Marcos: Honor departed loved ones through kindness

MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos yesterday called on the Catholic faithful to honor those who have passed through acts of kindness, compassion and service to others.

“I join the Catholic faithful and the entire Filipino nation in the solemn observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day,” the President said in his message.

Across the country, families troop to cemeteries to offer prayers and celebrate the lives and legacies of departed loved ones, Marcos said.

Some travel great distances for these visits, taking the opportunity to reunite with relatives and recall the moments they once shared, he added.

“Even in their absence, those we have lost continue to bring us closer together, keeping alive the bonds that have made the Filipino family and the whole nation resilient and strong through challenges,” Marcos said.

He also urged Filipinos to draw inspiration from the saints and from individuals whose sacrifices have sustained their communities.

“Their lives call on us to make the most of the time entrusted to us, and to find lasting purpose in every kindness we give and every burden we help carry for others,” he said.

“If we can make time to revere those who have passed, we can also make room to listen to those who struggle and let that same concern guide our society and the work of government,” he said. “May these solemn days bring peace to those who mourn and remind us to cherish those who remain.”

Manila Cathedral vice rector Fr. Viel Bautista, meanwhile, urged Filipinos not to limit their prayers for deceased family members to All Saints’ Day on Nov. 1 and All Souls’ Day on Nov. 2.

“We should remember them all the more as we celebrate the Eucharist every Sunday. Perhaps for those who celebrate the Eucharist daily, this is a good way to offer the mass for them,” Bautista said.

He explained that All Saints’ Day is dedicated to saints who once lived in the world as ordinary people and whose faith and good deeds made them examples for others to follow.

“They also struggled like us. What comes to be remarkable was their example in the midst of the many difficult things that they have faced. Their patience, their endurance, how they held on to faith and to their love of country in the midst of this, that’s why they became saints and their good deeds,” Bautista said.

All Souls’ Day, meanwhile, is dedicated to remembering the faithful departed and praying for the peace of their souls.

“Even though they are no longer in this world, our connection is to pray for them. We don’t know where they are now, only God knows how they were judged after they died. For them to attain eternal happiness in heaven, our prayers are a good source for the cleansing of their souls and eventually as they merit, they can reach heaven,” he said. — Bella Cariaso