BNP Movement...have you heard of it?

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The BNP Movement is predominately composed of Filipinos. My parents in law are heavily involved. I thought nothing of it really til i started reading some Medjugorje threads. I dont know much about it other than Ate Salve recieves messages from Jesus. My father in law has seen it first hand and he says that her voice deepens and she seems to grow in height, her hands become more manly and very soft. So in my opinion, it sounds as if she claims Jesus possesses her. Now my parents in law are devout catholics and do not go against any of the teachings of the church but they are devout BNP members as well. I tried to do some research on it but came up with almost nothing. I do know that it has been condemned by the church.

Anyone from the Philippines or others know more in depth information about the movement? The movement is not only in the Philippines but in the states as well, by the way. I’d ask my MIL but if she feels like im doubting her or anything she gets majorly defensive and her feelings get hurt.

This site is awesome. I’ve learned so much about Catholicism…things i thought were unimportant. I now know the more i learn, the more i come to love God and our Faith.

eta: I forgot to mention BNP stands for Banal Na Pagaaral and they refer to God as Mahal Na Inkong which means in translation, My Loving God.
 
Huh - when I clicked on the link to this post I was preparing to start ranting about the BNP - British National Party (a racist British political party) other than that, sorry not heard of them 😛 😉
 
LOL When i tried researching on it(using the words BNP), that’s all that came up. Their official website, although under construction, is bnp.org. Thanks anyway. Im not sure if this is even the right forum to post this on.
 
hey gracie,

I too am very interested in finding more information about this BNP. My mother is devoted to this organization and to tell you the truth im a little worried. I questioned the priest of my church and he also informed me that they have been condemned by the roman catholic church. what i know is that they have a Center in Ontario, CA and they are financially doing very well because this location is huge and they just built an new hall connecting to the center. I also know the leader is called ATE SALVI and she has some morphing powers and they pray to her and idolize her. I also know that she is very wealthy. when i tried to research “ATE SALVI, BANAL NA PAG-AARAL” i found that there is a huge youth movement and many are praising her and BNP.

please let me know if you found additional information and i will do the same.

i am researching this organization and cannot find anything of it.
 
I recently came across your thread and wanted to share some information with you about this movement. I too, have heard of this Ate Salve and have heard many things about her. However, what I understand from the many religious I have spoken to about this movement is the apparent disobedience being preached to the membership. It seems that the membership are being taught that they should just shun what the church says about them because these priests are being “used by the devil” to undermine the authenticity of their movement.

I have found the following letter condemning this movement and it was written in 2005, which is fairly recent. I understand that with a little more research, I should be able to find more letters similarly condemning this movement as a heresy. God be praised for those who are not taken for a ride by these people because it seems that they blatantly used the church and it’s approved activities as a means to achieve financial success for a few chosen individuals and their followers are blinded to this. Take a look at it and let me know your opinions. If needed, I will do more research and share in this forum. Thanks.

evangelizationstation.com/htm_html/Heresies%20&%20Falsehoods/BNP%20Condemnation.htm
 
