Bro. Noy Manalo was already in the midst of his bible reflections so I had myself seated in the middle pew with my lambs. Then the Worship Ministry followed on with their joyful songs and action and I had the opportunity to click on my camera to every target I need to.

Bro Domeng Rodillas as introduced gave his talk on sharing the blessings we receive. After which he gave prelude for a friend who came to give a testimony on the blessings he receives and the good feeling one gets after he has shared the blessings.

It was Sis Cherry Manuel who gave introduction by reminiscing her days with Violago. Since the time they were welcomed as new graduates of the ME Weekend, 13 years ago, the Sto. Nino de Violago Chapel has always been their venue for Prayer Gathering and MDMEC special events . The Violago Chapel was one of the strongholds of their marriage. It has accommodated us for so many years and today, we see how the chapel has retouched and enhanced the icons, the lighting fixtures, the façade and the over-all maintenance . Even our Mater Dei Icon has a new dress!

Then she welcomed the man and called in … Mr. Oscar I. Violago .

Mr. Oscar Violago had something to share. His men distributed copies of a book, entiled MAMA MARY and Her Children, A compilation by Fr. James B. Reuter, S.J. of true stories of real people who have experienced Mama Mary’s intercessions in their lives. On page 107 of that book, Mr. Violago shares his belief that all his life, in his business’ ups and downs, he never doubted the presence of Mama Mary and had always felt signs of her intercessions.

The Violago Family owned the 7 hec. property along Rodriguez avenue had been subdivided, sold and mortgaged . The Sto. Nino de Violago Chapel portion is managed by Congregacion del Santisimo Nombre del Niño Jesus, was for a time, a hot issue against the Federaland land development claim.

Mr. Violago said that their family had their shares of ups and downs especially when their child died. For them it was a long battle against depression. Yet he kept his faith and believed that Mama Mary will carry them thru. Then the threat of foreclosure for the Chapel’s property line had shaken the Congregacion and called on him again for help. He shared the motivation and inspiration he had when the family offered to build the Chapel hence the logic to safeguard and protect that House of the Lord against all odds, all the more became greater . True enough, his battle was won. The Sto. Niño de Violago Chapel still stands…. Made more beautiful and warmly opened for believers of St. Joseph, the Sto. Nino and Mama Mary.

In parting he said, “masaya pala dito!” referring to the joyful songs and actions by the Worship and Music Ministries. “Ang Mater Dei ay hindi na iba sa akin. Tingnan niyo, binilhan ko pa siya ng bagong damit! Ang Mater Dei ME Community ay lumapit sa akin asking for donation for your 20th anniversary, Kung nagbigay ako nuon, do-doblehin ko pa ngayon! Nakita ko na buo ang inyong paniniwala kay Mama Mary at patuloy tayo magdasal. Hihiling din ako ng dasal sa inyo, ha. Kahit nalagpasan na ng aking asawa ang sakit na cancer, siya ngayon ay may Parkinson’s disease at naniniwala ako na sa tulong ng inyong mga dasal, makakayanan ulit namin ang ganyang pagsubok. Dito na tayo sa bahay ng ating Panginoon.- manalig tayo kay St. Joseph, sa Sto. Niño at kay Mama Mary”

Fr. Reuter commented, “ the experience, events and business adventures of Mr. Oscar Violago has high financial profile. Yet, Mr. Violago is right in thanking Mama Mary and the moneyman, considered the events miraculous. Whenever our Lord and His Mother do anything, the effect is beautiful and good – on a thousand fronts!”