President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Saturday sent his birthday wishes to El Shaddai founder Mariano “Bro. Mike” Velarde.
Marcos took to Facebook to greet Velarde on his 83rd birthday, as well as the 38th founding anniversary of the El Shaddai religious group.
“I would like to greet Brother Mike Velarde on his 83rd birthday today, which also coincides with the 38th Anniversary of the Catholic charismatic group that he founded in 1984, the El Shaddai, which means God Almighty,” Marcos posted on Facebook.
Beyond Velarde’s role as a religious leader, the President acknowledged the El Shaddai founder as a “valuable friend” to his family.
“We are very grateful for his (Velarde’s) friendship,” Marcos said.
He expressed appreciation to Velarde for being a “Servant Leader” to the eight million members of El Shaddai.
“His style of evangelization has captured a wide Catholic audience and grown El Shaddai into the global family it is today,” Marcos said. “Again, Happy 83rd Birthday Brother Mike. And Happy 38th Anniversary to the eight million-strong membership of El Shaddai.”
El Shaddai is the biggest Catholic charismatic movement in the Philippines.
Velarde was among the prominent figures who backed Marcos’ presidential bid.
In February, Velarde said Marcos’ unity campaign would help solve the pressing issues confronting the country
Source: Philippines News Agency
