Franciscan College of the Immaculate Conception (FCIC) joyfully unites with the Universal Church in observing the Jubilee Year of Saint Francis of Assisi, a special season of grace proclaimed by Pope Leo XIV. This momentous year commemorates the 800th anniversary of the Transitus—the passing of Saint Francis into eternal life—the beloved Poor Man of Assisi. It serves as both a historic milestone and a profound invitation to spiritual renewal, calling all believers to live the Gospel more deeply through humility, peace, simplicity, and loving care for all creation.
The celebration also completes a four-year journey commemorating significant moments in the life and legacy of Saint Francis, while offering the gift of a plenary indulgence to pilgrims who fulfill the conditions prescribed by the Apostolic Penitentiary.
On September 9, the FCIC Basic Education Department, composed of dedicated faculty members from the Grade School, Junior High School, and Senior High School, embarked on a blessed spiritual pilgrimage as one united community.
The sacred journey began at 6:00 AM with the celebration of Holy Mass at the Sacred Heart Convent in Baybay City, grounding the pilgrims’ intentions in prayer and devotion before proceeding to the other holy sites.
Throughout this meaningful journey, the educators visited eight holy sites chosen for their deep Franciscan significance: the Sacred Heart Convent in Baybay City; the Franciscan Handmaids of the Lord Chapel at Mount La Verna in Palo; Saint Francis of Assisi Parish in Pastrana; Saint Francis of Assisi Parish in Jugaban, Carigara; Saint Anthony of Padua OFM Novitiate House; Clarisa’s Capuchinas Sacramentarias; the Franciscan Hermits of Eucharistic Adoration in Ormoc City; and, finally, the FCIC Holy Trinity Chapel.
As Franciscan educators, this pilgrimage strengthened their commitment to the mission and shared heritage of the FCIC community. Visiting these sacred places allowed them to experience more deeply the spirit of prayer, peace, simplicity, and devotion that characterized the life of Saint Francis.
More than a journey from one holy site to another, the pilgrimage became an opportunity for reflection, fellowship, and spiritual renewal. Walking together as brothers and sisters in faith, the educators were reminded of their responsibility to nurture not only the minds but also the hearts and spirits of their students.
As they returned to their classrooms and school community, the pilgrims carried with them the blessings and lessons of the Jubilee—an invitation to live out the Franciscan spirit through service, compassion, humility, unity, and faithful care for God, one another, and all creation.
