THE SANTA CRUZ DE MAYO PROCESSION

By Jeff L. Jacinto, PhD, DHum & Leanna Isabel T. Jacinto

Santacruzan in the Philippines, networks.h-net.org

​Festivals hold a significant place in the hearts of Filipinos, celebrated throughout the year, especially in the summer months. These events embody both the religious and social elements intrinsic to Philippine culture. Primarily religious, they demonstrate our Catholic faith through liturgical and devotional practices. People dress in their finest attire, attend mass, participate in processions with lit candles, sing devotional songs, and pray novenas in honor of the town's Patron Saint, fostering community cohesion as neighbors come together to prepare for the festivities. 

The Santa Cruz de Mayo, or Santacruzan, held annually in May, is considered the pinnacle of Filipino festivals. Its origins date back to Spanish colonization, where elaborate rituals and processions were held to promote Catholicism and encourage settlement near churches and municipal halls. From a religious standpoint, Santacruzan commemorates the finding of the Holy Cross, introduced by Spanish missionaries to catechize the people through dramatic presentations. Traditionally, the Feast of the Cross (Roodmas), observed on May 3, commemorates the discovery of the True Cross of Christ by St. Helena of Constantinople near Calvary in Jerusalem in the year 326, and its retrieval by Heraclius, the Emperor of the Romans and the first crusader, from the Persians back to Jerusalem in 629. This event, known as the Invention of the Holy Cross, remains celebrated in the Holy Land despite liturgical reforms after the Second Vatican Council in 1969. While some feast days were discontinued by the liturgical reform, such as this one being replaced by the Exaltation of the Cross on September 14, the Church of Jerusalem opted to retain the commemoration of May 3. This decision allowed it to remain within the Easter season, linking the Mystery of the Cross with that of the Resurrection. 

In the Philippines, Catholic faithful continue to organize the Santacruzan procession in May as a manifestation of popular religious devotion. In rural regions such as Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Bataan, Batangas, and Bicol, residents participate in Novena Masses and afterward gather at the plaza to witness nightly stage performances depicting the discovery of the True Cross of Christ. This theatrical production, known as Tibag, meaning "to excavate," is a highlight of the festivities leading up to the vibrant procession of Sta. Cruz de Mayo. Beautiful young women, adorned in queenly costumes, participate in this colorful procession, accompanied by bamboo arches and escorted by young men. 

Unfortunately, this religious and cultural parade is often dishonored, permeated with irrelevant and strange elements, and executed in extremely bad taste. In the urban areas, the Santacruzan is a perfect avenue for the Filipino unpleasant feature known as pabonggahan or palabas. On the one hand, the well heeled, overdressed by imaginative and experimental couturiers, tries to make an impression that they actually have money to burn. On the other extreme, social-climbing esquinita families save for it with a tuyo-and-rice budget all year. Additionally, some overly-creative individuals further detract from the procession's religious and artistic essence by turning it into a farcical spectacle. Preciosa S. Soliven, a respected newspaper columnist, commented in 2003: "It is sad that we have desecrated the Santacruzan by converting it to a mere beauty pageant and even a circus. When my daughter was 18 years old, she was asked to be Reyna Elena in Mandaluyong and found herself as only one of the 15 other Reyna Elenas. Recently, the Mandaluyong Santacruzan even featured superheroes like X-men, Wolverine, Storm, and Lastikman, instead of the banderadas or flag bearers, the lead personages of the procession." With the view of preserving Santacruzan as cultural heritage and an edifying religious experience, those involved in organizing this procession may use the following as reference or instructional material. The author proposes arranging this procession in the following order:

I. Prehistoric Philippines

Epitomizes the ordinary way of life and innate religiosity of our forefathers before the advent of Christianity and other institutional religions in the Philippines.

Celestial Bodies, pinterest.com

1. Las Reinas de las Banderas – It is a known fact that no man dates to sew any national flag. Owing to this fact, it is no more than befitting for women to carry national symbols, to wave their glory, to show their pride and to represent their strengths to all mankind. Three young lasses bear the national emblems of the Philippines, Vatican City, and Spain. They represent the arrival of Catholicism to our Land through the efforts of the Spanish Crown.

