The Philippine Embassy in Rome, together with the Filipino community, commenced the month-long festivities to commemorate the 116th Anniversary of the Declaration of Philippine Independence.

The celebration started with the Filipino Community’s annual Santacruzan procession on 25 May. The Santacruzan, organized by the Sentro Pilipino Chaplaincy, commenced from the Basilica di Santa Pudenziana (home base of the Filipino Parish community in Rome) and wound its way to the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore.

The Santacruzan procession, which marks the founding of the Holy Cross by St. Helena, was graced by the participation of the Filipino youth wearing Filipiniana attire, from the various religious communities all over Rome.

The event culminated with a Mass at the Santa Maria Maggiore where Ambassador Virgilio A. Reyes, Jr. and Ambassador Mercedes Tuason, Philippine envoy to the Holy See, were both in attendance.

On 01 June, the Independence Day Thanksgiving Mass was held at the historic center in the Basilica di Santa Pudenziana, where the Sentro Pilipino Chaplaincy is based.