Pasay church hosts trick-or-treat with 'Be Like Saints' procession
Children participants of “Be Like Saints Procession (Photo courtesy of San Juan Nepomuceno Parish)
A Catholic church in Pasay City organized a unique treat-or-trick event featuring a “Be Like Santis Procession” to encourage children to learn about the lives of saints while enjoying the Halloween tradition.
The San Juan Nepomuceno Parish in Malibay, Pasay City hosted a unique and spiritually uplifting celebration, replacing the usual focus on ghouls and monsters with a tribute to virtue and faith.
Parish priest Fr. John G. Barro said the parish presented the “Be Like Saints Procession,” featuring 26 children dressed as inspiring figures from Catholic history.
He explained the project is driven by a powerful educational goal: to teach young parishioners about the heroic and virtuous lives of the Saints. Instead of being drawn to the dark themes of modern Halloween, the event encourages children to emulate role models who demonstrated immense faith, courage, and charity.
"In a world where children are constantly exposed to monsters and demons during the Halloween season, we want to offer a holy alternative," said Fr. Barro.
He emphasized that parish's message is clear: rather than focusing on Halloween's usual themes, being like saints is their way of trying to make Halloween holy again.
Each child thoughtfully dressed as their favorite saint, embodying the spirit of these individuals. This act of dressing up serves as a tangible lesson, allowing the children to learn about and connect with these spiritual heroes.