How to deal with Halloween

 

Halloween is not a harmless children's festival, nor is it a ‘winter carnival’. Mathias von Gersdorff and the Association of Catholic Exorcists in Rome warn emphatically against this custom. And rightly so.

Its origins are pagan, and its connections to occultism and Satanism are all too clear.

Halloween is not a church festival!

Instead of dressing up as scary characters, we should cultivate truly Christian customs.

For us Catholics, 31st October is the eve of the Solemnity of All Saints.

Even if you may not have any evil intentions and consider it all to be fun, you are indirectly honouring Satan by supporting this ‘festival’.

So, what should we do instead?

1. Blessing graves, bringing candles and flowers for the deceased, and above all praying for them.

2. All Souls' Day indulgence from 1st to 8 November – let us help the poor souls finally attain the full vision of God!

3. In the past, there was a wonderful tradition of going from house to house on All Saints' Day singing in the streets and in front of shops. Hymns about Saints. With candles in your hands. Perhaps dressed as saints. What a wonderful contrast to the scary characters of Halloween who are only interested in their own advantage and some sweets.

How should we deal with Halloween when we are confronted with this?

1.     If Halloween is celebrated at school, explain to the relevant teacher or director that you do not agree with this and that your child will not be taking part in it. Sure, they will smile about us - but that is honouring.

 

2.   Welcome children who come to your door in a friendly manner and explain that we are celebrating All Saints' Day. You can give them holy pictures, blessed candles and medals or booklets about holy children.

Or place a basket with these items in front of your door and a sign saying ‘We are celebrating All Saints' Day’.

3.   Pray for the souls of the children, that they may not come to harm.