2. Las Reinas de las Islas — The Philippine Archipelago comprises approximately 7,641 islands, categorized into Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Before being named Las Islas Filipinas in honor of King Philip II of Spain by explorer Ruy Lopez de Villalobos, the islands were also known as Las islas de San Lázaro by Fernando Magallenes. Additionally, various ancient civilizations had different names for our country. The Song Dynasty of China referred to the islands south of China as Ma-i, while Indian scholars and traders called it Panyupayana, meaning lands surrounded by water. Claudius Ptolemy labeled our islands as Maniolas, linked with gold, influencing perceptions in Byzantine, Islamic, and Western European cultures. Some biblical scholars propose that the Philippines is the Ophir mentioned in 1 Kings 9:28 and 2 Chronicles 9:10, where King Solomon obtained gold, precious stones, and algum wood. Three young maidens, dressed in Balintawak for Luzon, Patadyong for Visayas, and Abaya for Mindanao, walk carrying depictions of the main islands.

3. La Reina de las Estrellas – Represents one of the three main celestial components. In ancient times, our ancestors gazed at the night sky, seeking guidance from the "leading lights," believing them to be the spirits of their ancestors. The figure embodying the Queen of the Stars holds a wand topped with a star.

4. La Reina de la Luna - Symbolizes the moon's influence on the tides and maritime realms. Fishermen carefully observe the moon's phases before setting out to sea, a tradition that helps them navigate safely. The young woman portraying the Queen of the Moon carries a jeweled scepter adorned with a crescent moon.

5. La Reina del Sol – Light is the fundamental requirement for life, present wherever it shines. The sun, symbolizing dominance and vitality, holds sway over all existence. The participant grasps a wand topped with the symbol of the sun, signifying this power.

6. La Reina de los Pescadores – Fishermen seek the support of spirits or anitu for a successful catch. A beautiful woman carries freshly caught fish strung together in one hand and a fishing net in the other.

7. La Reina de los Cazadores – Locally known as Diwata, she protects the forests and its creatures. Our forebears sought her approval before venturing into the woods to hunt or gather wood. She is depicted carrying a twig adorned with vibrant green leaves and fresh flowers, sometimes accompanied by small birds or butterflies to enhance her scepter.

8. La Reina de los Agricultores – She is recognized as Ang Dalagang Bukid, holding a traditional bilao filled with fruits and vegetables symbolizing the plentiful harvest of May. Dressed in a Balintawak, she gestures as though delivering supplies to farmers, embodying the archetype of a rural maiden.

9. La Reina de los Artesanos — The early Filipinos demonstrated creativity, resourcefulness, and diligence, crafting items of beauty and utility from materials such as stones, metal, and fabric. They handcrafted ceramics, intricately woven textiles, and leather goods. The sagala, representing this legacy, adorns herself in vibrant textiles and may accessorize with striking jewelry, tattoos, or body paint, symbolizing the inherent craftsmanship of the Filipino people.

10. La Reina de los Músicos — Our forebears cherished poetry and music as forms of expression, utilizing words and melodies to communicate during religious observances, ceremonies, and communal events. They composed music for various occasions such as war (kumintang), mourning (tagulaylay), prayer (dalit), celebrations (sambotani), voyages (talindaw), lullabies (owiwi or oyayi), courtship (daieng), and more. The sagala portraying these traditions holds indigenous musical instruments like an agong, kudyapi, or plawta as symbols of this rich cultural heritage.

11. La Reina de los Abogados — She holds the Holy Scriptures in her right hand, symbolizing that divine law is the ultimate foundation of all legal principles. Every official declaration and law originates from God's Natural Laws. Clad in academic regalia and a mortarboard cap, she demonstrates her expertise and capability to advocate for the rights of the marginalized and oppressed.

12. La Reina de la Justicia – She symbolizes the moral authority within legal systems, depicted with a sword and a balance scale. With her eyes blindfolded, she represents the impartiality and equality of all individuals under the law.

