By our own correspondent

       ADMA Manila, Cebu, The Phillipines, 13 February 2021 --Ten years after the first ever EAO regional ADMA Congress in Manila-Paranaque (October 2010) we can appreciate and give thanks for the dynamic growth and fruitful mission of the Association of Mary Help of Christians (ADMA) in the Philippines. More than 1500 members organized in 35 local chapters contribute to the charismatic growth of the whole Salesian Family.

       Today, when you watch the short video clip of the 2010 first EAO ADMA Congress you might only spot Fr Cameroni, two Yamanouchi SDB Brothers, Priests from Japan and two ADMA women from Papua New Guinea. In the meantime ADMA has grown in many other countries like Japan, Korea, Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam.

       Devotion to Mary Help of Christians saw its beginnings in the Philippines with the appointment of Archbishop Guglielmo Piani, SDB, as the Apostolic Delegate (1922-1948). Then after the arrival of the Salesians in 1951 this country witnessed many zealous apostles of Mary, who spread this devotion beyond the Salesian Family environment.

       The 2019 September Issue of the Filipino Salesian Bulletin (St John Bosco Today, 24) brought deep insight in the ADMA Life:

(1) Historical background

(2) ADMA chapters (local centers)

(3) ADMA spirituality

(4) ADMA ideal

(5) ADMA Vision and Mission

(6) Organization and structure

(7) Membership and participation in the ADMA life

(8) Regular Assemblies

(9) ADMA worldwide

       In the Philippines there is a good number of religious who were ADMA members as young adults (FMA sisters, MC or RA sisters, SSP religious). After the first group in Makati (Metro Manila) in 1956 there is a steadfast growth with the animation of the National Shrine of Mary Help of Christians in Paranaque City (Metro Manila) and diocesan shrine of MHC in Canlubang Don Bosco.

       At present the Philippines ADMA is animated by the National ADMA President Ms Rheena Lim and both SDB spiritual animators: FIN - Fr Cris Magbitang, FIS - Fr Bong Borguetta with the involvement of dozens of other SDB and FMA in each local chapter.

       We hope and pray that the most of the senior ADMA within the EAO will continue to grow and share their charismatic experience with younger generation both in the Philippines as around the East Asia-Oceania regions, where the ADMA is still a very young and not yet deeply rooted.

• Related ADMA resources: EAO Region and 150th ADMA animation
• Related video - 2010 October: First EAO ADMA Congress (Manila)

• Related Salesian Bulletin: St John Bosco Today (Philippines, Sept 2019)

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