TESTIMONIALS

 “I believed I was someone always broken because people I loved left or took advantage of me or never loved me back in the first place when I showed I loved them. My purpose was to love God, serve Him, but questioned Knowing if God loved me when many times loving others was so painful, full of heartache, and loss. I never gave up trying because I made a promise to Him and I wanted to keep that promise… Life is now more simple. Let go of ourselves; our sins; our own understanding and Follow our Hearts with Him as the Guide.” – Norbert A.

 “Ate Salve faced the ridicule of not only the neighbors and priests, but also her own in-laws. And she faced them with a silent offering of love for Mahal na Ingkong. Nanay [my mother] cared for me whenever I was ill, and did the same for every soul that came to her. She exemplified the nurturing heart of Mother Mary. There were many times, I was hurt to see her sufferings for the people. She sacrificed so much. Everything, every moment she lived for Mahal na Ingkong [God]. How can I not be humbled, witnessing the love of my mother for God?” - Danny C.

“Most significantly, Ate Salve’s gift to us, the building of the Perpetual Adoration in the BNP House of Prayer is undoubtedly a way of her desire to help our relationship with MNI go deeper and more meaningful. When the Blessed Sacrament was in place in Ate Salve’s Hall, I immediately signed up for a permanent schedule. Since I started the Vigil Adoration, I learned to be closer to Mahal na Ingkong and nurture my love for Him. Because of this, my gratefulness to Ate Salve is immeasurable.” 

– Eleanor U.

“Before the BNP, I was a workaholic. I had 2-3 jobs. I didn’t go to church. Spirituality was not my priority. All that changed after I attended the retreat. I became very active at my church.” 

- Christine A.

“Through BNP, I have become more Catholic because of the emphasis on the Sacraments, which I learned even much deeper from the BNP retreats I’ve attended and served.” – Sally C.

“I would say I am just an "ordinary" Catholic and without the BNP, I might not have a deep relationship with GOD and be serious about striving to live a holy life in preparation for being with GOD in heaven.” – Tobi C.

“I am so very grateful to Mahal na Ingkong for bringing Ate Salve into the world. Through her, I have learned about holiness in the BNP. Through the retreats, I have learned what my real purpose in life is - to be a soldier of Christ.” 

– Sandra H.

“The Banal na Pag-aaral has changed my life from a world of materialism to putting God above everything else - a life that strives to change from sinfulness to holiness and a life that follows the path to Salvation through knowing, loving and serving Mahal na Ingkong (God).” 

– Isabel P.

“I personally have not been healed by Mahal na Ingkong or Ate Salve, but I am a witness

to it. Through prayers to Mahal na Ingkong and prayers to ask Ate Salve for her intercession, I

was able to witness my wife be cured from cancer.” - Eligio B.

“Year 2021 was the very first time I’ve seen that picture of Ate Salve who was exactly the same lady who helped and saved us back in the Philippines in 1997, a very significant experience in my life that helped shape the way I am today. And because of her, my husband and I are still here living a better, simpler life in the BNP with our children…with our loved ones and friends. Thank you, dear Ate Salve, for always protecting us, especially my family.” – Rejilyn B.

“Through the BNP Movement, my understanding and love for the sacraments have deepened profoundly. The vigil adoration, Eucharist, and confession are no longer mere rituals but cherished experiences that connect me with Jesus Christ whom we dearly call as Mahal na Ingkong. I also have learned the value of praying the rosary and have developed a keen sense of love and devotion to our Blessed Mother.” – Ethel M.

“BNP has definitely taught me how to be Catholic at a young age. But I didn’t come to it on my own until I was much older and all the pieces started to fall together and fit. So it helps me to appreciate going to mass and the true purpose of the Eucharist, and going to the Blessed Sacrament and spending my time with God. It definitely has taught me how to pray, not only to Mahal na Ingkong [God], but also to Mama Mary.” – Nina D.

 “The BNP made me closer to God and I learned that we have a purpose here on earth, to know,

love and serve God to get to heaven. I learned how to adore Mama Mary and pray the rosary here. Ate Salve, the BNP Chairperson and instrument of Mahal Na Ingkong taught me compassion, sacrifice, prayerful life, love forgiveness and service and more.” – Jeannie F.

“I graduated from the Banal na Pag-aaral Youth Ministry in 1994 at the age of 15 years old.  When I look back to that time, my knowledge of God was at bare minimum.  The idea of even having a relationship with God was unimaginable. For the first time my prayers were not just out of necessity or fear, but more so a longing to stay close to God and to deepen my faith.” – Melissa B.

“The BNP has also taught me how to live a God fearing life. Every single time we are at the BNP it is continuous learning about God. It is always teaching me to change my way, break old habits and change for the better. To live a life that is pleasing in God’s eyes. I cannot imagine a life without BNP.” – Arielle S.B.

