After communion, Fr. Rolly invited the assembly to offer flowers at the foot of the statue of our Lady, the Blessed Virgin Mary. Practically more than half of the mass goers came forward with flowers on hand. It was quite a scene for me. Not that it was new; I have seen flower offerings or "Alay" countless of times before--even as far back when I was as a young altar boy decades ago. What struck me was more of the fervor of those who went to church prepared to make that flower offering. They came in all ages. I saw my father-in-law queue up with my mother -in-law, each of them holding a red rose. Together they approached the statue of our Lady while the choir sang "Stella Maris" in Pilipino (lyrics by Fr. Junjun Borres, SJ and music by Fr. Manoling Francisco, SJ.)
To me, this May tradition is a distinguishing character of our country. I have lived abroad--in Singapore and in the United States -- but I do not remember seeing this practiced in the parishes where I went for Mass in May or any summer month for that matter.
Today is the last day of May. The Presentation of Child Jesus Parish in BF will hold the Grand "Alay" (Flower Offering) starting at 4:30 p.m. To me, this event is grand not only because of the bunches after bunches of flowers to be offered, but because of the number of our brothers and sisters who demonstrate their faithful devotion to our Lady, our Mother and Queen.
No comments:
Post a Comment