MANILA, Philippines - Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle on Friday reminded the faithful to remember and celebrate the deeds of the saints rather than indulge in Halloween parties.
Tagle said the observance of many of the Filipinos today of All Saints Day has been reduced to mere holding of costume parties which have become highly commercialized.
"Alam po ninyo ang Halloween ‘yan ay meron ding religious roots. Kaya lang katulad ng maraming religious activities, nahahaluan na ng iba’t-ibang elements kaya ngayon parang naging costume party na and for fun.
"Ang Simbahan naman ay hindi tutol sa pagkakaroon ng kaligayahan pero ilalagay sa lugar at lalo na huwag sana maaalis ang katangian ng ating celebration," the Cardinal told Church-run Radyo Veritas.
Meanwhile, Tagle said the staging of the March of Saints, spearhead by Infanta Bishop Bernardino Cortez, at the Manila Cathedral before the Sunday Mass.
The March of Saints featured the parade of young children dressed as saints.