Bringing Back Holiness in Halloween

Children at the March of Saints earlier at
the Santo Domingo Parish

I did not grow up getting dressed as a Disney princess to go knocking at doors to collect candies on All Hallows Eve. I have experienced trick-or-treating about twice, not as a child, but as a teenager; and have gone to several Halloween parties. 

The annual fright fest was not always part of the culture in the Philippines, at least as far as I remember my childhood. The current tech-savvy generation however is probably well acquainted now with the Sandman, Jack the Ripper, the Boogeyman, Jack-o-Lantern, and perhaps even the Grim Reaper. I wasn't when I was younger.

The contemporary celebration focuses too much on horror, violence and the culture of death. (and consumerism!) But it wasn't always so. It isn't what Allhallowtide is about.

All Saints' Eve is a precursor to the celebration of the solemnity of All Saints, which commemorates all the holy men and women enjoying the beatific vision in heaven. 

Saint Pedro Calungsod and
Saint Dominic de Guzman

Earlier today I participated in the March of Saints at the Santo Domingo Parish. I did not dress up as my favorite Saint, but I was there to show support to the parish in their effort to teach the faithful about why we celebrate Halloween. Rev. Fr. Ching Salibay, OP, the parish priest, said that it was the first time they have organized the activity, and hopes it becomes an annual affair. (It was my first time to witness one, too!)  

The aim of the activity was to make people aware that we do not celebrate ghosts, warlocks and the devils on this day, but remember in a special way the people who have gone before us~ the Church Triumphant. The saints and martyrs are our models of Faith and charity. We remember how they have lived and persevered in fighting the good fight till the end, and how by their good example we can draw inspiration from. It is not easy to be good; especially when beset with trials and temptations. Fr. Ching also said that we can look to the Saints for encouragement, because in them we find that the imperfect can become perfect. (Think of Saint Peter, Saint Paul. Saint Thomas, Saint Augustine and Saint Mary Magdalene, among many other awesome saints!)

(L-R) Saint Peter Verona, Blessed Margaret of Castello,
Saint Rose of Lima and Saint Therese of Lisieux
(Saint Joan of Arc is not in the picture)

There were 34 children who came dressed as saints. There was a procession around the neighboring streets of  Santo Domingo at around four in the afternoon, followed by a short program. The parents of the children expressed approval and appreciation for having an activity geared towards giving the little ones a catechism about the saints and heaven.

Five children were given recognition for being able to best portray their saints. They were all too happy to have received their prizes.  Everyone got candies and treats of course! Each child took home a bag full of goodies and gifts from generous donors.  One of the children said he looks forward to the March of Saints in 2015 and shall definitely take part in it again. 

I hope next year there will be less goblins, vampires, witches and devils come Halloween. As Christians, we should not be ashamed and afraid to express our Faith. It's about time we embrace Halloween as a festivity that will counter the Culture of Death. Through it, we can also share the Light of Christ and proclaim His victory over sin, death and the devil!