'March of Saints' marks All Saint's Day observance in Iloilo parish
2024-Nov-01 08:00
MARCH OF SAINTS. Participants dressed up like Catholic saints hold a religious procession around Molo Plaza on Thursday (Oct. 31, 2024) to celebrate All Saints' Day. Rev. Msgr. Jose Marie Amado S. Delgado, PC, Priest Moderator, in an interview, said they are trying to present a more positive option, which is to commemorate the life and examples of saints. (PNA/PGLena)
ILOILO CITY – Fifty-five participants dressed up like saints of the Catholic Church joined the first March of Saints of the St. Anne Parish in this city's Molo district, with the theme "Haló Wins," marking the observance of the eve of All Saints' Day on Thursday.
In an interview, Rev. Msgr. Jose Marie Amado S. Delgado, PC, Team Ministry, Priest Moderator, said the activity has a huge impact on children because at a young age, it is being instilled in their consciousness that their lives came from God and they should treat it as sacred, emulating the lives of saints.
"This is formation catechesis. We wanted to reach out to children to start their lives with a mission that life is not neutral. There is a purpose why He has given us life. That is our mission of being a Christian. The summit of that kind of life can be seen in the lives of the saints," he said.
The activity was joined by a five-year-old participant as the youngest and a 75-year-old as the oldest, portraying San Joaquin.
The participants were chosen by religious organizations, ministries, and barangays covered by the parish. The 16 female saints that can be found inside the church were prioritized.
"We encourage the community to reflect on this more deeply; that this is not only for children. As you can see, we have youths and the elderly. We would like to be inclusive in presenting this kind of activity in the church in connection with the celebration of All Saint's Day," he added.
Delgado said they are trying to present a more positive option for the community to rethink other celebrations.
He said that the celebration should not instill fear, although there are celebrations that are innocently celebrated.
"We are trying to present a more positive option. So, for them to make decisions, by exercise of their own free will, they choose the appropriate celebration, which is to commemorate the life and examples of saints," he added.
Not influenced by Western culture
Rev. Fr. Angelo Colada, director of the Jaro Archdiocesan Commission on Social Commission, said that the march or parade of saints is an initiative of parishes.
Under the archdiocese, some parishes have long been observing the activity, while others are new.
They wanted to popularize the activity instead of Halloween parties, influenced by Western culture, and instill fear.
"We are destructed from the essence or the real meaning of the celebration, which is our aim for the Kingdom of God and the invitation to live a sacred life," Colada said.
He added that on Nov. 2, which is All Soul's Day, the best way to remember them is through prayer and attending Mass.
"Pray as family as we remember our departed loved ones. And sometimes in our sharing, we can also share with the younger generation the lives of those who passed so they will be inspired and get to know more their values," he said. (PNA)