Towards the 150th anniversary of ADMA

By Fr Drans Nolasco, SDB

Canlubang, the Philippines, 27 October 2018 -- The members of the Association of Mary Help of Christians (ADMA) - Philippines gathered last October 27, 2018 to celebrate its 36th National Convention which was held in Diocesan Shrine of Mary Help of Christians in Canlubang, Laguna.

The theme for this year’s convention was “Mula Valdocco hanggang buong mundo, Maria Mapag-ampon kalakbay natin patungo kay Kristo”. Fr. Gregorio Bicomong, Jr. SDB was invited as guest speaker and talks about the “History and Significance of the Construction of the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians” in line with the 150th anniversary of the consecration of the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians in Valdocco, Italy which was celebrated on 09 June 2018. The convention was attended by more or less 200 members from different chapters from the district of Metro Manila (Manila, Paranaque, Makati), Pasay City (Malibay, Mulawin, Maricaban), Laguna (Canlubang, Mayapa, Sta. Rosa, Sta. Cruz), North Province (Pangasinan and Pampanga), Marinduque and Cebu.

After the talk, the Eucharistic celebration was presided by Fr. Gerardo Martin, SDB, the Rector of Don Bosco Prenovitiate Seminary in Canlubang, Laguna and concelebrated by Salesian priests, Fr. Elmer Sicat, Fr. Antonio Molavin, Fr. Dante Valero and a Diocesan priest and Parish Priest of Mary Help of Christians Parish in Balimbing, Boac in Marinduque, Fr. Millemar Perin. Before the Holy Mass has ended, the ADMA members renewed their promise and recited the ADMA pledge.

In the afternoon, the ADMA members gathered again to pray the Holy rosary, meditated and sang Marian songs after each mysteries. There was also a short program wherein ADMA youth members rendered a dance number and the Salesian Sisters serenaded the participants. Fr. Sicat and Sr. Christine Maguyon, the SDB and FMA delegates to the ADMA FIN, respectively, gave their short message, summary of the talk and the importance of the entire event. Everyone was reminded to prepare for the next national convention in line with the celebration of the ADMA’s 150th anniversary of its foundation day in 18 April 2019. The convention was concluded with the blessing of Mary Help of Christians.

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