ON SATURDAY, Filipinos will troop the sanctuaries of our dead. For the rich and can afford, they usually lay their departed loved ones to memorial parks, mausoleums and columbaries while those who do not have such opulence, to Catholic or municipal cemeteries.
I am now in my adulthood and Undas has another meaning for me. It's the time to revere, honor and give respect to our loved ones who physically left this world and are now with the Divine Creator.
It is a once-a-year visit to the resting place of their remains to pray, to talk and to commune with them as we cherish each memory they left when they were still on earth. It's an opportune time to remember them and express our love not only during their stint in this world but even beyond their lifetime.
For a Catholic-dominated country like the Philippines, our closely knitted family ties trait with our kin is worth preserving. We always tend to show our endearment to our love relatives, friends and even acquaintances beyond their earthly existence.
I saw what All Saints' Day is in other countries and witnessed how much it differs from us. The Catholic Church has consistently encouraged the offering of prayers and Mass for the souls. Like any other Catholic activity, we should "religiously and faithfully" attend to the Undas not only for the sake of celebrating it but to express our unending love and pray for the souls of the departed.
Happy Halloween to all and may everyone appreciate and observe the sanctity and serenity of the Undas and the real meaning of visiting our lost loved ones.
~ Seasonal ~
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