Hello! Just thought I’d add my two-cents regarding BNP. It is actually not banned by the Catholic church as a whole, but by some dioces around the country here in the US and Phils. I am not a full member of this organization but I do know some truths about it that are seemingly overlooked by many, or it could be the basic trait that what many do not understand - they fear. Truth is this movement is more of a Catholic studies group, giving it members a deeper, more thorough understanding of the faith, which I think is good as many of us are simply Catholic and aren’t sure why other than “the parents made us that way”. It’s honestly a good group of people with a deep devotion to Catholicism and a wonderful understanding of the faith. Ate Salve has made trips to the Vatican and met with senior officials there and has made her case for her movement. It has not been banned by the Vatican, which is who we look to ultimately for final word on church activities…right? It has been banned by many diosces but many accept it as well, as they have a better understanding of what is being accomplished by the group. Believe it or not, there are Catholic priests who are members, speakers at the retreats etc. It’s nothing harmful or evil, and I’d attend a gathering if I were anyone before giving it any negative press. As far as some BNP members brushing off certain priests’ negative opinions of this group and saying they’re “used by the devil”, I wouldn’t suggest that either. I certainly do not believe preists are controlled by Satan but there are naturally some in BNP who are so devoted and loyal that they can’t handle criticism too well and say things like that. Priests who denounce the group simply don’t have a good understanding of what BNP is about and haven’t taken time to really observe and understand. They are God’s servants though and positive or not in regards to BNP, they should still be held in high regard. As far as Ate Salve being wealthy, she has a successful husband. Money from BNP donors goes to the BNP organization to fund events, retreats, and the overhead for the big center in Ontario. Many attempts have been made to give gifts or donations to Ate Salve herself for her expenses or simply to go and have a good time in whatever city she happens to be visiting at the time, and none are successful. Can’t say the same thing for the nutjob down in Miami who’s calling himself GOD, wears a very visible 666, trashes Catholic gatherings, our faith, and all the while wearing a nice rolex, driving a Lexus and living in one of many huge homes all financed by his “church”. cnn.com/2007/US/02/16/miami.preacher/index.html Check out that link, folks! Anyway, let’s not judge our brothers and sisters in BNP without understanding them first. I honestly think you’ll like what you see, and Ate Salve has a very interesting spiritual history dating back 4 decades. Good talking to ya!!
 
Oh yeah, BTW, the morphing powers thing…rediculous. Also, Ate Salve is held in high regard as the founder of the movement, but isn’t prayed to or worshiped or anything like that. Like I said in my last post, attend a gathering before giving it negative press…gain an understanding! God bless!!
 
Yeah a friend invited me to go to it and i went to it the last week to tell you the truth i had an uneasy feeling when i was there it seriously felt like if they thought ate salve was GOD and that offended me it reminded me of the story where the people worshiped a golden bull i have been searching all over for more information on it to so i can see whats going on but i have also come up with nothing and also when i heard the story of ate salve it said that she was married once then her husband left her and now she has a new husband. i realy dont understand this in the bible it says you will only marry once so how does this work out?
 
I attended a BNP retreat last weekend. The prayers were good and the talks regarding Catholic catechism seemed all right. However, the things that seemed wrong and not in oneness to our Catholic Christian faith were their lack of focus on Jesus Christ who is Lord (He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.) There was mention of a woman by the name of Ate Salve who apparently had a vision of God when she was a small child. She said that this God (Mahlinko) was 2000 years old. I believe that God (the Blessed Trinity) is infinite. Of course, Jesus Christ lived on earth 33 years (but the mystery is that He always existed.) He had no beginning and he had no end as the 2nd person of the Blessed Trinity. Another thing that was disturbing, priests were forbidden to come out to the retreat house to say Mass, as they are acting in obedience, and the BNP members continue to be in error.

It is my prayer that God will help them find the way to eternal truth and light. They were very gracious and kind to all who attended the retreat, concerned about everyone’s needs. I pray to have charity of heart for them as well.
 
Hello All,

I stumbled across this thread while searching the net for some pictures/videos from some BNP activities.

Anyhow, I am a devout Catholic and am also active with the BNP (Banal Na Pag-aaral). I’ve been with the BNP for about 15 years now and here are my impressions of the movement.

As some have said the BNP stands for Banal Na Pag-aaral which translates to Holy Studies. The founder of the BNP is God, and the Chairperson whom some of you have referenced in your posts is Ate Salve. It is mostly made up of Filipino’s but there are a good amount of non Filipino’s involved as well.

In the BNP, some people call God with the name Mahal Na Ingkong. This isn’t a “standard” or something that you must do in the BNP, but it is what some people call God by.

Ate Salve has never claimed to be Jesus, they are completely separate. She is simple a regular person who is used as an instrument by the Holy Spirit as many of us are. God uses each and everyone of us as an instrument if we choose to. One of the posts said that she is being possessed, which is 100% incorrect.