13. La Reina de la Libertad – Liberty entails the ability to choose and act freely within the bounds of respecting the rights of others. The sagala portraying Lady Liberty holds broken chains and a flag bearing the words "la independencia (freedom), la democracia (democracy), and la igualdad (equality)" as symbols of this concept.

II. Personages of the Old Covenant

Consists of personage from the Old Testament Era. This gives us an idea that they too were waiting for the coming of the Messiah.

Judith Beheading Holofernes, Caravaggio (1602)

1. Adán y Eva — Adam and Eve, the initial pair described in Genesis, serve as the foundation for beliefs about humanity's fall, original sin, and the necessity of a savior. In artistic representations, Adam often holds a serpent, symbolizing evil, while Eve is shown with an apple, representing knowledge of good and evil. Some depictions include them using body stockings and leaves for dramatic effect.

2. El Viejo Matusalén - As maintained in local legends, when the moon is full, one can see a shadow of an old bearded man riding in a pushcart and looking preoccupied with toasting grains of sand, stones, and ashes in a huge pan over a fire. This is a reminder that all that glitters will end up like what he is toasting. Eventually, he came to be known as Matusalem or Batusalem to the natives. In point of fact, he is Methuselah, descendant of Seth, son of Enoch. Genesis 5:21-27 says that he lived almost a thousand years . Thus, he is a symbol of longevity.

3. Las Mujeres en el Arca — The account of the great flood appears in Genesis 6-9. In response to humanity's wrongdoing, God causes a massive flood to wipe out most people, sparing only Noah's family who remained faithful. Noah is directed by God to construct an ark to protect his family and animals from the flood. The ark serves as a symbol of the Catholic Church, representing the means through which salvation is attained. Emzara, Noah's wife, is mentioned in the Book of Jubilees, an apocryphal Jewish text. Her name, meaning "ancestor of Sarah," links her to Abraham's wife. Three other women, Ar'yel (Shem's wife), Kezia (Ham's wife), and Rayneh (Japheth's wife), were also aboard to assist with caring for humans and animals. God plans to repopulate the earth through this family. In depictions, Emzara may be shown holding a miniature ark, while the other women carry miniature animals.

4. Sara la Matriarca — She is a devout woman, celebrated for her kindness and attractiveness, married to and also the half-sister of Abraham, and the mother of Isaac. Genesis 18:9–15 recounts the occasion when Sarah hears a prophecy about her impending childbirth. Despite being 90 years old and her husband nearly 100, Sarah's initial reaction is laughter in incredulity. However, God had the final laugh, and she indeed gave birth to a son named Isaac, whose name means "laughter." As a nod to this, she is depicted holding a mask with a laughing expression to remember this moment.

5. La Asertiva Rebecca — She is the second of the matriarchs in the ancestral tales of Genesis, wed to Isaac and the mother of Jacob and Esau. The intricately woven narratives in Genesis 24–27 detail her journey from becoming Isaac’s spouse to giving birth to twin sons despite initial infertility. Ultimately, she secures the prominent lineage position for her younger son, Jacob, who is destined to be the forefather of Israel. While controversial to some, her actions of deceiving Isaac to benefit Jacob contribute to her depiction as a strong and assertive woman. Thus, she is often portrayed holding a pot of stew and a ladle symbolizing the game hunted by Jacob.

6. Raquel y Lea — They were Laban's daughters who later wed Jacob. When Laban asks Jacob what he desires as payment for his labor, it is mentioned that "Jacob loved Rachel; so he said, 'I will serve you seven years for your younger daughter Rachel'" (Genesis 29:18). However, after completing the seven years, Laban deceives Jacob on his wedding night by giving him Leah, the older sister, instead. Upon realizing the deception, Jacob marries Rachel a week later but agrees to work another seven years for Laban. Jacob fathered thirteen children—twelve sons and one daughter—with Rachel, Leah, and their maidservants. From these offspring, all the tribes of Israel originated. The women in the portrayal fan themselves with large hand fans adorned with the names of the tribes of Israel.

