The Franciscan College of the Immaculate Conception (FCIC) Junior and Senior High School faculty embarked on a spiritual pilgrimage on October 29, 2025, visiting several sacred sites across the Diocese of Maasin. The day began with an early morning assembly at the Immaculate Conception Parish in Baybay City. The activity aimed to deepen the teachers’ faith, strengthen their bond as colleagues, and renew their commitment to FCIC’s mission of forming Christ-centered educators inspired by the Franciscan spirit.
Throughout the journey, the faculty visited various churches and Marian shrines in Southern Leyte—places that reflect devotion, simplicity, and faith. Each stop became a moment for prayer, reflection, and fellowship, allowing everyone to meditate on the Franciscan values of humility and gratitude. The pilgrimage was not just a physical journey but also a spiritual renewal, helping the teachers find peace, strength, and inspiration in their vocation as mentors and guides for the youth.
The pilgrimage was preceded by a Holy Mass on October 28, 2025, in honor of St. Jude Thaddeus, the patron saint of hope and perseverance. The Mass, presided over by Fr. Kyrel Ouano, was offered not only for the teachers but for all the faithful. In his homily, Fr. Kyrel spoke about the life and devotion of St. Jude, reminding everyone of the importance of faith, trust, and perseverance during difficult times. His message encouraged the congregation to remain hopeful and to serve God with sincerity and compassion. The teachers who attended found the reflection deeply meaningful as they prepared for their spiritual journey the next day.
This spiritual journey strengthened the sense of unity among FCIC educators and reinforced the school’s core values of Faith, Service, Excellence, and Stewardship. By nurturing the spiritual well-being of its faculty, FCIC continues to promote holistic education that fosters both intellectual and moral growth—aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 4: Quality Education, and SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions. The pilgrimage also paved the way for future formation programs that encourage both faculty and students to live out their Franciscan identity through compassion, simplicity, and service to others. The FCIC Junior and Senior High School Faculty Pilgrimage to the Diocese of Maasin served as a meaningful reminder that faith remains at the heart of education. Through shared prayer, reflection, and community, the participants renewed their mission as bearers of light and wisdom in the classroom. As FCIC continues to uphold its vision of excellence grounded in faith, this pilgrimage stands as a testament to the school’s enduring commitment to forming educators who teach not only with intellect but also with the heart of a true Franciscan
By Aldren Derecho
