HAPPY 72nd BIRTHDAY, EL SHADDAI SPIRITUAL LEADER, BRO MIKE VELARDE
MANILA, AUGUST 20, 2011 (BULLETIN) EL Shaddai, a Charismatic Movement, was founded in 1984 by its spiritual leader, Brother Mariano "Mike'' Zuniega Velarde. He started it as a radio program, with the holding of once-a-month rallies in the vicinity of the radio station.
As the number of supporters grew, the rallies were moved to bigger venues – from a football field to the Quirino Grandstand., to the Philippine International Convention Center, to the Cultural Center, and to its present home, the Amvel Business Park in Barangay San Dionisio, Paranaque City, now its House of Prayer, inaugurated on August 20, 2009, on Brother Mike's 70th Birth Anniversary.
The group's worship service every Saturday attracts thousands of people coming from various parts of the country, who participate in over 12 hours of activity that include hearing Mass, listening to Brother Mike's inspirational talks, singing and dancing to spiritual songs and having their handkerchiefs, umbrellas and bankbooks, blessed. There is a communal spirit at the gatherings. Followers eat, talk, and sing together. It is broadcast on radio and television.
Twenty-seven years after its founding, the El Shaddai (Biblical name for God) movement counts millions of followers, and the number keeps growing.
They now have sixty-two chapters worldwide – in the United States, Canada, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, India, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, Guam, Saipan, United Arab Emirates, Oman, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Lebanon, Jordan, Israel, France, Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, United Kingdom, Spain, Greece, Italy, Malta, Cyprus and Libya.
Prior to forming the El Shaddai movement, Bro. Mike Velarde was first involved in the Charismatic movement, and this exposure helped him choose to affiliate his group with the Roman Catholic Church, where he remains a lay person. El Shaddai has a Diocesan Bishop and Spiritual Director from the Catholic Church. Brother Mike is married to Avelina "Belen'' del Monte and they have four children – Franklin, Rene, Selina and Michael.
We greet Brother Mike Velarde on his 72nd Birth Anniversary on August 20, 2011, and wish him all the best and success in all his endeavors. Mabuhay!
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Chief News Editor: Sol Jose Vanzi
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