7. Jocabed y Miriam — To protect her infant son from Pharaoh’s decree ordering the death of every Hebrew male child mentioned in the book of Exodus, Jochebed placed Moses in a basket made of bulrushes and set it afloat on the river where Pharaoh’s daughter typically bathed. Miriam harbored certainty that her little brother would somehow be saved, positioning herself at a distance to witness the outcome of her prophecy. As she matured, Miriam would later become a prophetess of Israel. Upon discovering the baby, Pharaoh’s daughter invited Jochebed to serve as his nurse during his early years. Jochebed, a mother keen on shaping her son's faith during his formative years, holds a basket with an infant doll inside. Accompanying her is Miriam, depicted as a young girl holding an hourglass, symbolizing her future role as a prophetess.

8. Rahab la Cananea — She bore a label no woman would desire: she was known as a harlot, a prostitute. Yet, she was also a woman whose bravery and trust in God would surpass her reputation, positioning her in the lineage of the Messiah. Rahab, as recounted in the Book of Joshua, was a Gentile woman residing in Jericho, within the Promised Land. She aided the Israelites by sheltering two men who had been sent to scout the city before its impending attack. Aware that the King of Jericho sought the men, Rahab chose to protect them. Some homes in the walls served as entry points to the city, where news easily spread. Despite the risk, Rahab feared the Lord and concealed the spies, aiding their escape through a window with a rope. The portrayal of Rahab includes her holding a rope, symbolizing her act of saving the Israelite spies, embellished with red ribbons and flowers.

9. Debora la Jueza — Described as a bold and formidable figure, Deborah stands as the sole female judge documented in the book of Judges. The Song of Deborah, recounted in Judges 5:2–31, serves as a triumphant anthem sung by Deborah and Barak, celebrating the victory over Canaanite adversaries by certain tribes of Israel. The biblical narrative concludes with the assertion that following the battle, the land experienced a period of peace lasting 40 years. Deborah is also known as Deborah of Lapidoth, signifying "lightning." In homage to her fierce persona, the portrayal of Deborah includes her holding a lightning bolt, symbolizing her strength as a female judge.

10. Rut y Noemí — The Book of Ruth tells the story about a Hebrew woman named Naomi who was living during the period of the judges prior to the establishment of the monarchy. During a time of famine, she and her husband, Elimelech, went with their two sons to the land occupied by the Moabites to find food. Here the two sons married daughters of the Moabites. Later, after her husband and both of the sons had died, Naomi decides to return to the land of the Hebrews so that she might dwell among her own people. She urges the two daughters-in-law to stay with the Moabites while she goes back to her former home. One of them, named Orpah, yields to the request and bids farewell to the mother-in-law. The other one, Ruth, refuses to let the mother-in-law go back alone. Her affection and loyalty is expressed in the words, "wherever you go, I shall go; and wherever you live, I shall live: your people shall be my people, and your God will be my God too." Both of them carry a cluster of wheat; the pursuit of which commenced their never-to-be-forgotten story.

11. Hannah La Orante — Hannah, one of Elkanah's wives mentioned in the First Book of Samuel, was the mother of the prophet Samuel. Often depicted as a woman struggling with infertility, she fervently prayed to God for a child. Her unwavering prayers were eventually answered when Eli the priest blessed her and sent her home. Conceiving and giving birth to a son, she named him Samuel, meaning "heard by God," as she had pleaded with the Lord for him (1 Samuel 1:20). It is not God's desire for us to remain barren, but rather to bear fruit. Grasping onto God's promises brings joy into our lives even before their fulfillment. By the end of her life, Hannah had six children. In representations, Hannah is depicted holding a bunch of grapes, symbolizing fertility and the joy resulting from her prayers being answered.

