St. Patrick’s Cathedral to hold 1st Santacruzan on May 24th

The Filipino Catholic Apostolate of New York (FILCA) will commemorate the 100th Canonical Coronation Anniversary of Our Lady of the Rosary of Manaoag with a solemn Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral on Sunday, May 24, 2026.

This will be preceded by a Santacruzan procession.

This centennial celebrates Our Lady of the Rosary of Manaoag, one of the most venerated Marian devotions in the Philippines, “whose intercession has long been a source of hope and faith for Filipinos worldwide,” according to a press release.

“The Santacruzan — honoring St. Helena and the discovery of the True Cross — is a living expression of Filipino faith, uniting devotion, heritage, and community, and preserving a cultural tradition passed down through generations.”

This marks the first Santacruzan at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, often called “America’s Parish Church” and a global symbol of Catholic life in the United States. The observance of these distinctly Filipino traditions is a defining moment for Filipino Catholics in New York.

“Together, these events affirm the enduring contributions of Filipino Catholics and highlight the growing recognition of Filipino devotional life at the heart of one of the world’s most prominent Catholic institutions,” adds the statement.

Long-awaited recognition

Behind this landmark event is an equally significant development: the formal acknowledgment of the Filipino Catholic Apostolate of New York (FILCA) as an official apostolate of the Archdiocese of New York under its Cultural Diversity Apostolate.

For many years, Filipino Catholics have been deeply present in parish life across the archdiocese – as volunteers, choir members, catechists, and devoted parishioners – yet without a centralized, archdiocesan-recognized body. FILCA’s establishment changes that, underscoring the Filipino Catholic community as an integral part of the Church in New York.

As the official apostolate, FILCA now serves as the pastoral and coordinating body for major Filipino Catholic events requiring archdiocesan approval, particularly those connected to St. Patrick’s Cathedral, said Sunny Cervantes, president of FILCA.  “This ensures that celebrations remain both culturally authentic and fully aligned with the mission of the Archdiocese.”

Alongside FILCA’s establishment came the designation of its first Chaplain, Rev. Fr. Rhey Garcia, by Cardinal Timothy Dolan, former Archbishop of New York. A parish priest serving in Staten Island, Fr. Rhey is entrusted with shepherding Filipino Catholic initiatives – an expression of the Archdiocese’s trust and confidence.

For many Filipino Catholics, this milestone is deeply personal, reflecting decades of quiet service, steadfast faith, and perseverance within the Church.

Community leaders hope that this historic Santacruzan, alongside the centennial celebration of Our Lady of the Rosary of Manaoag, will inspire younger generations to see their faith and culture widely represented.

“On May 24, the world will witness what Filipino Catholics have always known: that faith, carried with humility, has the power to unite cultures and generations right at the steps of one of the world’s great cathedrals.”