Prior to 1994, my faith in God and my knowledge about the Catholic religion was little to non, even though I did call myself a Catholic since that’s how my parents raised me. After attending the BNP retreat my curiosity opened up more about my religion, and through time, I was able to learn more and even help some people who have been in the same situation I was in.

For me, being active in the BNP and going to the activities has definitely increased my service to God and the Catholic faith. The Mass means so much more to me, prayers, the Rosary, and so much has changed in my life ever since I was made aware of the great things that I did not see before in my faith.

I guess that’s it for now - but if you have any questions or anything that I might be able to help clear up, please do ask and I’ll answer the best I can.

All I know is that through the BNP, my relationship with God has been stronger than ever.
 
Nice post Sraymundo! What chapter do you belong to? My wife is part of the Richmond chapter and when I receive the sacrament of Baptism next Easter along with Eucharist I will be too. I’m wondering - by reading what the last two posts said, do you think there may be some chapters that may be a little on the radical side or perhaps have drifted from the message being taught? Or, could it be that their hearts simply aren’t into it? Or, maybe they’re just not hearing exactly what they wish to hear right at that particular moment? Lemme know brutha! I know that when I attend vigils with the BNP group, there is NEVER any worship of Ate Salve, mainly just stories of the many visits from our Lord she’s had over the years. Also, there is NEVER a deviation from the teachings of the Catholic church or any message to defy the church, and we have had priests attend the vigils as well. What’s your take on it?

J
 
Hey BigJ,

I’m part of the youth here in New York. Congratulations on your upcoming Baptism and receiving the Eucharist!

As for other chapters drifting away from the message and mission of the BNP, I haven’t experienced it myself on a chapter level, but I have experienced it when there were one of two individuals who would stray away from the Catholic teachings.

In all my years in the BNP I have not seen anyone worship Ate Salve … I have not seen anyone pray to Ate Salve. When I was new to the BNP, I would hear some people talk about her and I could see how some people would misinterpret how some people talk about her as worshiping, or how some people put her up on a pedestal.

For me, she is a regular person who was chosen by God to be used as His instrument. I respect her as a person, as the chairperson of the BNP, and I have also come to know her on a very personal level. Knowing her personally, I can tell you that she is one of the nicest and humblest people you’ll meet, she will put other people before herself.

Again, this is my experience with the BNP and with Ate Salve. Others may have different experiences, but I just wanted to share to everyone what I’ve been through in the movement and how I continue to grow in the Catholic faith through the BNP.
 
Hey Sraymundo!
I find my experience with BNP here in CA consistent with yours in NY. I went to a BNP gathering in Daly City last night and they had a mass and sharing session. There was lots of talk about Ate Salve and some of the personal experiences members have had with her and I too can see how one who is not involved with the group can misinterpret what's being said about her. Many MANY wonderous things have happened to Ate Salve over the years in her very personal relationship with the Lord, but what mere neutral observers seem to not see is the fact that while there is a lot of story and personal experience-sharing in regards to her, there is no worship of Ate Salve herself, no praying to her and no considering her some type of god. I think to an extent she is put on a pedistal mainly because she is of course the chairperson of BNP, and there is the fact that she is an ordinary person who has been chosen by the Lord to deliver a certain message and bring back a strong emphasis to Catholic teaching to those who may have gone astray. I think what is especially special about her is that she is not a nun and isn't beholden to a convent and can spread the Lord's message throughout the world, which in turn has created quite a following. For those skeptics out there, I think they should stop and think before jumping to conclusions about her. I had a thought at the end of our gathering last night and shared it with a member of the local BNP leadership: consider what Saint Faustina went through in her life and consider the personal relationship with the Lord she had. If you can get a hold of a copy of her diary, you can find MANY similarities between her and Ate Salve. My thought was that every saint ever canonized went through some pretty tough ridicule and scorn even from their own church and its members, but stayed the course and fought through the unfortunate but natural human prejudice and carried out what the Lord commanded. Look where they are today!
 
