Flores De Mayo 2026 @ SFAP La Verna

The Flores de Mayo 2026 in St. Francis of Assisi Parish-La Verna was officially launched last May 3, 2026, with a theme “KABATAAN UBAN ANG PAMILYA, NAGLAKAW PADULONG KANG HESUS UBAN NI MARIA” with the participation of 18 out of the 21 GKKs. The activity was facilitated by 39 Catechists, a significant increase from the original 29 catechists, showing growing commitment and support for the ministry.

The primary focus of this year’s Flores de Mayo was the strengthening of family relationships through faith formation. The month-long program was structured around four themes. During the first week, the participants were guided to know and appreciate themselves as gifts from God, created in His image and likeness. The second week focused on fathers, helping the children recognize and appreciate their father’s love, sacrifices and guidance, while relating these to God, the Father, through the prayer “Our Father”. The third week was dedicated to mothers, allowing the participants to reflect on the important role of their mothers in their lives and families, connecting these reflections to the Blessed Virgin Mary through the discussion of the “Hail Mary”. Finally, the fourth week centered on the family, encouraging the children to express their hopes and aspirations for their own families while deepening their understanding of the Holy Family as a model of a loving, faith-filled, and Christ-centered home.

A Eucharistic Day was also conducted wherein the participants were taught proper church decorum, reverence inside the church, and the value of the Holy Eucharist. On May 13, 2026, the celebration of the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima was observed. Activities on that day gave special honor and devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Another highlight of the program was the participation of the Davao City Mobile Library, which conducted a storytelling activity to the children. The participants were also given the opportunity to experience entering and exploring the mobile library for the first time in the Green Pasture area along CP Garcia Highway. The team also provided lugaw for the children. According to the organizers, this meaningful outreach activity will continue in the parish next year. The same Mobile Outreach Program was also availed by the GKK Mother of Perpetual Help-Communal.

Moreover, visitation activities were conducted by the PSP GKK Coordinator, Maria Alma Gumanid, from the GKK St. Francis of Assisi Parish. The purpose of these visitations was to provide support to the catechists and assess the needs and possible ways to further help both the participants and catechists in their ministry.

The GSLs also showed their support by providing snacks for the participants, while some were present during the Flores de Mayo activities held in their respective GKKs. Their generosity and active participation greatly contributed to the success and smooth flow of the program.

Some members of the Parish Youth Ministry, Confraternity of Lourdes and altar servers also extended their assistance. Their cooperation and dedication became a valuable support to the catechists and participants throughout the activities.

Lastly, the Culmination event of the Flores de Mayo was held at the Parish last May 30, 2026. The activity started with a Procession – Santacruzan @ 7:00 AM with the presence of the Reynas and their Escorts, accompanied by the Parish and GKK representatives with close to 300 kids from the different GKKs. The highlight was the celebration of the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist officiated by Fr. Emmanuel “Bong” Gonzaga, Parish Priest. The Catechists received a surprise recognition and were given Certificates and Tokens before the Final blessing. Fellowship Snacks followed after the Mass. Free Lugaw, Ice cream, and Food packs were served.

Overall, Flores de Mayo 2026 became a meaningful journey of faith, formation and community participation for the children, catechists, families and GSLs. And this was made possible with the coordination and constant support from Formation, Service, and Worship Ministries of the Parish. (Mariz Salvaleon)