Marian Summer at OLMMP GKKs

May is often known as a season for vacation and rest, especially for children and young people. But for many Catholic youths in the GKKs of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Parish, summer becomes more meaningful when it is spent participating in the traditional Flores de Mayo.

Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, children from different chapel communities gather for catechesis sessions facilitated by dedicated catechists. After each short but meaningful lesson about faith and Christian living, the children joyfully offer flowers, prayers, and songs to Mama Mary as part of their Flores de Mayo devotion.

Beyond spiritual formation, the activity has also become a source of joy and fellowship among the children. Members of the different GKK communities generously pledged snacks and meals from the opening days of the activity until its culmination, making each gathering more memorable and welcoming for everyone.

According to Msgr. Maximo Sarno, parish priest of OLMMP, one of the main goals of this year’s Flores de Mayo is to prepare children to receive the Sacraments, particularly First Communion, Reconciliation, and Confirmation. He emphasized the importance of strengthening catechetical instruction at the chapel level, especially since school-based catechesis has become limited due to the shortened 30-minute session allotted in schools.

Because of this, Msgr. Sarno encouraged the Parish Sector Pastoral (PSP) and catechists to continue conducting catechetical instruction in their respective chapels so that children may continue growing in faith and understanding of the sacraments.

The Flores de Mayo celebration is expected to culminate at the parish church, bringing together children, catechists, parents, and GKK communities in one joyful Marian celebration centered on faith, service, and devotion to the Blessed Mother. (Marilou A. Luzon | OLMMP SoCCom)