Remember courage of our saints, dearly departed --- Marcos
By Raymund Antonio and Raymund Antonio
President Marcos joined the Filipino Catholic community in commemorating this year’s All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day as he reminded everyone of the “courage that our saints and dearly departed” have shown in taking on life’s adversities.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. (File Photo/MANILA BULLETIN)
In a statement on Wednesday, Nov. 1, the Chief Executive wished Filipinos would have a meaningful observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, two consecutive celebrations about Christian saints and the souls of the departed.
“As we celebrate the saints’ staunch devotion and the legacies of those who have gone before us, let us reflect on our purpose and our unceasing need for God’s guidance,” his message read.
“At the same time, let us remember the courage that our saints and dearly departed have shown amidst their plight so that we may be empowered to be bold in living with and for Christ no matter the difficulties that we face in this world,” it added.
Marcos asked that the “examples of faith” shown by the ancestors “bind us all in appreciating the joy of leading a virtuous life here on earth as well as in recognizing the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ.”
The President also underscored that the Filipinos’ “earnest obedience” to the holy obligation throughout the centuries gave birth to many traditions that Filipinos and their families continue until today.
These traditions, he added, display “the essence of the Filipino culture,” which is to give “utmost importance” to faith and family.
“This time comes as a refreshing gift, for we can also enjoy reuniting with our loved ones while receiving much needed nourishment for out spiritual lives,” he said.
All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day on Nov. 1 and 2, respectively, are special non-working days in the Philippines.
Usually, families would go to the cemetery or the columbarium where their departed loves ones were buried or inurned to visit. This serves as a reunion for many families who get together to pay their respects to their ancestors and loved ones.
While the two are related, All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day are separate celebrations, with the former being a celebration of all Christian saints, particularly those who have no special feast days of their own and the latter celebrates all souls and the call for God’s mercy.