OK. This is what I know about BNP. My fiance’s brother and sister-in-law are in it with their family and my fiance, who is Filipino said they (BNP) were condemned by The Church, I would assume that also includes the Vatican. My fiance went to a couple of their prayer meetings in the past and for him to say this means a lot. He will not go to any of their prayer meetings now and I am very grateful. One thing I do know about his brother and his family is that his wife joined this group at a time when she was vulnerable. Her husband, my future brother-in-law cheated on her and they almost divorced. So one sign of a cult, if you will, is vulnerability in a member before joining. Also my fiance and I are getting married in about a month and his brother was supposed to mc at our reception and he backed out because of a meeting with this group. That is very uncharitable to say the least. I know of no good group that would have a member place them above his own good, church-going brother and new sister-in-law. Even if we weren’t church-goers and if we weren’t getting married outside of the Church that is, family comes first, as long as it’s not sinful, as far as I am concerned. As a matter of fact, St. Teresa of Avila was once known to have told her sisters when someone was knocking at their door during the rosary and the other sisters did not want to answer, that “Jesus can wait, charity is still important.” I am paraphrasing. Basically she was saying that while the rosary is highly important Jesus Himself would not want you to be uncharitable because of this great prayer. Otherwise what good did the rosary do? Also another thing I know about my fiance’s family and the women in it is that modesty in dress is not important, if it were his niece and sister-in-law would be more concerned about what they were wearing at times. My point is if you are in a good Catholic prayer group you not only are concerned about the Church and the fact that this group was condemned, but you would also be concerned about the Church’s teaching on charity and modesty. Another final note: they are always having hula dancing/talent events and raising large sums of money, while that is not wrong in and of itself, there is a lot of unhealthy/unholy vanity and pride amongst the children and father in this family. Who is the money going to anyway, Ate Salve? They also hold some of these performances, one of which I went to in their new hall, where I was told they celebrate Mass. I could be wrong about that. If that is true that is highly disrespectful to God, not to mention sacrireligious. My future brother-in-law claimed that some priest said it (the hall) was holy ground and that is why noone wore shoes in this hall and it was discouraged for others to wear shoes too.
 
Hi LuvstheChurch,

I was reading your post and I thought that I might try to shed some light on a few things regarding the BNP (again from what I’ve experienced and from what I know about the movement).

The BNP is not condemned by the Catholic Church, infact one of the Cardinals in the Philippines has the members of the BNP do nocturnal Vigil adoration at his place.

In regards to your future sister inlaw being vulnerable, I don’t think that has much or anything to do with her going to a BNP retreat. Each and everyone of us are more vulnerable at one point of another in our lives, and especially when we encounter something as tragic and tramatic as what your future sister inlaw had gone through. Is it not at these times when we are low, when we are down that we reach for God the most? Is it not at these times that that we look to Him for His mercy and love? I’m confident in saying that the BNP does not look for “vulnerable” people to ask to the retreats. We ask anyone and everyone if they want to go to a retreat, if she happened to go to a retreat when she was down, then all the better for her so that maybe her faith in God might be strengthened again.

For your brother inlaw who is supposed to MC at a your reception, that is a personal choice by that person and not by the BNP. If that person chooses some BNP activity over your reception, that person makes that choice on their own. I’m pretty sure that the those around him were not even aware of your reception, or his plans to cancel out on your reception to go to a BNP function.

But I can totally feel your frustration in this regard. I have gone through this a few times before, not with the BNP, but with other things where people would put things going in their lives before their family. To put it bluntly … it sucks, but again it’s something that is on the individual. If my brother were to back out of helping me move to a new house because he opted to go to a NY Knicks basketball game, would I blame the NY Knicks for taking my brother away from me when I needed help in moving?

I do agree with you that family does come first, I just wish that everyone felt the same way about it as you and I.

Can I ask you what you think the BNP’s views are towards modesty in regards to what people wear? Because it seems that you might think that the BNP doesn’t care what people wear and perhaps promotes dressing in inappriopriate clothing. As part of the youth in the BNP, we try to encourage people to dress as respectable as they can, especially because they are in the presence of God. Again, we can push this upon the individual as much as we want, telling them time and time again to please cover up, or even offer them a sweater … but it’s up to that person to change the way they dress. I do agree with you that they should be concerned about what they dress because it represents not only them, but their family.

