By Ms Maria Junifer L. Maliglig, ADMA
ADMA Philippines – National Vice President

Paranaque, the Philippines, 27 April 2019 -- Some 170 members of the Mary Help of Christians Association (ADMA) in the Philippines, gathered at the National Shrine of Mary Help of Christians in Parannaque City to celebrate the 150th anniversary of ADMA's foundation on 18 April 1869.

In the morning, Auxilium, the host chapter, prepared a sumptuous breakfast for everyone and while waiting for the arrival of other participants, young and senior members enjoyed and was energized dancing the Zumba. It was a great moment and bonding experience for all the ADMA members.

The program was formally started with an opening song and prayer. Fr. Elmer Sicat, SDB the Spiritual Delegate of ADMA FIN, welcomed the members and gave a short introduction on the importance of the foundation of ADMA and reiterate the goals and mission of each member that is to spread love and venerate Jesus present in the Blessed Sacrament and to promote the devotion to Mary Help of Christians. ADMA, the second group founded by St. John Bosco.

ADMA members learned a lot from the short audio visual presentation on the history of the devotion to Mary Help of Christians and how the devotion was spread in the Philippines. Through a video, our dear Rector Major Fr. Angel Fernandez Artime, SDB greeted the ADMA members on the celebration of its 150th founding anniversary. After which, Ms. Rheena May Lim, presently the National President, acknowledged the presence of members from different Chapters coming from Manila, Makati City, Paranaque City, Pasay City, Tarlac and Pangasinan. Also, Ms. Lim gave a short report on the previous and incoming activities both of ADMA and the Salesian Family.

The Eucharistic celebration was mainly presided by Fr. Sicat and with co-celebrants Fr. Gaudencio Carandang Jr., SDB and Fr. Antonio Molavin SDB, Parish Priests of St. John Bosco Parish in Manila and San Ildefonso Parish in Makati City, respectively.

Members from the Auxilium Chapter both the youth and Seniors rendered a dance presentations that delighted all the participants. Also, young and the aspirant ADMA members from the Chapter of San Ildefonso Parish shared their talent in dancing. Everyone enjoyed having lunch and participated in games with members from other Chapters and prizes and raffle were given away.

The members will continue to remember and celebrate the 150th anniversary of ADMA foundation as they will prepare for the 37th National Convention of ADMA Philippines in October 2019.

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