By JOSEPH G. LARIOSA

(© 2011 Journal Group Link International)

C HICAGO (jGLi) – A back-up plan never figured in the minds of The Filipinos of St. Gregory in Chicago, Illinois.

Like the song of the Mamas and The Papas’ “It Never Rains in California,” during the last 23 years, the Santacruzan (procession of Holy Cross) has never been rained out.

Why will this bunch of civic and religious group ever prepare for a rainy day this time?

But a week before Santacruzan, the TFSG’s executive vice president, Gina Ibardaloza, included in her invocation before the group started the meeting “to pray for a sunny weather next Sunday.”

As it turned, their prayer was answered.

The day before the May 29 Santacruzan, the pouring rain had been non-stop. And it became worse on the very day of the procession of the Holy Cross.

While the mass was in progress, the heavy downpour suddenly came to a trickle.

After the mass celebrated by St. Gregory the Great Parish pastor, Fr. Paul Wachdorf (pronounced wak-dorf), Dr. Dona L. Hernandez, TFSG’s president, thanked the group’s members and guests for attending the mass, a prequel to Santacruzan.

Because the rain was pouring at the start of the mass, Gina Ibardaloza announced the unexpected: “if rain would prevent us from holding the procession outside the church, the procession would be held inside the church.”

SUDDENLY THE STREETS WERE DRY

S omething unthinkable.

Unknown to Ms. Ibardaloza, rains stopped falling midway of the mass.

And everybody was surprised to find out that when they stepped out of the church, the sidewalks and the streets were almost dry and the Chicago police escort van was ready to lead the procession.

If the procession were not held outside the church, it would have been the first time in 24 years that the Santacruzan was going to be held indoors – inside the church, like the Station of the Cross.

Nobody even mentioned that it was some kind of a miracle that the procession was ever held at all that day.

But when the Santacruzan was over, it was reassuring to learn that God heard the prayers of the organizers of Santacruzan, who prayed for a sunny Santacruzan.

With this year’s Reyna Elena in Mia Caitlin G. Isberto and her escort, Francis Micor, and Reyna Emperatriz in Maricion Gotangco Micor and her Constantino, Jonah Micor, the procession started in earnest in front of the St. Gregory the Great Parish church at 5545 North Paulina St. in Chicago’s northside. It moved north and took several turns around the block.

The procession of the Holy Cross was a replication of the Christian tradition in the Philippines that is usually held in the early evening in the rural and even urban areas with a big bright cross being carried in front of the procession to serve as a torch to illuminate the way.

It is also celebration of thanksgiving to the Virgin Mary for giving the folks rich harvest.

IN SUNDAY’S BEST

F or the young people, it also gives parents a chance to dress up the Angels and Sagalas in their Sunday’s best or a formal wear, notably Barong Tagalog or Filipino. While the young at heart, who normally act as sponsors called Hermanos and Hermanas, would contribute in cash and in kind to bankroll the event’s expenses, notably the food that should feed not only the members but also the guests, some of them even came as far away as Indiana.

During a light dinner of pansit, eggrolls and other Philippine delicacies and deserts, the Reyna Elena, the Reyna Emperatriz, Sagalas and Angels, Hermanos and Hermanas were introduced to the public by Angie G. Lariosa, TFSG vice president. It was followed by some entertainment numbers during the program emceed by Ms. Gloria Limos, R. N., line dancing led by Dr. Hernandez' guest and supporter, Evelyn R. Tolledo, and the drawing of winning raffle tickets.

Among those who performed during the program were Ramon del Rosario, Jojo Villaruel and The Villaruels and surprise guest, Ellen Balmadrid, who will be performing when TFSG will hold its induction of officers during the Hawaiian Dance Night on July 23, 2011, starting at 6:30 p.m. at St. Gregory The Great Gym at 1609 West Gregory, Chicago. # # #

Editor’s Note: To contact the author, please e-mail him at: (lariosa_jos@sbcglobal.net)