LIMASAWA ISLAND, Southern Leyte — The Franciscan College of the Immaculate Conception (FCIC) actively joined the diocesan pilgrimage to Limasawa Island in honor of the canonically crowned Our Lady of the Assumption, the titular patroness of the Diocese of Maasin, fondly called “Mahal nga Patrona.” The pilgrimage, held on October 15, formed part of the Diocese’s monthly Marian devotion observed every 15th of the month, which gathers the faithful to express their love and reverence for the Blessed Mother.
Students, teachers, and administrators from Catholic educational institutions across the Diocese gathered in prayer and solidarity, journeying together to Limasawa, the historic site of the first recorded Mass in the Philippines, to express their love and devotion to Mary. Representing FCIC were Sr. Annette Escasinas, OSF, Jie Lim, Ronan Esperanza, and Aldren Derecho, who joined other pilgrims in expressing deep devotion to the Blessed Mother.
The day’s spiritual journey began with a procession followed by the Cenacle Prayer, held simultaneously with the Sacrament of Confession, allowing participants to experience spiritual cleansing and reconciliation. A Healing Mass followed it, presided over by Rev. Msgr. Oscar Cadayona, the Vicar General of the Diocese of Maasin, together with other concelebrating priests. The Eucharistic celebration emphasized Mary’s intercession and her motherly care for all the faithful.
FCIC joined the pilgrimage with the intention of deepening Marian devotion within its academic and faith community and strengthening its Franciscan identity through active participation in the life of the local Church. The experience inspired the representatives to embody Mary’s virtues of humility, faith, and service, reinforcing FCIC’s mission to form academically excellent, spiritually grounded, and socially responsible individuals.
Through its participation, FCIC renewed its commitment to walk in communion with the Diocese of Maasin in honoring Our Lady of the Assumption, the Mahal nga Patrona, whose guidance continues to unite and inspire the faithful in their journey of faith.
By Jie Lim