Going onto your point of having fundraising events and where the money is going to. The events are to pay for the new multipurpose hall that has been built. Ate Salve does not receive any money from the members, even though some people have tried to give her checks and money, she will not take it.

In regards to the hall and mass, I think you might have been misinformed. One of the purposes of the new building was because during activities there was a need for more space, and also because the House of Prayer where we have Mass was also the same place where some other activities were being held. So to separate the two, and to keep the House of Prayer solemn and to keep it as a place to pray and meditate, the new building was built.

At times there is mass held inside the new hall because the number of people that are present just wouldn’t fit inside the House of Prayer.

Well I hope that help shed some light on things and I hope that you have a great wedding and congratulations!
 
Thank you for your reply. I will look more into whether or not it has been banned by the Church on my own. But, I do take my fiance’s word for it, as well. You have to understand my fiance does not say disparaging things about groups like this, especially one that his brother is in, easily. If anything, I am the one to point things out to him first, usually. And if he doesn’t believe it, he tells me so. Sometimes, I even think he can be in denial. The reason I bring that up is to make the point stronger for what he is saying. If this Ate Salve is a true visionary or what have you, it should be tested by the Spirit. Is she saying anything against what the Church teaches, does she go against scriptures,etc…God Himself said that we must test everything and everybody by their Spirit. Because even the Evil One can come in any form he wishes, such as what took place in Bayside. That is a good example of something that has been clearly condemned and people still don’t listen to the Wisdom of the Church and not only continue to go to Bayside, but listen to the teachings that come out of it via the internet, etc… Unfortunately, the vulnerable ones are the ones that are going to be taken in by this the most. They want solace any way they can get it and if it looks like it comes from God all the better. I have been vulnerable in my life too, but I have always and thankfully been protected with my eyes open to movements such as this. The Lord worked on me within the proper channels of the Church. Of course, I have been blessed to have two Theologians in the family, my dad and my brother and to have gone to a good solid Catholic college, Franciscan University of Steubenville. So, while I have been vulnerable I was not naive when it came to stuff like this. I do know that is my future brother-in-law’s decision to be a bone head and not follow through with his mc’ing duties and come to our reception, but part of me believes he is so involved with this movement, because not only did he cheat on his wife once, he attempted to cheat on her another time with a young lady from this movement. She did, fortunately tell his wife and when she confronted him, of course he minimized it. Trust me, a woman knows when she is being hit on. Maybe he has his sights on another young lady, maybe he feels guilty and is trying to “pay” for it by going to these meetings as opposed to his brother’s reception, I don’t know. You seem to have your head in the right direction and I will look this up. You also seem to have a good heart and down to earth. So thanks for your well-wishes and I wish you every happiness too. I will get back when I find out anything any writing, provided I can.
 
Always a good idea to do your due diligence! I am certain that if you “investigate” BNP on your own with a neutral, open mind you will see exactly what it is all about. I had many questions for the BNP members centered around the negative remarks certain misinformed people make about the group and the youth director for the Richmond branch, Mike, has pointed out to me, among other things, that BNP has indeed been banned by the San Bernardino Archdioces and the letter saying so can be found with a little Google research. The Vatican, however, has not banned the group or threatened excommunication for its members. In fact, the relationship between the Vatican and BNP is on good terms.
 
