection of chants, prayers, and teachings for his home parish of La Nuestra Señora de la Asuncion in Bulacan to celebrate the Mes de Maria (Month of Mary), titled "Mariquit na Bulaclac na sa Pagninilaynilay sa Buong Buan nang Mayo ay Inihahandog nang manga Devoto cay Maria Santisima" (The Beautiful Flowers Offered by Devotees to Mary the Holiest During the Whole Month of May). This significant work is still widely used across the country today, either in its entirety or in parts to celebrate the Flores de Maria. During the entire month of May, various individuals, not just children, would frequent the church daily to engage in activities such as praying the Rosary, presenting flowers to Mary, and participating in sessions focused on values education and character development. A typical afternoon would commence with the singing of "Araw-araw kay Maria":

Araw-araw kay Maria
kami ay nagdarasal
Si Mariang Ina namin
ibig naming marangal

Kanyang tulong
lagi-lagi kami ay humihiling
Siya'y aming pupurihin, tuwing araw at gabi

Kung kami'y nasa panganib, kay Maria tatakbo
Siya'y aming tatawagin kung lalapit ang tukso

O, Maria
tutulungan kaming nangabubuhay
Kami ay ipanalangin
kung kami'y mamamatay

Next comes the recitation of the Most Holy Rosary, with specific prayers for the community mentioned in each decade. Passages from Scripture are also read to help focus on the mysteries being contemplated. Either the parish priest or occasionally a lay catechist leads a reflection, emphasizing Filipino values and practical ways to embody them daily. Moreover, illustrations from the Lives of the Saints serve to underscore the particular virtue emphasized for every day. Following this, children share examples of how they live out these values in various aspects of their lives and commit to following them, inspired by Mama Mary's example. After the discussion, the children form a line to offer freshly picked flowers and flower crowns from the neighborhood, accompanied by singing "Dalit kay Maria":

Matamis na Birheng pinaghahandugan 
Kami'y nangangako naman pong mag-alay 
Ng isang Guernalda bawat isang araw
Na ang magdudulog yaring murang kamay

Tuhog na bulaklak sadyang salit-salit
Sa mahal mong noo'y aming ikakapit
Lubos ang pagasa't sa iyo'y nananalig Na tatanggapin mo handog ng pag-ibig

Halina't at tayo'y mag-unahang lahat, Magtaglay ng lalong masamyong Bulaklak,
At sa kay Maria magkusang humarap, Pagka't ina nating lubos ang paglingap

After the ceremony, children who attended the devotion are treated to simple snacks, such as sopas, arroz caldo, or Pianono, a rolled cake named after Pope Pius IX, known as "Pio Nono" in Italian. Pianono was created by pastry chef Ceferino Isla González of Andalusia, Spain around 1897. Being a devotee of the Immaculate Conception, González likely dedicated the pastry to the pope who proclaimed the dogma. Spanish missionaries introduced Pianono to the Philippines during colonization. Refreshing tropical fruit drinks are also served. During snack time, children mingle, sharing stories and playing games. The day concludes with the singing of "Paalam, Inang Birhen":

Paalam Inang Birhen
Kasing ningning ng buwan
Paalam na paalam
Kami ay bendisyunan
Kami ay bendisyunan

Kami ay pagpalain 
Birheng maawain
Kami at kalingain
Mahal na Ina namin

To mark the end of the month-long Flores de Maria celebration, children who took part in the daily catechesis will join a religious procession showcasing May flowers, uplifting Filipino virtues, and praises for the Blessed Virgin Mary. To uphold this cherished tradition, the author recommends organizing the parade according to this sequence:

I.  ALAY NA MGA BULAKLAK

​The Philippines takes pride in its indigenous flowers, which flourish in its distinct climate and varied soil. This segment showcases 30 native blossoms, symbolizing each day of May and embodying the beauty and virtues of Mary. Sagalas parade beneath bamboo arches, carrying illustrations or replicas of the flowers they symbolize.