12. Makeda, La Reina de Sabá – In 1 Kings 10, her encounter with Solomon is recounted. She arrived to "test him with difficult questions," curious to ascertain if his wisdom matched his reputation. History remembers her for the lavish gifts she presented: spices, gold, and precious stones, elements that add an exotic flair to her persona. In medieval Christianity, she is intertwined with the legend of the true cross. According to the tale, during her visit to Solomon, she refused to cross a bridge crafted from the wood destined to become the cross of Christ. Some modern scholars argue that she likely originated from Africa, hence her depiction as black. The portrayal of the Queen of Sheba includes a headdress adorned with beads and pearls, along with a box brimming with jewels.

13. Judit La Valiente – This wealthy and devout widow saved her city, and thereby her nation, from the invading Assyrian army led by General Holofernes. Judith’s beauty coupled by her boldness won for her the trust of the assaulting general. She enters their camp, beheads Holofernes, and brings his head home to Bethulia. Thus, the sagala playing this role carries in her right hand a blade and a man’s head on the other. She is a symbol of the Jewish people who overcame their formidable enemy because of their trust in God.

14. Ester La Intercesora — The Jewish woman who saved her people facing annihilation. As a girl living under Persian rule, she was essentially kidnapped and taken into the harem of the king, Xerxes. The king, taken by her beauty, made her his queen. Not so long after, she found herself involved in a delicate balancing act between the ruling Persians and her own Jewish people. Through Esther's intercession the Jews were able to defend themselves and destroy their enemies (events which are celebrated at the Jewish Feast of Purim). The sagala playing as Queen Esther holds an imposing scepter capped with the Star of David.

III. Women in the Gospels

The women within the Jesus Movement were active participants who encountered, served, and experienced healing from Jesus. 

Our Lady of Sorrows, Andrew McGovern

​1. Fotina La Samaritana – There is a story about a Samaritan woman at a well found in John 4. This narrative depicts her dialogue with Jesus near Jacob's Well, situated close to the town of Sychar. Though not named in the biblical account, tradition suggests that she was baptized by the Apostles on Pentecost and given the name Photini, meaning "the enlightened one." The sagala typically carries a water jug, reminiscent of an aguadora.

2. Claudia Prócula — Origen reported that Pilate's wife became a Christian and was the sole person to declare Jesus' innocence. The Gospel of Matthew briefly mentions Pilate's wife in a single sentence: "Just then, as Pilate was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent him this message: 'Leave that innocent man alone. I suffered through a terrible nightmare about him last night'" (Matthew 27:19). Oriental Christians honor her as a saint, depicting her holding a papyrus scroll symbolizing her role in persuading Pontius Pilate to disassociate himself from Jesus' death.

3. María y Marta de Betania – Mary, Martha, and their brother Lazarus resided in Bethany, a village near Jerusalem, and are mentioned in various Gospel accounts. In one instance, recounted in Luke 10:38-42, Jesus and his disciples were hosted by them. While Martha attended the tasks of hospitality, Mary sat at Jesus' feet, listening to his teachings. From these encounters, many Christian writers interpret Mary as symbolizing Contemplation, while Martha represents Action. Mary is often depicted holding candles to symbolize prayer and devotion, while Martha is portrayed with a basket of bread, symbolizing acts of kindness and assistance to others.

4. Verónica de Jerusalén – Matthew 9:20-22 recounts the story of a woman who had suffered from a bleeding condition for twelve years and was healed by touching the hem of Jesus' garment. In the apocryphal Gospel of Nicodemus, she is named Berenikē, and the Latinization of this Macedonian name is Veronica, meaning "true image." In the 11th century, the tale was expanded to include Christ giving her a cloth bearing his portrait, which she used to cure Emperor Tiberius. The association with the Passion, particularly the bearing of the cross, emerged in the 14th century in the popular book "Meditations on the Life of Christ." The story gained further prominence in the Traditional Via Dolorosa, starting in the 16th century, where Veronica is depicted wiping Jesus' face with a veil at the sixth station. This veil, imprinted with the image of Christ's face, became a cherished relic in Christian tradition, symbolizing Veronica's act of compassion.

