WALK OF HOPE: Sto. Rosario Parish Holds Penitential Walk and Lights Candle of Hope

In response to the call of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) and the Letter of Appeal issued by Most Rev. Romulo G. Valles, D.D., Archbishop of Davao, the faithful of Sto. Rosario Parish, Toril gathered early this Sunday morning to hold a Penitential Walk, expressing communal prayer and moral solidarity as the Church responds to what it describes as a growing moral, political, and spiritual crisis facing the nation.

Before sunrise, parishioners—families, youth groups, lay organizations, and various parish ministries—assembled at the parish grounds and walked prayerfully through the streets of Toril, holding candles and praying the Holy Rosary. The peaceful procession served as a visible plea for truth, transparency, justice, and national unity.

In his Letter of Appeal, Archbishop Valles expressed deep concern over issues affecting the country, including allegations of large-scale corruption and the weakening of public ethical accountability. He reminded the faithful that the Church’s response must not be driven by partisan politics but by prayer, conscience, and moral courage. The Archbishop appealed to Catholics: “to stand for truth, to defend the integrity of our nation to stand against systemic corruption, and to act with courage, honesty, and love for our people.”

Sto. Rosario Parish joins many other parishes throughout the Archdiocese of Davao that are likewise responding today through coordinated activities such as penitential walks, Rosary processions, Holy Hours, and Masses of Reparation—lifting a united voice of faith and hope.

After the Penitential Walk, the parish community proceeded to the church for the regular Sunday Mass at 5:30 a.m., marking the beginning of the First Sunday of Advent, the start of the new liturgical year. During the Mass, the First Candle of the Advent Wreath—the Candle of Hope—was solemnly lit.

The Candle of Hope symbolizes Christ’s light breaking through the darkness and assures the faithful that hope is not passive but a call to courageous Christian witness. During the Homily, the parishioners were reminded that in this moment in history, the Church must be bearers of hope, truth, and healing, especially for those discouraged by the nation’s present challenges.

Sto. Rosario Parish and the entire Archdiocese of Davao continue to stand firm in the belief that Christ, our Hope, walks with His people and will lead our nation toward renewal, peace, and justice. (Rev. Fr. Jesus Samaniego)