LCUP features Student and Faculty Sagalas and Reinas in Grand Flores de Maria
May 31, 2023
(Top left) Prof. Vivar and (top right) student sagalas offering flowers to the image of the Blessed Virgin Mary. (Bottom left) The Grand Caroza carrying the image of the Blessed Virgin Mary. (Bottom right) BED student sagalas in sparkling gowns lined-up at the entrance of the university.
The University’s annual tradition of celebrating Flores de Maria showcased this year’s Grand Procession of Student and Faculty Sagalas and Reinas from the Basic Education Department (BED), May 31, 2023, routed from LCUP Barasoain Campus to LCUP Main Campus, City of Malolos, Bulacan. Since the Month of May is dedicated to Mary, the Blessed Virgin
Mother, part of the celebration of the Flores de Maria 2023 is a series of Holy Mass and Floral Offerings from May 22- 30 sponsored by assigned departments/ units per day.
The university is accustomed to giving way to a Grand Floral Offering during the last day of May every year. The Office of the Vice President for Religious Formation and Extension seize the opportunity to collaborate with BED to integrate this Catholic tradition of giving honor to the Blessed Virgin Mary to the students.
The Grand Procession involves a line-up of Nursery 2 to Grade 3 students who portrayed the eight angels bearing the “Ave Maria” symbols, Doce Estrellas carrying the 12 Stars from Grades 4 to 8 class, Reina de la Luna, Reina del Sol, and Regina Vexillum portrayed by three students from Grades 7 to 8, Sagalas and Reinas from Grades 7 to 12 carrying titles based on the Litany of Virgin Mary, Reinas holding the major titles portrayed by selected BED Faculty, joining BED Faculty as Damas y Caballeros de Maria, Hermana Mayor, and the Grand Caroza carrying the image of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
A Grand Entrance was witnessed in the University Arc as the processionarrived in the university grounds. As the Sagalas and Reinas entered the arc, they honored the image of Our Lady of Consolacion by rendering a vow or curtsy.
After paying respect to the Our Lady of Consolation, the procession proceeded at the Mother Consuelo Open Stage Area. The Grand Floral Offering took place when the Caroza entered the Open Stage Area. Sagalas and Reinas took turns in offering flowers, followed by the Hermana Mayor, and lastly attending LCUP students and personnel who wish to offer flowers as well.
The final juncture of the program is the Despedida de la Virgen or Farewell to Virgin Mary, sending-off the Blessed Virgin Mary with honor and warmth as the month of May ends. The farewell was led by the University Priest and Acolytes while the whole community sang Salve Regina.