5. Juana de Chuza – Also identified as Mary Jacobe or Mary, the mother of James, Joanna was married to Chuza, the steward of King Herod Antipas, ruler of Galilee. She was among the women who supported Jesus and his apostles, as mentioned in Luke 8:3, and was among the small group who found the empty tomb of Jesus on Easter morning. Joanna is typically depicted carrying a bundle of broomsticks.

6. Susana de Galilea — Susanna is referenced only once in Luke's account of the Galilean women. From this brief mention, we understand that, like Mary Magdalene and Joanna, she had experienced healing from a demon or illness, accompanied Jesus and his apostles, and provided assistance as needed. Susanna is believed to have been present at the Crucifixion, burial, and discovery of the empty tomb. Susanna is portrayed holding a bag of coins to represent her role as a financial supporter of the Jesus movement.

7. María Salomé de Zebedeo — According to the medieval Golden Legend, St. Anne, the mother of the Virgin Mary, was married three times and had two other daughters named Mary. Mary Salome, one of these daughters, was married to Zebedee and was the mother of the apostles James and John, who were therefore cousins of Jesus. In Matthew 20:20-23, she is depicted asking Jesus to grant her sons positions of honor in his kingdom. She was present at the crucifixion and was among the women who found the empty tomb of Jesus. Mary Salome is often depicted carrying a thurible used for burning incense.

8. María de Clopas – She was also a member of Jesus' extended family, being the Blessed Mother's sister, alongside Mary Salome. She is the mother of James the Youndger and 
was married to Clopas, who was the younger brother of St. Joseph, the husband of Mary. She was present at the crucifixion and joined Mary Magdalene in visiting Christ's tomb on the first Easter. The person representing Mary Cleofe in the sagala typically carries an oil lamp.

9. María de Magdala – Mary Magdalene hailed from Magdala, situated on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee near Tiberias. Her parentage and marital status remain undocumented, as she is not linked to a husband's name or described as a widow with children. The term "Magdalene" indicates her origin from the Gentile town of Magdala Taricheae, known for its fishing industry and textile works. Her ability to travel freely with Jesus and his disciples suggests she likely did not have a husband or children awaiting her at home. Most scholars consider her the foremost female disciple within Jesus' movement. A careful examination of Luke 8:1-3 reveals Mary Magdalene's steadfast dedication to Jesus, accompanying him from Galilee to Jerusalem and contributing financially to the movement. Despite tradition labeling her as a prostitute, there is no biblical evidence to support this claim, with much to contradict it. She is often associated with the sinful woman who anointed Jesus' feet at Simon the Pharisee's house (Luke 7:37-39). Therefore, the representation of Mary Magdalene in the procession typically includes her holding a bottle of perfume.

10. María la Madre Dolorosa — The Blessed Virgin Mary, loving Mother of the Redeemer, embraced her Son's message of love and extended a welcoming embrace to all humanity through the beloved disciple, embracing them as sons and daughters destined for eternal life. In doing so, she became the nurturing Mother of the Church, which Christ brought forth on the cross, imparting the Spirit. Stabat Mater, a Latin hymn from the 13th century, translates to "the Mother was standing." Comprising twenty couplets in Latin, the hymn vividly portrays the sorrows experienced by the Blessed Virgin at the Cross.

IV. The Finding of the True Cross 

This section features the characters which has to do with the finding of the true cross of Christ and bringing it back to the hands of the Catholic Church.

Saint Helena, saintscatholic.blogspot.com

1. Las Reinas Fe, Esperanza y Caridad – According to an Eastern allegory explaining the cult of Divine Wisdom, they were the daughters of Sophia, a widow in Rome. They suffered martyrdom during Hadrian’s persecution of Christians. Fe, 12, was scourged and when unharmed when boiling pitch was poured on her, was beheaded. Esperanza, 10, and Caridad, 9, were also decapitated after emerging unscathed from a furnace. 
Faith, hope, and love are represented by the three rays extending from Christ's head, forming divine wisdom. In the procession, the martyrs carry symbols: Fe holds a cross, Esperanza carries an anchor, and Caridad carries symbolism of the heart.

