Over 20K Catholics Joined Archdiocesan Penitential Walk and Holy Mass

On the dawn of October 25, 2025, before the city stirred awake, around 20,000 Catholic faithful from all corners of Davao gathered to take part in the Archdiocesan Penitential Walk and Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. Coming from three assembly points: Coastal Road, Magsaysay Park, and Doña Vicenta Park, participants assembled as early as 3:00 A.M., answering a collective call to prayer, repentance, and national healing. By 4:00 a.m., thousands began their solemn journey toward San Pedro Square, their footsteps echoing the silent cry of a nation burdened by corruption yet strengthened by faith.

Despite being organized in less than two weeks, the event was a testament to Davao’s deep-rooted unity and discipline. It was made possible through the collaboration of the vicar foranes, Auxiliary Bishop of Davao Most Rev. George Rimando, San Pedro Cathedral rector Msgr. Paul Cuison, Fr. Bong Gonzaga, Pastoral Office, predeacons, the local government of Davao, and DXGN 89.9 Spirit FM, which served as the official media organization covering the city-wide act of repentance. This historic event was earlier announced through the circular letter issued by Archbishop Romulo G. Valles, D.D., which invited all parishes, religious communities, and Catholic schools under the Archdiocese of Davao to participate in the Penitential Walk and Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. The circular emphasized the importance of communal repentance and prayer, uniting the faithful in their shared commitment to seek God’s mercy and to renew moral integrity in both personal and public life.

The faithful came in groups from various vicariates: San Pedro Vicariate from Doña Vicenta Park; Sta. Ana, Immaculate Conception, and St. James Vicariates from Magsaysay Park; and Sacred Heart, La Purisima, Sto. Rosario, and San Pablo Vicariates from Coastal Road. Their white shirts bore the bold words, “Make Corruption Shameful Again” and “Ang Pagpangawkaw Makauulaw” echoing the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) call for moral renewal. For many, the walk symbolized a plea to restore the nation’s integrity and conscience amid worsening corruption scandals and economic hardships. These written words on their shirt in white (white signifying purity like that of Mother Mary) convey an outburst of reflection in the life of Jesus.

By 6:00 A.M., the pilgrims reached the heart of the city, where the Holy Mass was presided over by Most Rev. Romulo G. Valles, D.D., Archbishop of Davao. In his homily, Archbishop Valles reminded the faithful, “We come not as protesters. This is not a rally. This is not a march of anger. Rather, we come to the Church praying, crying out to God, and lifting our hearts to Him in hope.” His words pierced the still morning air, stirring reflection among the crowd. He challenged the faithful to look beyond political corruption and confront the everyday compromises that allow dishonesty to thrive. True repentance, he said, begins in the heart.

Valles’ strongest call was to “make corruption shameful again.” He spoke of how corruption robs the poor, weakens the nation’s moral foundation, and betrays the divine image within every person. “There are funds, there are resources,” he said passionately. “But they are stolen. And because of this, many are hungry, many are sick, many are homeless, and many continue to suffer.” His message resonated with national issues, especially recent controversies on infrastructure and flood control projects that revealed misuse of public funds.

Authorities such as the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) reported a peaceful and orderly event, commending the cooperation between the Church, civic leaders, and volunteers. With rosaries and candles in hand, participants prayed as they walked, transforming the streets of Davao into a river of faith and repentance. It was not a march of protest, but of peace—an act that Archbishop Valles described as “lifting up to God the suffering and brokenness of the nation.”

The Archdiocesan Penitential Walk was more than an event; it was a spiritual movement—a people’s quiet resistance to moral decay and a living testament that faith can move not only mountains, but hearts. In the end, Archbishop Valles’ closing words echoed the purpose of every step taken that morning:

“We walk today not out of anger, but out of hope. We walk for our children, for our leaders, and for our land. Corruption is not the will of God—it is a sin against our people and our future. And so, we must walk, pray, and act until our nation is healed.” (Allyza Hope Tabigue and Sheenah A. Bermoy)