ILOILO City – All Saints’ Day (Nov. 1) and All Souls’ Day (Nov. 2) are feast days for the dead.
“What do the dead want from us? Isn’t it prayers? But what sometimes happen is that kita ‘ya ang nagapista,” lamented Father Angelo Colada, chairperson of the Archdiocese of Jaro’s social communication office.
Filipinos traditionally observe “Undas” with visits to the graves of loved ones. But what the Church celebrates as a solemn commemoration of prayer and remembering departed loved ones and the saints has turned into occasions of rather inappropriate practices such as gambling, excessive drinking, and the littering of cemeteries and other holy places.
On these two special days, said Colada, the living should offer sincere prayers for their departed loved ones.
He commended the local Philippine National Police for issuing an early warning to the public vis-à-vis the observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day in cemeteries.
Those playing loud music and bringing and drinking liquor in cemeteries would be apprehended, according to the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO).
“Let us be considerate and sensitive to others. Let us keep these days sacred and special,” said Superintendent Jonathan Pablito, chief of Police Station 1. “We remind ang aton citizens nga bawal ang inom, bawal ang bladed weapons.”
Colada said the Archdiocese of Jaro supports the police’s call.
“It is a reminder that what’s important on these two days is prayer,” he stressed.
Colada clarified that the Church does not prohibit family gatherings on Nov. 1 and 2 as these days offer a chance for families to renew ties. Still, he said, people should not lose sight of what’s essential on these days.
“Gina-encourage naton ang mga tawo nga magsimba,” said Colada./PN
