On October 30, 2024, Franciscan College of the Immaculate Conception (FCIC) celebrated the culmination of Holy Rosary Month with a solemn tribute to the Blessed Virgin Mary and the saints. Organized and prepared by the Sisters of St. Francis, the event combined prayer, musical performances, and reflections, bringing together students, faculty, and staff in a powerful expression of faith and unity. The day’s activities reminded the community of the virtues embodied by Mary and the saints and encouraged all to carry these values forward.
The day began with a reverent Parade of Saints, where students, dressed as saints, processed around the school grounds and outside the campus accompanied by floats bearing an image of Mother Mary. Each student portrayed the life of a chosen saint, demonstrating compassion and dedication to God’s will. The procession inspired all present to consider how the saints’ faith-filled lives serve as examples for everyone, reminding attendees of the universal call to holiness.
Upon returning to the gymnasium, the celebration continued with an invocation by the Poverello Choir. Sister M. Gabrielle Dela Peña, OSF, welcomed the community, offering words of encouragement that emphasized Mary’s guiding presence and motherly love. The highlight of the program, Harana kay Maria, then followed—a musical tribute honoring Mary through beloved Marian hymns. The Grade School students began with Reyna sa Pilipinas, a tribute that celebrated Mary as the Queen of the Philippines and asked for her protection over the nation. Junior High students performed Our Lady of Fatima, capturing the spirit of Mary’s call for peace and reconciliation through her Fatima apparitions. Senior High students sang Awit sa Ina ng Santo Rosario, celebrating Mary’s intercessory power through the rosary. Finally, College students concluded with Stella Maris, an ode to Mary as the “Star of the Sea,” guiding the faithful through life’s uncertainties.
A solo performance was then performed, where Mr. Pada presented a tribute to Mary’s reverence. This was followed by the Chosen Look-Alike segment, where students dressed as saints, Mary, and angels, each embodying the virtues of their chosen figures. Afterward, the winners of Harana kay Maria were announced, with the Grade School taking first place, followed by College, Junior High, and Senior High in second, third, and fourth places, respectively.
Sister Mary Michael Bactong, OSF, delivered the closing message, expressing her gratitude for the community’s devotion and participation. She reflected on Mary’s virtues of obedience, simplicity, and silence, encouraging everyone to emulate Mary’s response to God. “Do not be afraid when God calls us,” she said, reminding attendees that, like Mary, all are called to respond to God with courage and faith.
The program concluded with a Holy Mass celebrated by Rev. Fr. Vicente Alpeche, who provided a homily on the sacred significance of Halloween. He emphasized that All Hallows’ Eve is a time for honoring the saints, not a secular costume celebration. “Halloween reminds us of our call to holiness,” he explained, reminding students that the day’s focus is on honoring those who have gone before us in faith. Father Vicente also highlighted the steadfast love of mothers, drawing a parallel to Mary, whose love remains constant and whose guidance, like that of all mothers, seeks only the best for her children.
As the event drew to a close, the FCIC community left with a renewed commitment to Mary’s virtues and the faith values embodied by the saints. Through prayer, reflection, and celebration, the culmination of Holy Rosary Month served as a reminder of the strength and guidance that the Blessed Mother offers and the path to holiness she illuminates for all.
