Paranaque City, The Philippines, 20 October 2022 -- The Association of Mary Help of Christians (ADMA) in the Philippines, celebrated its 40th National Convention held on 15 October 2022 at the National Shrine of Mary Help of Christians in Paranaque City. The theme of the celebration for this year, “ADMA, living the Salesian way and serving with love” was an inspiration from the commemoration of the 400th anniversary of the death of St. Francis of Sales and for ADMA members to continuously commit to love, to live and serve others, with Mother Mary as their model and guide. Fr. Nestor Impelido, SDB, formerly the ADMA National Delegate and Spiritual Animator of the Philippines North Province (FIN) was the guest speaker.
More or less 200 ADMA members from eighteen (18) chapters that are actively present from the different places in the country participated the national convention. Also, with the support of Fr. Godofredo Atienza, SDB, the Salesian Family and ADMA Delegate of the Philippines South Province (FIS), three (3) members from ADMA FIS together with Fr. Rooney John Undar, SDB, were able to join the National Convention.
ADMA members prayed the Holy Rosary and had a floral offering. To honor and as thanksgiving to Jesus and our Mother Mary, ADMA members from Mary Help of Christians Chapter in Marinduque rendered a traditional ceremony uniquely performed in the Province of Marinduque that includes a song and dance of thanksgiving, hope and prayer for good life.
Fr. Cris Magbitang, SDB, presently ADMA FIN’s National Delegate and Spiritual Animator and also the Rector and Parish Priest of the National Shrine of Mary Help of Christians, presided the Holy Mass. Before the final blessings, the ADMA pledge was recited, to live and renew a faithful and responsible personal commitment as a member of the association and of the Salesian Family.