2. La Reina Sofia —  Mother of Fe, Esperanza, and Caridad, passed away three days after her daughters' martyrdom while praying at their graves. In both the Orthodox and Catholic Churches, the feminine representation of divine wisdom, known as Holy Wisdom (Hagía Sophía), refers to Jesus Christ, the Word of God, as seen in the dedication of Hagia Sophia in Constantinople. She is often depicted carrying an owl, a symbol associated with wisdom.

3. El Emperador Majencio — Constantine's adversary at the Milvian Bridge in 312 CE, met his fate as he drowned in the Tiber. Constantine emerged victorious, securing sole rule over the Holy Roman Empire. To depict Emperor Maxentius accurately, one should be dressed in full gladiatorial attire, wielding a bow and arrow, symbols associated with the Greek God Apollo.

4. El Emperador Constantino Magno — According to Eusebius in "Vita Constantini," Constantine the Great, before a battle, while praying to the God of his father saw a cross in the sun at noon, bearing the message "In Hoc Signo Vinces" (In this sign, you shall conquer). That night, Christ appeared to him, instructing him to imprint the cross on his soldiers' shields. This event led to his victory over Maxentius' army and his subsequent conversion to Christianity. He enacted the Edict of Milan, granting freedom of worship to Christians, and elevated Christianity to the status of the state religion, in reverence to the cross that had brought him triumph. Constantine is depicted in imperial attire, holding a war banner adorned with the cross and the inscription "In hoc signo vinces."

5. San Judas Cyriacus — Initially, a devout Jewish individual, he reluctantly assisted St. Helena of Constantinople in uncovering the True Cross and the Relics of the Passion. St. Helena demolished the Temple of Venus to reveal Golgotha, the site of the Crucifixion, and subsequently erected the Church of the Holy Sepulchre to house these sacred artifacts. Eventually, Judas Cyriacus embraced Catholicism and was given the name "Kyriakos." According to some sources, he was consecrated as the bishop of Jerusalem and later martyred for his faith by Julian the Apostate. He is often depicted wearing attire reminiscent of a Pharisee.

6. San Macario de Jerusalén — Served as the Bishop of Jerusalem from 312 to 334. Legend credits him with a role in discovering the authentic cross. As recounted by Paulinus of Nola, he advised bringing the three crosses found in Jerusalem into contact with a deceased person, identifying the one that revived the body as the true cross of Christ. Any depiction of St. Macarius should show him wearing bishop's attire, including a mitre and a shepherd's staff.

7. La Reina Enferma — The story of La Reina Enferma illustrates various miracles linked to the discovery of Jesus' cross. Apart from a man's resurrection, some believe that the touch of the true cross cured a dying woman. Similar miraculous events were also documented. During the procession, the sagala portraying "La Reina Enferma" symbolizes illness by carrying a crutch.

8. La Reina Elena, La Emperatriz Augusta -- According to St. Ambrose of Milan, Helena was a christian stable maid who ascended to become Constantius Chlorus' concubine, only to be forsaken due to political motives. However, her son, Constantine the Great, bestowed upon her the title of Augusta Imperatrix at the start of his rule. She embarked on pilgrimages to the Holy Land between 326-328 where she discovered relics associated with Christ's crucifixion, including the true cross. She is honored as a saint within the Catholic faith due to her devout life and acts of charity. She is revered as the patron saint of archeologists, converts, challenging marriages, and divorced individuals, with her feast day observed on August 18th. The chosen Reina Elena holds an emblem of the vera cruz. 

V. Relics of the Passion

The Relics of the Passion are objects presumed to have been used in the crucifixion of Christ. These sacred articles precede the image of the Holy Cross in the order of procession.

Relics of the Passion, reliquarian.com

​1. Treinta Monedas de Plata — Thirty pieces of silver which the Pharisees and scribes paid Judas Iscariot in order to persuade him to betray his master. 

2. El Gallo de San Pedro — Three crows of the rooster which symbolizes Peter's denial of the Divine Master.

3. El Latigo del Centurion — Jesus was hardheartedly whipped and lashed by the centurions which cut open enormous wounds all over his body.

