(PNA) — House Speaker Prospero Nograles on congratulated the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) as it celebrates its 95th founding anniversary.
“Let me take this rare opportunity, as leader of the House of Representatives, to greet and congratulate the Iglesia ni Cristo on its 95th founding anniversary on July 27. For having survived the countless challenges of time is in itself a miracle. Our brothers have even grown into a multitude of millions worldwide from its humble beginnings almost a century ago,” said Nograles in a statement.
“We cannot but be grateful to the Iglesia ni Cristo membership and leadership for their vital role in unifying our people amidst the many crisis that often threaten the veins of our socio-economic and political life. As a people, we have proven that we can unite and fight adversities despite diversities. Love really transcends all barriers,” he said.
In official recognition of Iglesia ni Cristo’s vital contribution to the nation and its endless energy to instill the word of God in the lives of all peoples of the world, the Speaker said Congress and President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo enacted Republic Act 9645, declaring July 27 of every year as a special national working holiday.
Meanwhile, the INC said that for the first time, the celebration would be held in 14 different places in the Philippines and in four other countries simultaneously.
INC has 5,400 local congregations in 90 countries worlwide. In Metro Manila alone, a large congregation will be held in Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City and at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Manila. The four-hour celebration will start at 4 p.m. Monday.
In the provinces, INC will hold its celebration at the Butuan City Sports Complex in Agusan del Norte; Bicol University Sports Complex at Commencement grounds in Legazpi City, Albay; Cebu Sports Center in Cebu City; General Santos City Oval Plaza, South Cotabato; Davao Agro-Industrial Institute Football Field in Davao City; Quirino Stadium in Bantay, Ilocos Sur; Central Integrated Terminal in Santiago City, Isabela; Ashton Field Subdivision in Calamba City, Laguna; Panaad Stadium in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental; Villa del Sol Subdivision-Olongapo-Gapan Road in San Fernando City, Pampanga; Narciso Ramos Sports Center in Lingayen, Pangasinan; and at Ipil Sports Complex in Zamboanga City, Zamboanga-Sibugay.
INC will also hold celebration in Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C. at HP Pavilion sa San Jose, California, USA; Central Hall Westminster in London, UK; Parco Esposizioni Novegro in Milan, Italy; and Hills Center in Sydney, Australia. (PNA)
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