Olango Island, Cebu, the Philppines, 14 July 2019 -- The Association of Mary Help of Christians or ADMA, as it is famously known, is spreading its roots among the Filipino faithful. It has opened a new Chapter in Olango Island. Who would have known that this isolated community, separated by rough seas, would one day be a sanctuary devoted to Mary under the title of Help of Christians.
Through the tireless efforts of Mr. Junbrey Vargas, a Bosconian from Don Bosco Pasil, small clusters were formed to promote the devotion. Taking its cue from this, the Salesian South Province initiated the official enthronement of the image of Mary Help of Christians in the Parish of San Augustine of Hippo in Barangay Sta. Rosa in Olango. The beautiful image of Mary hailed all the way from Manila through the generous donation of Mr. Nolan Angeles, a Bosconian from Mandaluyong & a passionate promoter of Mary Help of Christians.
On the morning of 14th July, the image, accompanied by the Provincial Superior of the South Province Fr. Godofredo Atienza, Fr. Keith Amodia, the SocCom Delegate, & a group of ADMA members, travelled from Lapu-Lapu City to Olango Island. It was welcomed at the port of Olango with a live band & the faithful devotees of the Parish, bearing flags of blue & pink.
The police lead the procession from the port to the Parish where the Parish Priest, Fr. Melton Medida, welcomed the image. A Holy Mass followed & the official handing-over of the image to the Parish was made. It was also an occasion where the Aspirant members of ADMA-Olango Chapter were officially accepted & the small statues of MHC were distributed to the 11 clusters of ADMA.
