About Us

Finding Inspiration in Every Turn

Our Story

The original founding members of this ministry are Rene John “RJ” Turija, his wife Joan Turija and some board members of SCGGC who in 2017 were members of the then WAF (World Apostolate of Fatima) family.A decision was made to conduct a procession in celebration of the 100-year anniversary of Our Lady Of Fatima Apparition. It was celebrated by honoring the Blessed Mother with a Catholic mass, crowning of the Blessed Mother then followed by a procession of Our Lady Of Fatima Pilgrim Image around the church.

This Filipino tradition was done in three churches around the suburbs of Chicago From October to December of 2017 and was adored by so many participants and especially the Filipino faithful. The procession involved many young Filipinos and so many people loved this tradition that the thought of creating The Santacruzan came into perspective. The first step was to find a parish who would be willing to support the ministry of The Santacruzan. In conversations with an Assistant Principal that RJ Turija worked with, he was referred to her husband who is a member of the Parish Council in St. John Paul Church in Kankakee, IL, who set up a meeting with the founders and the Parish priest. The Pastor there was a Filipino priest, Father Sunny Castillo, who conducted several meetings and planned with the founders over several months. The fruit of this was the first Santacruzan in his Parish, St. John Paul Church on the 6th of May 2018. The event was very successful and led to plans to continue this ministry

Our Mission

The mission of The Santacruzan is to facilitate participation in religious and cultural activities that promote Filipino culture, heritage and celebration of the Catholic faith.

The purpose is to involve Filipino-American youth and their families to participate in promoting the richness of Filipino culture and heritage and to showcase some of the spiritual traditions of the Filipinos. The organization will also support other Filipino ministries or activities and collaborate with other Filipino ministry groups and can help plan and implement various activities that will support this mission. The organization is a non-stock, non-profit, religious organization.