Historic Santacruzan, Manaoag centennial mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral draws Filipino faithful
By Elton Lugay
St. Patrick’s Cathedral held the first-ever Santacruzan on May 24 while also celebrating the 100th anniversary of Our Lady of Manaoag as thousands of Filipinos packed the church on the eve of Memorial Day.
Organized by the Filipino Catholic Apostolate of New York (FILCA), the event drew members of the Filipino community of New York and New Jersey, underscoring the growing visibility and influence of Filipino Catholics in the archdiocese and neighboring towns.
Originally planned as an outdoor procession beginning on East 51st Street, the Santacruzan was moved inside the cathedral due to heavy rain. Despite the change, participants carried on the cherished Filipino tradition, transforming the iconic Fifth Avenue landmark into a vibrant expression of Catholicism.
The Santacruzan, a religious and cultural procession held each May, commemorates the discovery of the True Cross by Saint Helena and concludes the Flores de Mayo, a monthlong Marian devotion. Participants, known as “reynas” or “zagalas” were dressed in Filipiniana gowns representing attire reminiscent of those worn by royalty in the olden days.
Among those who took part were Porsha Seechung as Reyna Elena, Dr. Dely Go as Reyna Emperatriz, Elizabeth Carpio as Reyna Banderada, and other community members from organizations including the Ladies for Rizal New York, Filipino American Association of Staten Island, Filipino American Association of Central New Jersey, and Knights of Rizal.
The celebration coincided with the centennial of devotion to Our Lady of Manaoag which originated in Pangasinan, Philippines. The Marian image is associated with healing and protection and has drawn pilgrims for centuries. The devotion traces its origins to a 17th-century apparition that has attracted a huge following.
Holding the celebration at St. Patrick’s Cathedral (the seat of the Archdiocese of New York) marked FILCA’s formal recognition within the archdiocese and the first Filipino-led event under the new leadership of Archbishop Ronald Hicks.
Most Rev. Efren V. Esmilla served as principal celebrant of the Mass, which began at 2 p.m.
In a message published in the event’s souvenir program, FILCA chaplain Rev. Fr. Rhey Garcia highlighted the role of Filipino migrants in living out their faith abroad.
“In the middle of this busy, dazzling city, we come together as a family,” Garcia wrote. “Every time we celebrate the Santacruzan or honor Our Lady of Manaoag, we are sharing a piece of our hearts and our faith with the world around us.”
Garcia, pastor of the Church of the Sacred Heart in Staten Island, was appointed FILCA chaplain in July 2025 by Cardinal Timothy Dolan. He now oversees efforts to support Filipino Catholics across the archdiocese through faith-based programs and initiatives.
Lead organizer and FILCA President Sunny Cervantes said the event was both a spiritual gathering and a cultural milestone.
“This is not only a celebration of faith but a recognition of the Filipino community’s presence and contribution to the church in New York,” she said.
For some attendees, the occasion carried personal meaning: the presence of Georgio Dano, a Filipino American nurse from Staten Island and longtime altar server at St. Patrick’s Cathedral. He said serving at the historic Mass was especially meaningful.
“I began serving here in high school and continue to serve during special occasions,” Dano told The FilAm. “It has always been a meaningful expression of my faith.”
He said he hopes to inspire more Filipinos to take part in church service, noting a growing number of adult converts to the Catholic faith.
Dano also highlighted his devotion to Our Lady of Manaoag.
“May is dedicated to honoring the Blessed Mother, a time of renewal and gratitude,” he said. “She is the patroness of the sick and those in need, someone we turn to like a mother in times of hardship.”
FILCA, based in Staten Island and operating under the Archdiocese’s Cultural Diversity Apostolate, continues to serve as a spiritual home for Filipino Catholics, promoting traditions while fostering unity across generations.
