In response to the call of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), the Saint Joseph College Educative Family (SJCEF), together with other civic and religious organizations, converged for a Holy Mass in commemoration of the 40th Anniversary of the EDSA Revolution on February 25, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.

Faculty members, students, and teaching and non-teaching staff from various departments gathered at the Maasin Cathedral-Shrine, upholding both integrity and solidarity as the Philippine nation simultaneously remembered how the love for the Philippines suffered in exchange for freedom. Various messages were visible around the Maasin Cathedral-Shrine, expressing their respective wishes, desires, and thoughts, advocating the protection of Filipinos’ democratic rights through artistically made placards.

The Holy Mass commenced with the prayer of the Holy Rosary. After reciting the rosary, the Josephinians faced the front of the Altar of the Lord as the Holy Mass started. Presided over by Most Rev. Precioso D. Cantillas, SDB, DD, Bishop of Maasin City. In his homily, Bishop Cantillas said:

“While remembering the 40th Anniversary of EDSA Revolution, we must return to its spiritual roots together with other Filipinos, reflecting faith in Jesus and Mary,” Bishop Cantillas said during his homily.

“The power of the rosary becomes stronger, as it is the first weapon, especially in helping others to go back or to return to God,” he added.

The Holy Mass ended with the acknowledgments from Rev. Fr. Jersen Jerome Paler, recognizing the people behind the success of the celebration.

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Words: John Joshua Virtudazo | The Josephinian

Photos: Mark James Calucin | The Josephinian

Adrian Cedric Mancera | The Josephinian