tomperna.org

1. Rosas
2. Rosal
3. Champaca
4. Sampaguita
5. Santan
6. Gumamela
7. Bogambilya
8. Waling-Waling
9. Kampanilya
10. Kamia
11. Ilang-Ilang
12. Kapa-Kapa
13. Paskwa
14. Tsitsirika
15. Krisantemo
16. Mirasol
17. Dama de Noche
18. Dansuli
19. Aldelfa
20. Ternatea
21. Pasaw
22. Niyog-Niyogan
23. Akapulko
24. Ortensya
25. Poinsettia
26. Lirio
27. Narsiso
28. Bigonya
29. Aster
30. Tulip
31. Maria, Nuestra Señora de las Flores — The wreath of flowers with which Mary is crowned in May highlights a special connection with the abundant and colorful flowers of May, new life, and Mary's resplendent beauty. Walking beneath a flower-adorned arch, she carries an impressive bouquet.

II. ALAY NA KABUTIHAN

​In addition to presenting Mary with a floral bouquet, one can offer her a spiritual bouquet composed of various virtues, featuring a different positive Filipino characteristic for each day of May.

salvamariaregina.info

1. Makadiyos - Godly 
2. Makakalikasan - Environment-friendly
3. Makabayan - Patriotic 
4. Masipag - Hard-working 
5. Matulungin - Helpful
6. Magalang - Courteous 
7. Maasikaso - Attentive
8. Maawain - Merciful
9. Masinop - Prudent
10. Madasalin - Prayerful 
11. Matapat - Honest
12. Maunawain - Understanding 
13. Masiyahin - Joyful
14. Malikhain - Creative 
15. Matatag - Resilient 
16. Maaalahanin - Thoughtful 
17. Mapagbigay - Selfless
18. Matipid - Thrifty 
19. Maparaan - Resourceful 
20. Mapagmahal - Loving
21. Mahinhin - Modest
22. Masunurin - Obedient 
23. Mapagkakatiwalaan - Trustworthy 
24. Mabait - Kind
25. Mapagkaibigan - Friendly 
26. Matapang - Courageous 
27. Mapagkumbaba - Humble
28. Malinis - Tidy
29. Mapagmalasakit - Caring
30. Makatarungan  - Just
31. Maria, Nuestra Señora de las Virtudes — As the Mother of God, Mary is honored for her many virtues, setting an example for the faithful in her spirit of unhesitating obedience, her heart of love, and her unwavering devotion to the Lord. She carries in her hand a symbol of the Immaculate Heart.

​​III. ALAY NG PAGSINTA

​Accolades for the Blessed Virgin Mary taken from the litany of the Holy Rosary.

