On February 25, Filipinos around the world commemorated the 40th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution, remembering the peaceful uprising that ended two decades of dictatorship in the Philippines in 1986.
The largely unarmed movement was sparked by an appeal from the late Jaime Sin, who urged citizens to gather along Epifanio de los Santos Avenue in Manila. Thousands responded, including priests, religious sisters, and lay faithful who stood before tanks and soldiers, offering prayers and rosaries. The revolution became a defining moment in Philippine history and a powerful testimony to the Church’s moral leadership, faith, and nonviolent resistance.
In Rome, Filipino priests, religious, students, and overseas workers marked the anniversary with a communal reflection on February 24 at the Collegio del Verbo Divino. The program, titled “EDSAmination of Conscience: Communal Reflection about Historical Honesty and Moral Clarity,” invited participants to revisit the revolution’s meaning in today’s social and political climate.
The gathering was spearheaded by Br. Armin Luistro, FSC, Fr. Jerome Marquez, SVD, and Fr. Albert Alejo, SJ. Participants shared memories and reflected on how the spirit of EDSA continues to challenge Filipinos.
In his opening remarks, Fr. Marquez emphasized that even far from home, Filipinos remain deeply connected to their nation. He described EDSA not merely as a historical event but as part of the Filipino moral conscience. Acknowledging ongoing divisions over justice and human rights, he called the gathering a space for courage, truth, and renewed love of country.
