MANILA, Philippines - The El Shaddai Charismatic Renewal Movement is Observing Its 28th Founding Anniversary on August 20, 2012, coinciding with the 73rd Birth Anniversary of its Spiritual Leader-Founder H.E., Mariano Zuniega Velarde, popularly called ''Brother Mike.'' The Movement's millions of followers are marking the twin occasions with Mass and other activities in its House of Prayer at the Amvel Business Park in Parañaque City.
El Shaddai's worship service every Saturday draws millions of Filipinos from provinces nationwide. They hear Mass, listen to Brother Mike's inspirational talks, sing and dance to praise songs, and have their handkerchiefs, umbrellas, and even food blessed. There is a communal spirit in the gatherings as followers eat, talk, and sing together.
El Shaddai started as a radio program on August 20, 1984, after Brother Mike's recovery from a heart ailment. The Movement grew from a small group of supporters who held a monthly spiritual rally outside the radio station. As the size of the crowd grew, the venue was transferred in succession to a football field, to the Quirino Grandstand, to the Philippine International Convention Center, to the Cultural Center of the Philippines, and to its present home, the House of Prayer, which was inaugurated on August 20, 2009, on Brother Mike's 70th Birth Anniversary. Today, it has millions of followers in the country and in chapters worldwide. It has chapters 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, Brother Mike was in the Charismatic movement, and this helped him choose to affiliate his group with the Roman Catholic Church, where he continues as 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 the El Shaddai Charismatic Renewal Movement and its followers on its 28th Founding Anniversary, and its Spiritual Leader, Brother Mike Z. Velarde, on his 73rd Birth Anniversary. We wish them all the best and success in all endeavors. CONGRATULATIONS AND MABUHAY!
