Flores De Mayo 2024 in Oslo, Norway Showcases Rich and Vibrant Filipino Culture
The Santacruzan in Oslo on 25 May 2024 passed through Karl Johan street, a major thoroughfare in Norway.
OSLO 29 May 2024 – The Filipino community in Oslo demonstrated its rich religious and cultural heritage in a two-hour Santacruzan on 25 May 2024 around the capital city. Traversing the bustling streets, including Karl Johans gate, Oslo’s main walking street, the procession drew the interest and delight of both the local community and tourists visiting the now-warmer Scandinavian city.
Philippine Ambassador to Norway Enrico T. Fos, together with the Philippine Embassy officers, staff and family members, participated in this special occasion attended by the faithful in Oslo and nearby kommune. Third Secretary and Vice Consul Sheryl Uy joined the solemn procession as Reyna Banderada carrying the Philippine flag. Reyna Elena, other “reynas,” little children dressed as angels, and parishioners in colorful Filipiniana attire were featured in the Santacruzan, a grand procession commemorating the story of Queen Helena of Constantinople, mother of Constantine the Great, the first Roman emperor who converted to Catholicism, in a quest to find the Holy Cross on which Jesus Christ was crucified.
The Santacruzan is a culmination of the Flores de Mayo, or the “Flowers of May,” a Filipino month-long celebration observing the Catholic faith and the religious cultural tradition featuring daily prayers, floral offerings, and processions, in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
After the Santacruzan, a holy mass was celebrated at St. Olav's Cathedral by the Chaplain of the Filipino Catholics Fr. Johan Dumandan. In his homily, Fr. Dumandan acknowledged the Filipino community´s devotion to Mother Mary and recognized them for their dedication to the faith as exhibited in the annual Flores de Mayo and Santacruzan festivities.
In a fellowship program that followed the mass, Ambassador Fos congratulated and thanked the Sacred Heart Filipino Chaplaincy - Our Lady of Mount Carmel (OLMC) Oslo Chapter for organizing the successful event. He commended the Filipino parishioners present for their appreciation and display of the cultural values and traditions that continue to be recognized in the wider community. He also invited them to several Philippine cultural events happening in Oslo in June to commemorate the 126th Anniversary of Philippine Independence.
As part of its mandate to foster dynamic bilateral relations between the Philippines and Norway, the Embassy continues to participate in Filipino community-led cultural promotion activities that uplift the Filipino identity and promote understanding of Philippine cultural heritage. END
Reyna Elena, other “reynas,” little children dressed as angels, and parishioners in colorful Filipiniana attire were featured in the Santacruzan on 25 May 2024 in Oslo, Norway.
The Santacruzan in Oslo on 25 May 2024 passed through Karl Johan street, a major thoroughfare in Norway.
Third Secretary and Vice Consul Sheryl Uy joined the Santacruzan as Reyna Banderada.
The Santacruzan culminates the Flores de Mayo celebration featuring daily prayers, floral offerings, and processions, in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Filipino Chaplain Fr. Johan Dumandan, together with Ambassador Enrico T. Fos and Madame Myla Fos, join Oslo parishioners in the Santacruzan on 25 May 2024 in Oslo, Norway.
Parishioners in colorful Filipiniana attire were also featured in the Santacruzan on 25 May 2024 in Oslo, Norway.
Ambassador Enrico T. Fos acknowledges the Sacred Heart Filipino Chaplaincy - Our Lady of Mount Carmel (OLMC) Oslo Chapter for organizing the successful event on 25 May 2024 in Oslo, Norway.
Ambassador Enrico T. Fos, Madame Myla Fos and Consul Sheryl Uy join the organizers of the Flores de Mayo/Santacruzan 2024 at a fellowship after the procession and mass on 25 May 2024 in Oslo, Norway.
For more information, visit https://www.oslope.dfa.gov.ph, https://www.facebook.com/PHinNorway/ or https://www.instagram.com/phinnorway/.