Unfortunatley, I haven’t been able to research it, myself on the internet. But, I did ask my dad who has a doctorate in Theology and has been hired as a staff Theologian, as well, and he said if an organization in the Catholic Church has been condemned by an archdiocese, we are to adhere to it. It is like the Pope, himself condemned it. I don’t know if you have actual facts that the Vatican actually approves this movement. I kind of doubt you do, but if so, prove it, please. That being said,if we continue to attend these organizations and their events, we are in direct opposition to the Church and it is a sin. My dad has never heard of BNP before. But, since he is my dad, I understand if you think I report with a biased bent. If it will satisfy you, either I will ask a priest, whom I trust to follow the Church’s teaching, because not all do, or I will ask another Theologian with whom I don’t even know, (of course you must realize I always check their credentials) or you can ask someone like these two I mentioned above. But, I warn you, if you want an unbiased answer, not just opinion, but the truth, then I would ask someone who is not involved with this BNP movement. I hope and pray the best for you and if attending these meetings and being involved with this movement in sinful, I pray God sheds some light on you. Because if I were you, I would be more afraid for my soul, then any way I “felt” when I go to these BNP functions. Remember Satan and his minions are master liars and manipulators. Why don’t you take it to serious prayer and ask a good holy priest who has no involvement with the BNP movement? Let your mind, not your heart, lead you. I just hope and pray your mind is not clouded in any way. Even if you are mad at what I have just said I apologize, but read the content of what I said and not the emotions behind it.
 
Hi LuvstheChurch,

I am a Banal na Pagaaral graduate and I am very happy to share with you that I have been with this religious movement since 1974. From day one that I was introduced to this movement, my Catholic Faith was strengthened. It is through this movement that I have all the more been drawn closer to the Sacraments. It is the Banal na Pagaaral who helped me understand and embraced truly our Catholic Faith.

Through the Banal na Pagaaral, my relationship with Jesus has become more personal. My faith in Him was deepened. My devotion to the Blessed Mother Mary became more meaningful. My love of family and neighbor has been a great mission to me.

I do not recall any false teaching from the Banal na Pagaaral. It is very unfortunate that the Banal na Pagaaral is being attacked by numerous negative publicities. Based on my personal experiences, I do believe that the Banal na Pagaaral mission is one with the Catholic Church because it is God himself who founded the BNP. God will never be in contradiction with Himself.

No one is ever forced to believe the Banal na Pagaaral.

What is important is that one lives his/her faith! .

Just a word of caution from one of my favorite quotes that I have learned…“if it is the work of GOD, it would flourish…; if not, it would die naturally.” So if someone fights the BANAL na Pagaaral and the Banal na Pagaaral is God’s work, then he/she is fighting God himself.

What matters is how we live God’s teachings. Is it really very important to be critical of the Banal na Pagaaral, or should one be more resigned to God’s plan. Well, as far as I believe, God is God. He works in very mysterious way!

Let us love one another instead of passing judgment!

May God’s peace be with you!

May God bless you with a Happy Marriage! Congratulations on your Wedding!
 
All I know, as fact, is that the BNP was condemned by the Church through at least one archdiocese apparently of San Bernardino and as I have said before and now have my information from two very good Theologians, one being my father, the other one not my father, if an archdiocese anywhere in the world condemns it, no matter how it makes us feel or the way we have grown in the faith, etc… we are to listen to Holy Mother Church and not the doctrines of BNP. I just listen to my Mother and Father and obey them and don’t listen to any earthly “logic.” Thanks anyway. Thanks for also wishing my fiance and I a happy marriage. By the way, one of the weakest arguments I have ever heard in defending something is to say not to judge something. God gave us the intellect to judge. He said not to judge, but He meant not to judge a man’s soul and his/her destination after they die, He didn’t mean not to judge their actions. We, as humans, judge every day. Like wow that guys a jerk, he just cut me off, while driving or wow that guy was so nice, he said he would pray for me and my family. People judge every day and some get paid for it, like judges, policemen, etc… So telling someone not to judge is a weak arguement. But, God bless you too and I hope that someday you and others like you listen to the wisdom of Holy Mother Church, trust Her without question and do all this despite how we feel. Just like we want our earthly kids to do. Also if someone representing the BNP went to the Vatican and talked to an official/priest/Cardinal/even the Pope and he blessed them, that does not mean he has even investigated and approved the BNP, remember he also blessed a picture of little Madeline McCann for her parents. It doesn’t mean that they are innocent. It means he is a good pope and loves children.
 
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