Standing together with the Filipino people, the Louisian community gathered on 19 September 2025 at the Fr. Paul Van Parjis Event Center, Saint Louis University (SLU) Main Campus and Fr. Seraphin Devesse Plaza, Maryheights Campus for the “Wear White Friday” (WWF) campaign highlighted by a community Liturgy.
Beyond a ritual, the Liturgy stood as a symbol of unity with the Catholic Church and the rest of the country to strengthen the campaign for accountability in relation to the ongoing fight against massive corruption.
With the theme: “Life, Justice, Peace and Hope: Celebrating Faith Amidst Challenges in the Philippines,” the WWF initiative has reminded everyone to strengthen hope and faith in facing the nation’s challenges in government corruption, poor infrastructures and the impact of climate change.
In a statement, the University President, Rev. Fr. Gilbert B. Sales, CICM, noted that “today’s call for accountability transcends any and all religious, socioeconomic, and other apparent and even non-tangible differences. This call goes beyond all boundaries.” He remarked, “We are here not only because there appears to be a flagrant violation of our God’s commandments or of our nation’s Constitution. We are here because this moral crisis is eroding the soul of our nation. Foremost, we are here because this call against corruption is one that we make not only for ourselves, or for our family, but for the liberation of everyone against all whose greed equated to their blindness or deafness or intentional defiance towards the needs of our nation, of all our people.”
Meanwhile, SLU encourages the community to participate in the upcoming march against corruption activities on 21 September 2025 at 9 a.m. to be simultaneously held in Luneta Park, Manila and Malcolm Square, Baguio City.
The University is unceasing in its commitment to faithful service, true justice, and genuine nationalism. Photos by: Trisha Andreah Visperas (UIO Intern) and SAMCIS Dean’s Office | Article by: UIO and John Erick Cortez (UIO Intern)
