All Souls Day in the Philippines

Bus stations, domestic airports and highways started to get busy as travelers go home to their respective provinces to pay respect to their deceased loved ones. As a Christian country, Catholic, if I may, All Souls Day is a kind of religious observance devoid of social impact except for the short family reunion.

If there is a common observation on the first day of November by different cultures and languages, it is the giving of respect to the departed members of their families.

By now, tombs in the now-manicured cemeteries are repainted with the name of the deceased re-inscribed. Some keep vigil in the cemeteries camping beside the remains of their loved ones or sleeping on top of the grave.

This is where disrespecting the dead starts.

The unscrupulous bring along with them their music players and play loud music; play cards, drink spirits and even loosen up through dancing while others engage in "chismis" (idle talk).

What the Spanish friars taught us about All Souls Day centuries ago is still true today that we go to the cemetery to do a Christian act of piety by praying for the dead who may still be in purgatory and perhaps to remember the years when they were still around sharing with us their love. In case they are now with the Lord, we ask them to pray for us who are still struggling in this so-called vale of sorrow. The lighted sacramental candle before the tomb symbolizes Christ who is the light of the world.

Personally, if my recollection is true, I only went to the cemetery once when I was a boy to see how the day is celebrated. The priest prays the for every tomb or grave and sprinkles holy water.

I was asked if a grave unintentionally missed by the priest is included in the prayers. My answer is an absolute “yes”. Everyday around the world at the Eucharistic Prayer of the Mass, the priest prays "Remember our brothers and sisters who have gone into their rest with the hope of rising again.    Bring them all and all the departed into the light of your presence . . . " 

In that prayer, ALL (un-categorized) of the dead are included; no one is left behind.

So, why still go to the cemetery and do what is done on a day like this?

There is nothing wrong in giving respect to a pious practice done throughout the centuries. What is wrong is disrespecting the dead by doing the enumerated things earlier said instead of praying.

I hope that All Souls Days is observed the way it should be by going to Mass or offering a Mass for the dead. -30-

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Photo: Catacombs of Naples, Italy
Additional reading material: 
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