Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines Marks 40th Anniversary of EDSA with Call to ‘Remember, Repent, and Renew’

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has urged the faithful to “remember, repent, and respond with courage and love” as the country marks the 40th anniversary of the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution.

In a pastoral letter titled “Remember the Wonders the Lord Has Done” (Psalm 105:5), CBCP President Archbishop Gilbert A. Garcera called on Filipinos to reflect on the spiritual significance of EDSA and renew their commitment to justice, truth, and accountability.

“Forty years after we toppled a dictatorship that sought to prolong itself through electoral fraud, we hear the psalm today reminding us of the wonders that the Lord has done as we face today’s challenges,” the bishops said.

The letter recalled how, from February 22 to 25, 1986, millions of Filipinos gathered peacefully along Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA). The Church described the site as a “vast open-air cathedral of faith and peaceful defiance,” where civilians armed with prayers and rosaries confronted military forces, leading to the fall of the dictatorship in what later became known as the “Miracle of EDSA.”

According to the bishops, the uprising was not only a political turning point but also “a testament of God’s favor on His people,” sustained by unity, sacrifice, and prayer.

At the same time, the CBCP acknowledged that many of EDSA’s aspirations remain unfulfilled.

“We realize that we have squandered the gift of EDSA — the dawn of a new freedom. We became inured to it. We forgot that freedom is both a task and a duty,” the letter said, citing continuing poverty, corruption, impunity, and declining public trust in institutions.

The bishops called for repentance, urging Filipinos to examine their personal and collective roles in sustaining unjust systems. “Repentance demands that we confront our sins — our complicity in systems and structures that mock EDSA’s promise,” they said.

The CBCP also outlined concrete steps, including addressing impunity, supporting the passage of an authentic Anti-Dynasty Bill, promoting public accountability, and strengthening voter education in preparation for the 2028 elections.

“Let us support honest and competent leaders, mindful of the common good,” the bishops said, encouraging citizens to back those committed to genuine public service.

Describing EDSA as a “kairos,” or moment of grace, the Church emphasized that lasting reform requires both structural change and personal conversion.

“All these require a revolution of the heart,” the letter stated. “We must first see these changes in our homes, parishes, institutions, and communities.”

The pastoral message concluded with a prayer to the Blessed Virgin Mary and encouraged parishes and dioceses to hold a triduum of Masses to mark the anniversary in a spirit of reflection and peace.