Press Release

17 May 2025, Chicago, Illinois - The Philippine Consulate General in Chicago, represented by Consul Ma. Theresa Alders and Mr. Richard Osea, attended the Mayflower Festival / Santacruzan, organized by the Filipinos of St. Gregory (FSG), at St. Gregory Church in the Andersonville neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois.

Prior to the Santacruzan procession, a mass was officiated by Fr. Alejandro Lopez

In her remarks, Consul Alders highlighted the importance of the Santacruzan in Filipino culture especially to those residing abroad. Consul Alders also took the opportunity to thank the members of the Filipino community who voted during the month-long voting period which ended on 12 May 2025. She also encouraged participation in the 2025 Very Important Pinoy (VIP) Tour, a collaboration between the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Department of Tourism (DOT) as well as Rajah Tours on 6 to 15 July 2025.

The Filipinos of St. Gregory was founded in 1987 by a group of Filipino-American parishioners who banded together, in the spirit of fellowship and friendship, to continue to celebrate and honor Filipino cultural heritage, as well as help raise funds for the upkeep of St. Gregory the Great Church.END