Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Honokaa on the Big Island will host the long-cherished Filipino tradition “Pista Sa Nayon” on Saturday, May 17. The event, also known in Hawaii as “Flores de Mayo” (Flowers of May), will feature a special Mass in honor of the Blessed Mother, a procession and songs of praise, and the crowning of the Virgin Mary statue with fresh flowers.
The theme of the celebration is “Witnessing God Through Mary.”
Msgr. Thaddeus Mercado, pastor of the Holy Rosary Church in Pahala, will celebrate the Mass. Our Lady of Lourdes administrator Father Jerry Avisa will co-celebrate.
The celebration will continue with a showcase of Filipino songs and dances, the serving of Filipino cuisine, and games and contests for the younger participants.
Pista Sa Nayon celebrates the month of May when spring flowers bring beauty and fragrance and the rain’s life-sustaining power promises a bountiful harvest and fruitful year. For these blessings and graces, Filipinos and others show their gratitude through praise and veneration of the Blessed Mother. The tradition also eloquently perpetuates a sense of historic and religious pride that unifies the Filipino community.
For more information, call Linda Villena at 1-808-935-0225 (home) or 961-6086 (cell phone) or send e-mail to danilynden@aol.com.