 “Through Ate Salve’s love, teaching and prayers, the BNP family has always welcomed meand my children. It was through BNP that I was reminded of His divine mercy. Our God calls upon us to trust Him, to receive His mercy and let it flow to others. Today, I walk in His grace knowing He is with me. Renewed with peace, love, strengthening faith and to share His love with others. This is what Mahal na Inkong [God], Ate Salve and BNP have taught and showed me.” – Janice E. 

 “For the past 17 years now, my wife is free from her cancer and we do believe that when I received the message of Ate Salve on Monday night (January 21), she is ALREADY HEALED. We will treasure this miracle for the rest of our lives and will always share it to others hoping it will help in the growth of their FAITH and TRUST in Mahal na Ingkong and our beloved Ate Salve.” – Rey d.C.

 “Ate Salve is alive. Beyond the doors of going into the Ate Salve Chapel, there’s an immense, powerful presence. You can feel her love, her compassion, her forgiveness. You just feel her presence. I trust her and whatever trials we have in our lives, we call upon Ate Salve. Call upon Mahal na Ingkong [God] and really deepen your relationship with them through the sacraments, especially these days now: sacraments, sacraments, sacraments.” – Alvin M.

 “Yes, decades ago, I self-identified as an atheist for various reasons, but one significant catalyst for my return to the Catholic faith was the BNP Movement. It helped bring LIGHT back into my life. It opened my eyes to the TRUTH - which made all the difference, and this TRUTH leads to love, hope, joy, and peace.

Because of the BNP, I learned to love the Sacraments, especially the Sacrament of Reconciliation and the Blessed Sacrament. I've been a Vigil Adorer and became a devotee of Mother Mary for more than 30 years. If not for the guidance of Ate Salve, I don't know where am I going to be.” – Jerome S.

"I was a rebellious teenager that did all you can think of. It was almost like a double life I lived. I’ve sinned and didn’t feel bad about it. I’ve hurt Him in so many ways that I can’t even fathom. It took me quite a few times of nearly losing my life or even veering off so far, meaning I'd almost lose my soul, to make me realize that a life without the BNP just was not it for me. I needed it. No matter what I did, or if I tried to live a different life, BNP stood firm in my life and I also just couldn’t let it go. I truly believe that it’s because Ate Salve, Mama Mary, and Mahal Na Ingkong [God] never let me go from the start. Even when I would run off a different course or path, I always found myself running right back on track to Mahal Na Ingkong. Without the BNP, I’d still be lost.” - Alexandria M.

 “But I'm telling you from life experience, that what Mahal Na Ingkong was serving to the people, it's perfect. God will never deny you from seeking. I've learned that here. I even heard him say that not one hair on your head will be harmed, you or your family. And yes things happen in life, but you know for the most part, I'm safe, my family is safe. It is really hard to find that in this world today. There is a place. I remember people telling me during my class, there is a place for you, there is a place for you. And there is, there is a place for everybody here. Everybody. And that's amazing right there. I think it's just, you gotta be willing to be open. It's not easy but it's possible.” – Gabe M.

 “I came to the US in May 1988, during the EDSA Revolution in the Philippines. I fled my country due to extreme financial hardship and left behind 4 children ages 10, 8, 6, and 4. Depressed, divorced and in dire need of emotional, financial, psychological support, I joined the retreat. In other words, I needed SALVATION and found it, I did…I embraced the BNP way of life which exposed me to a community of believers of our Lord, Jesus Christ, whom I call Mahal na Ingkong [God]. I began to study, learn, and practice my catholic faith. My newfound knowledge of the Truth as taught to me by Mahal na Ingkong [God] through Ate Salve allowed to live and love my faith and I returned to the Sacraments. The process of change and transformation and the miracles that I have encountered within my own family and children can only be the work of the Almighty GOD.” – Maria A.

“And when I joined the retreat, it was a very beautiful feeling. I felt so much love and I wanted to hug my children. I wanted to hug everyone in my family. That is what I learned most from the BNP is Love. Love of family, love of other people and most especially, love of God…So, that. . . my love for God deepened. My knowledge of the BNP and what I heard in my retreat. Now I go to mass not because it is a duty, just to fulfill the duty of the Sunday obligation. But now, after BNP, I go to mass, and I look forward to what is the message in the mass. What is the message of God to me and how I will be able to apply that to my life. So now Mass is very meaningful to me, and I look forward every day. My day is not complete if I am not able to go to mass.” – Verly A.

“My journey with Mahal Na lngkong [God] started a long time ago, and as an adult having experienced the darkest moments of my life, I would like to highlight my "coming back home to Mahal Na lngkong [God] these past few years. I understand now that MNI [Mahal Na Ingkong or God] had a different journey for me. During a family blessing, MNI told me to "take care of your children"; unbeknownst to me that my husband and I will eventually separate. I know now that throughout those years, MNI was always with me. Guiding and blessing myself and my (4) young children…Many years have passed and MNI had other plans for [my husband] and myself. He taught me forgiveness which eventually made my family whole again and filling it with so much love. This also wouldn't have been possible without Mike changing his life which too was because of MNI and his graces.” - Dinah F.

