Archbishop Romulo G. Valles of the Archdiocese of Davao is inviting the Dabawenyos to join the Archdiocesan Penitential Walk and the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass on Saturday, October 25, 2025, as part of the National Day of Prayer and Public Repentance called by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP).
In his message, Valles urged the people of Davao to unite in prayer and humility, seeking God’s forgiveness and healing for the nation amid what he described as “unprecedented massive corruption” affecting the country.
“As God’s people in Davao, let us manifest our unified act of prayer and repentance. In humility, we ask the Lord to heal our land, even as we express our deep concern over the massive corruption that we see today plaguing our nation,” he stated.
“We echo the CBCP’s call to make corruption shameful again — ang pagpangawkaw makauulaw,” he added.
The Archdiocesan Penitential Walk will begin at 4:30 a.m., preceded by introductory prayers. There will be three starting points for participants: coastal road Tulip road open space – for the Sacred Heart, La Purisima, Sto. Rosario, and San Pablo Vicariates, ACLAIM members, and Catholic schools; Magsaysay Park for participants from the Sta. Ana, Immaculate Conception, and St. James Vicariates and Doña Vicenta Park for the San Pedro Vicariate.
All groups will converge at St. Peter’s Square, particularly at the Agila Stage along San Pedro Street (fronting Unitop), where the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass will begin at 6:00 a.m.
Valles reminded the participants to wear white or attach a white ribbon if wearing other colors, bring a rosary, candle, drinking water, and an umbrella or raincoat, bring their own provisions for breakfast, and backpacks will not be allowed for security reasons.
He added that all GKK servant-leaders across the Archdiocese are expected to attend.
Valles announced that there will be no 6 a.m. mass in all parishes and public chapels across the Archdiocese, except in monasteries such as the Pink Sisters and Carmelite Nuns.
“Let us come together as one family of faith — walking humbly with the Lord, praying for forgiveness, and committing ourselves anew to honesty, integrity, and justice,” Valles said.
