Saint Louis University (SLU) participated in the Diocesan Prayer March and Holy Mass Against Corruption Campaign on 07 October 2025, together with various parishes and schools under the Diocese of Baguio. SLU students and employees, led by University President Rev. Fr. Gilbert B. Sales, CICM, PhD, were among the thousands who joined the event organized by the Diocese.
Work, except those identified with exigent functions, and classes in the morning of 07 October 2025 were suspended by the University Administration to ensure unhampered participation in this meaningful undertaking.
The activity, which concluded at the Baguio Cathedral of Our Lady of Atonement, was a follow through to the University’s earlier involvement through its “Wear White Friday” campaign that reminded everyone to strengthen hope and faith in facing the nation’s challenges in government corruption resulting in poor infrastructures, among other societal problems. SLU also participated in the 21 September 2025 national Trillion Peso March through the “Baguio-Benguet Laban sa Korapsyon: Tama na, Sobra na BAGUIO-BENGUET KILOS NA!” On 20 September 2025, Louisian-students also held a walkout protest against corruption.
The Diocese of Baguio, under the guidance of Most Rev. Rafael T. Cruz, D.D., Bishop of Baguio Cathedral, led a Community Prayer March and Holy Mass against corruption, urging for a morally upright Philippines guided by truth, justice, and integrity. The activity aimed to unite the faithful in prayer for moral renewal in society and government. This public expression of concern highlighted the deep wounds of the nation, particularly corruption and social injustice that cause suffering among Filipinos. The gathering was convened on the feast of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary, Queen of Peace.
As the celebrant of the Holy Mass and Bishop of Baguio, Most Rev. Rafael T. Cruz, D.D. emphasized that the religious activity was a call to repentance and a prayer urging those involved in corruption to take accountability for their actions. “Sana itong mga ito ay liwanagan ng Diyos ang kanilang isipan at makita nila ang kanilang masasamang ugali, kasakiman, pagnanakaw at mga korapsyon,” Most Rev. Cruz said. As a lay faithful, he also said that we should take action by praying. “Sa pamamagitan ng ating panalangin, pinapaalalahan natin ang mga nagkasala,” he added.
Further, SLU President, Rev. Fr. Gilbert B. Sales, CICM, PhD said, “This rally is very important especially to our young people… So here we are, expressing our indignation, expressing our anger at what is happening in our society today. There is hope, and I think the hope is our young people who are all amassed today in this Cathedral. They are our hope and they will be the ones to choose and relent our next generation of officials and I hope that they will be able to think, reflect on who the good government officials will be — good legislators who will really fight for the resources of the country and especially that it goes to the beneficiaries, the poor in our country. This day is very special for all of us – for all of us Catholics, all of us religious, and for all our Christian brothers and sisters who are in the schools.”
The mass concluded with the National Day of Prayer and Repentance, otherwise called the National Cry for Mercy and Renewal, under the call of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) through leadership of CBCP President Cardinal Pablo Virgilio S. David.
Additionally, Bishop Cruz announced that the Baguio Cathedral will be inaugurated as a First Shrine of the city following its solemn recognition and elevation as a Diocesan Shrine on the 21st day of November 2025.
Through this initiative, SLU consistently upholds its mission by actively participating in calling for accountability and integrity. Through unity in prayer and action, the university promotes accountability, transparency, and justice. (Article by: John Erick Cortez, UIO Intern | Photos by: Clark Justin Alenso and Reijn Albert Vir Valdez, UIO Interns)