"The BNP has brought Peace in my Family especially to my Mom, Dad, and Sister. It also allowed me to know that there is a GOD. That there is a higher being looking over us and that you can always look to GOD… I was unsure if my son was going to make it as he was hospitalized after birth. My son has a paralyzed right diaphragm and a paralyzed right arm. He had a tracheostomy for 10 years of his Life and he has become a great man, a great son, a great Brother, and a great person. My prayers were answered and I am forever thankful. I know MNI heard my heart that day!” – Ignacio M.

 “Ate Salve showed love and kindness to me. I can see Her physical weakness in some of the events and yet she still turned up. She worked hard and was determined to achieve the goal for the love of the people and MNI. She was an inspiration to me. Those are the things that I learned from Her. Her action was a reminder that human beings can be capable of such great love and loyalty to Mahal na Ingkong [God] as well as compassion to fellow men. I can only pray that I will remember these along with Her teachings so that I can put these into practice. I would like to be an example so that I can pass these values to my children. Young people need guidance now more than ever.” – Rotche A.

 “Trusting God completely no matter what life throws on me. This message taught me not to give up and to always TRUST AND HOPE IN HIM. It taught me to be grateful whatever challenges and pains I encounter and find joy in times of my suffering, because my God is allowing me to feel his agony too and not to complain. And one message that I carry always in my heart is when He said, DO NOT FEAR, FOR GOD IS HERE. This message is my strength in every situation I am in. It gave me a brave heart to face my fears.” – Milet G.

“I never really believed that GOD is interested with busy people like me, that religion, too, is a career choice, not a way to GOD…Forced, coerced and convinced that this retreat will somehow make me see the reality of a GOD that simply does not exist in my world, I attended the retreat in Chicago in June 1987. The rest is history because in the retreat and in the succeeding months and years that passed in my associations and dealings with Ate Salve as the Instrument and Ate Salve as the Chairperson of the BNP…… I found GOD. 

I saw within me that VOID, that emptiness, that only Mahal na Ingkong and HIS Divine Presence in Ate Salve could only fill. I experienced Peace, Joy, Love, and most of all a deep understanding of LIFE and my real purpose in this world. I began to embrace the Catholic faith and everything it teaches. I became a faithful follower and now a servant of Mahal na Ingkong in HIS MISSION that HE gave to Ate Salve to evangelize and teach the world about HIM and HIS LOVE.” - Liwanag A.

"On November 8, 2014, Typhoon Yolanda struck, with Tacloban as ground zero. Winds reached 300 km/hr, and rains created a white wall, obscuring everything beyond our gate. By 9 a.m., the storm intensified, with deafening winds and relentless rain. We shouted our prayers as our second-floor roof was blown away. Floodwaters rose quickly, and our car began to float. Water seeped into our living room, where we gathered around our altar, praying. Miraculously, the water only reached ankle depth, and a blessed candle on the altar stayed lit throughout the storm. Outside, the surge reached 20 feet high. Carol’s sister, Juliet, asked Ate Salve to intercede for us. Ate Salve assured her, 'Don’t worry, they are all safe.' We were miraculously spared and evacuated on the fifth day aboard a U.S. Air Force C-130 plane.

In June 2020, I was hospitalized with severe COVID-19 and sent to the ICU. The virus caused complications, and there were five deaths daily in the ICU. With no treatment, I surrendered myself to God, saying, 'Your will be done.' Against the odds, I survived. A doctor later said, 'Even the best science cannot save someone without His love and mercy.'

Through these experiences, I have witnessed God’s infinite power over life and death. My story stands as a testament to His boundless love and mercy." - Alfred L.

 “But when i think about the path that MNI has led me to take in the last 4 years, in being told

I have cancer, in daily dealings of this life-threatening disease, the treatments every three

weeks, the side effects of the treatments that includes fatigue, metallic taste that makes

the food taste so awful, the sleepless nights, the constant nausea and intermittent

vomiting and stomach problems but the most sad part is the way of life I used to know

that has forever changed so drastically, Mahal na Ingkong’s [God’s] love, His mercy, and His

kindness are manifested throughout in my journey in this path He has led me to. Along with

Mama Mary’s prayers, love, and intercession, and most of all, Ate Salve’s ultimate love,

sacrifices, and taking my sufferings from me, even though she is no longer physically with

us, I am so, so blessed beyond anything in this world. I remind myself that everyday… I am here today because I trusted Mahal Na Ingkong that everything will be all right since the very beginning of this journey, and I will be healed. In return, He has given me the peace that this world cannot give.” – Lisa C.