Photo Release

Left photo: Consul General Melanie Rita Diano delivers the first reading.

Right photo: Fr. Sunny Castillo and Fr. John Abulag accompanied the participants of the procession.

Consul General Melanie Rita B. Diano participated in the annual Santacruzan organized by the Santacruzan Cultural Group of Greater Chicago (SCGGC) at St. Scholastica Catholic Church in Woodridge, Illinois, on 31 May 2026.

In her remarks, the Consul General expressed her appreciation to SCGGC for its longstanding partnership with the Philippine Consulate General in Chicago and its unwavering support of the Consulate’s cultural initiatives over the years. She likewise underscored the significance of the Santacruzan as a cherished Filipino tradition that deepens devotion to the Holy Cross while fostering unity, faith, and a stronger appreciation of Filipino cultural heritage among members of the community.

The celebration featured a colorful procession honoring the search for the Holy Cross by Queen Helena, which was joined by Consul General Diano, Cultural Officer Mary Joy Duran-Mortel, and Protocol Officer Martyn Asker Orcine.

Photo from left to right: Ms. Ann Teano, Consul General Melanie Rita B. Diano

and Cultural Officer Mary Joy Duran-Mortel join the procession.

Participants of Santacruzan joined the procession with Our Lady of Fatima

Reina Helena Ava Monsalud and Constantino Alonzo Paul Saltoc lead the procession.

Reina De Los Angeles Chrissa Yamat with her siblings Caden and Cairon Yamat.

Photo from left to right: Consul General Melanie Rita B. Diano, Mr. RJ Turija, Cultural Officer

Mary Joy Duran-Mortel, Fr. Sunny Castillo and Protocol Officer Martyn Asker Orcine

Group photo with Consul General Melanie Rita B. Diano (middle), Mr. RJ Turija (3rd from left),

Ms. Joanne Turija (3rd from right) and members of Santacruzan Cultural Group of Greater Chicago