4. La Columna de Flagelación — The marble column to which Jesus was bound and scourged.

5. Tres Dados — Three wooden dice used by the Roman soldiers when they took gamble on the garments of the unclothed and crucified Christ.

6. La Túnica Sin Costuras — The seamless robe crafted by Mary for Jesus, mirroring the tunic worn by priests in the temple.

7. La Lanza de Longinus — Jesus' side from which blood and water streamed was pierced by Longinus (Roman soldier) by a spear.

8. La Escalera para La Deposición — The ladder used for the Deposition, the removal of Christ's body from the cross for buria.

9. La Inscripcion INRI — The inscription written in Hebrew, Greek, and Latin which was placed atop Jesus' cross which says, "Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews."

10. La Corona de Espinas — The ruthless soldiers poked fun at Jesus and put on his head a crown of thorns.

11. Los Clavos dela Crucifixion — The nails that fastened the Lord’s extremities to the cross.

The Holy Cross, Macarius and Helena, 1.bp.blogspot.com

​The procession features the Holy Cross atop an anda or carroza adorned with fresh native flowers, accompanied by a brass band playing "Old Rugged Cross" (Lumang Krus). Devotees walk holding torches, praying and singing. Afterwards, there's a pabitin, where children enjoy goodies like candies, fruits, and toys hung on a square trellis suspended from a branch or pole by strings. Kids jump to grab the treats as the trellis is lowered and raised repeatedly. Male attendees are asked to wear Barong Tagalog and women to wear Filipino costumes if possible.

The Santacruzan, the queen of all fiestas, has indeed a rightful place in the lives of the Filipinos. This research represents the author's modest effort to offer historical, biblical, and theological perspectives on the individuals involved in commemorating the Discovery of the True Cross and the Relics of the Passion. It's essential to avoid conflating it with the Flores de Maria, a procession dedicated to honoring Mary's virtues. Furthermore, it's imperative to cease the inclusion of unconventional and irreverent characters in this procession, which detracts from its religious and cultural significance. The Santacruzan should serve as a sincere expression of our reverence and devotion to the Holy Cross, rather than reducing it to mere spectacle or showiness. The Apostle Paul, in his first letter to the Corinthians (8:18) taught that, "The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God." As Christians, we celebrate and honor the Cross, recognizing its role in our redemption. 

Holy and blessed St. Helena of Constantinople, with the anguish and devotion with which you sought the Cross of Christ, pray for us to seek and carry the Cross which God has placed upon us so that we can serve Him in this life and enjoy His Glory ever after. 

We adore You, O Christ, and we bless You, because by Your Cross You have redeemed the world!

Incredibly Good Reads

Borgehammar, Stephan. How the Holy Cross Was Found: From Event to Medieval Legend: With an Appendix of Texts. Almqvist & Wiksell International, 1991. 

Castelo, Lea T. This Is the Philippines!: People and Place. Nanette Castelo Daza, 1983. 

Del Mastro, M. All The Women Of The Bible. Castle Books, 2009. 

Mitch, Stacy. Courageous Women: A Study on the Heroines in Biblical History. Emmaus Road Publishing, 2002. 

San Pedro, Romel. Ang Mga Katauhan Ng Santacruzan. unpublished manuscript. Ecclesiastical District of KaMaNaVa, Archdiocese of Manila, Kalookan, 1999. 

Soliven, Preciosa  S. “Revising the Santacruzan Prayers as a Weapon Against Terrors.” The Philippine Star, 31 May 2003. 

Thiede, Carsten Peter, and Matthew D’Ancona. The Quest for the True Cross. Palgrave, 2003. ​

​Photographs/Illustrations

Santacruzan in the Philippines, networks.h-net.org

Celestial Bodies, pinterest.com

Judith Beheading Holofernes, Caravaggio (1602)

Our Lady of Sorrows, Andrew McGovern

Saint Helena, saintscatholic.blogspot.com

The Holy Cross, Macarius and Helena, 1.bp.blogspot.com