 The Filipino-Australian community of Liverpool in NSW witnessed one of the most colourful religious processions being held in honour of the Virgin Mary.
The Santacruzan and Flores de Mayo, traditionally held during the month of May in the Philippines, made its way through Elizabeth, George and Bigge Streets in Liverpool, regaling onlookers and parishioners of the All Saints Catholic Church.
Led by Fr. Anthony Bernard and Fr. Nards Mercene, the novena procession featured young Filipina-Australians dressed in elegant gowns along with their escorts parading the streets with the Cross of Jesus Christ and image of the Virgin Mary.
The Santacruzan commemorates St. Helena's mythical finding of the Cross. St. Helena was the mother of Constantine the Great. According to legends, 300 years after the death of Christ, at the age of 75, she went to Calvary to conduct a search for the Cross. After some archeological diggings at the site of the Crucifixion, she unearthed three crosses. She tested each one by making a sick servant lie on all three. The Cross where the servant recovered was identified as Christ's. The anniversary of the finding of the Cross is on May 3rd, when the traditional Santacruzan and Flores de Mayo in the Philippines are held.
Behind the event and upholding this colourful and unique Philippine tradition for the 14th year now is the Philippine-Australian (Fil-Oz) Group chaired by Josephine Maynard. This year, the event was proudly sponsored by UBI World TV which provides a premium Filipino TV and Radio Service featuring the global channels of the leading Philippine broadcast network, GMA-7. The Service includes EWTN, the 24-hour Global Catholic Network. | 