Vincent Rubens, 1626

​1. A-V-E M-A-R-I-A — Eight girls, clad in long white dresses adorned with wings to resemble angels, each carry a letter to spell out the phrase "AVE MARIA."
2. La Virgen Prudentisima (Virgin Most Prudent)
3. La Virgen Digna de Veneracion (Virgin Most Venerable)
4. La Virgen Digna de Alabanza (Virgin Most Renowned)
5. La Virgen Poderosa (Virgin Most Powerful)
6. La Virgen Clemente (Virgin Most Merciful)
7. La Virgen Fiel (Virgin Most Faithful)
8. Espejo de Justicia (Mirror of Justice)
9. Trono de la Sabiduria (Throne of Justice)
10. Causa de Nuestra Alegria (Cause of our Joy)
11. Vaso Espiritual (Spiritual Vessel)
12. Vaso Digno de Honor (Vessel of Honor)
13. Vaso Insigne de Devocion (Singular Vessel of Devotion)
14. Rosa Mystica (Mystical Rose)
15. Torre de David (Tower of David)
16. Torre de Marfil (Tower of Ivory)
17. Casa de Oro (House of Gold)
18. Arca de la Arianza (Ark of the Covenant)
19. Puerta del Cielo (Gate of Heaven)
20. Estrella de la Mañana (Morningstar)
21. Salud de los enfermos (Health of the sick)
22. Refugio de los pecadores (Refuge of sinners)
23. Consuelo de los afligidos (Comforter of the afflicted)
24. Auxilio de los Cristianos (Help of Christians)
25. La Reina de los Angeles (The Queen of Angels)
26. La Reina de los Patriarcas (The Queen of Patriarchs)
27. La Reina de los Profetas (The Queen of Prophets)
28. La Reina de los Apostoles (The Queen of Apostles)
29. La Reina de los Martires (The Queen of Marytrs)
30. La Reina de los Confesores (The Queen of Confessors)
31. La Reina de las Virgenes (The Queen of  Virgins)
32. La Reina de todos los Santos (The Queen of all Saints)
33. La Reina concebida sin pecado original (The Queen conceived without original sin)
34. La Reina del Santisimo Rosario (The Queen of the Most Holy Rosary)
35. La Reina de las Familias (The Queen of families)
36. La Reina de la Paz (The Queen of Peace)
37. Maria, Nuestra Señora de la Asuncion (Mary, Our Lady assumed into heaven) — Mary was conceived without original sin. As such, her body was assumed into heaven to be reunited with her soul instead of going through the natural process of physical decay upon death. The belief in Mary's assumption will make our belief in our own resurrection stronger and render it more effective. The sagala holds in her hand an anagram of the Blessed Virgin Mary. 

​The procession features a float adorned with flowers carrying the Blessed Virgin Mary. Attendees walk, holding candles and reciting the Holy Rosary. A brass band accompanies the procession, performing the hymn "Dios te Salve Maria": 

Dios te Salve Maria
Llena eres de gracia
El señor es contigo
Y bendita tu eres

Entre todas las mujeres
Entre todas las mujeres
Y bendito es el fruto
De tu vientre Jesus

Santa María, madre de Dios
Ruega por nosotros
Por nosotros pecadores

Ahora y en la hora
Ahora y en la hora
De nuestra muerte, amén

After the procession returns to the church, the grand offering commences while "Dalit kay Maria" is sung. All participants approach the altar to present the Ave Maria letters, native flowers, virtue labels, and titles of Mary. Those portraying the Tres Marias—La Nuestra Señora de los Flores, La Nuestra Señora de las Virtudes, and La Nuestra Señora de la Asuncion—crown the Blessed Virgin Mary's image with a flower wreath prepared for the occasion. Following the flower offering, the priest concludes the ceremony by chanting the Salve Regina and censing the image of the Blessed Virgin Mary. 

The Catholic Church dedicates the entire month of May to honoring Mary, Mother of God, not just a single day. Therefore, special devotions like Flores de Maria are organized daily throughout the month. Engage in these practices not only because they are longstanding traditions in the Church, although they are, or because they carry special graces, although they do. Rather, do it because Mary is our Mother—yours, mine, everyone's—and because she tirelessly cares for us, interceding for us even in the smallest matters. Viva La Virgen!

​​Incredibly Good Reads:

Baclig, Mario Mario Antonio V. Flores de Mayo - A Decade a Day, Catechism in May. Paulines Philippines. 

Bulalacao, Lolita Jagudilla, and Crispin Dayao. A First Look at Philippine Flowers. Tahanan Books for Young Readers, 1994. 

Estrope, Carmela R. "Bulacan Honors Priest Who Started 'Flores de Mayo.'" Inquirer.net, 27 November 2023.

Vengco, Sabino. Puso Ko’y Nagpupuri Sa Panginoon: Flores de Mayo. St. Paul Publications, 1988. 

Photographs/Illustrations:

Madonna and Child
tomperna.org

La Nuestra Señora de los Flores
museodelprado.es

La Nuestra Señora de las Virtudes
salvamariaregina.info

La Nuestra Señora de la Asuncion
Vincent Rubens, 1626