Press Release

The Philippine Consulate General in Chicago, represented by Consul Ella Karina Mitra, Cultural Officer Mary Joy Duran-Mortel, Protocol Officer Martyn Orcine, and Consular Assistant Janice Kathlene Lobien, attended the annual Santacruzan Mass and procession at St. Michael Catholic Church in Wheaton, IL on 18 May 2025. The event was organized by the Santacruzan Cultural Group of Greater Chicago, led by its President, Ms. Joanne Turija, and the World Apostolate of Fatima, Joliet Division.

The celebration commenced with a mass concelebrated by Fr. Sunny Castillo, Fr. Dindo Billote, Fr. John Abulag, and Fr. Jose Gasta. Ms. Casienmari Puig was chosen as this year’s Reyna Helena, and Ms. Judy Yoothanom as Hermana Mayor.

Santacruzan is held annually during the month of May and honors the Philippines’ deep devotion to Blessed Virgin Mary. It also has deep historical roots linked to Saint Helena and Emperor Constantine, and commemorates the finding of the Holy Cross..END