History 3 - Production of the Paintings

PRODUCTION OF THE PAINTINGS

The First Painting 

Susan met Bro. Rommel Salvacion, who accepted the challenge to do the painting which Susan explained as inspired by the Blessed Mother. Susan explained to Bro. Rommel the features and elements that Our Lady wanted to be placed in the painting. Bro. Rommel, a leader of the Mary Help of Christians. Prayer and Deliverance group, and a deeply religious and spiritual person painted the First Painting of the Luminous Cross. But when Susan saw the final work of Bro. Rommel, she noticed some modifications which somehow did not substantially alter the "original inspiration" she received; the added images on the finished painting later on provided some relevant aspects in the understanding of the Luminous Cross.

On Oct 2, 2009, inspite of Pres. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s frenzied schedule due to the devastation wrought by Typhoon Ondoy, the group was able to secure an appointment to request her petition for the 5th Marian dogma. Her petition was submitted to His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI in Oct.2, 2009 when Ambassador Mercy Tuason presented her credentials to the Pope. Coincidentally, On Oct.2, 1980 The Blessed Mother gave a message for the Philippines through Fr. Stefano Gobbi of the Marian Movement of Priest which was titled - “ A Great Design on This People”.

In December 2002, Susan received the inspiration that the first painting be brought to Malacañang and presented to the President, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on the 25th of March 2003, which is the Feast of the Annunciation. The inspiration further indicated that the President would be requested to consecrate herself and the entire Filipino nation to Our Lady of Guadalupe. Susan understood that once our nation is consecrated in this manner, Our Lady would guide and protect it.

There were many obstacles the Alabang group encountered as they sought to have an audience with the President. "It was a yes - no - yes - kind of appointment. Then a day before, nearing evening, we received a call that President Macapagal-Arroyo would receive us on 25th of March, 2003. On that day, the President consecrated herself and the entire nation to Our Lady.

The next inspiration Susan got was that the First Painting will be presented to the Holy Father by the President herself, accompanied by some bishops and lay faithful, who would request the Holy Father to declare the Fifth Marian dogma. Malacañang shipped the painting to the Philippine Embassy in the Vatican and gave instructions to the Embassy officials to arrange for its presentation to the Holy Father on the occasion of the visit of President Gloria Macapagal ­Arroyo to the Holy Father in late September 2003. But when the President and her party actually visited the Holy Father, the painting could not be brought to the Pope due to several difficulties encountered.