More than 60 young parishioners in a village here paraded as saints days before Halloween to honor the holy and remind their peers that All Saints’ Day is a celebration of faith – not fright.
The event, held on Oct. 26 in Barangay Bambang, was organized by the youth ministry of the San Isidro Labrador Parish Church under the theme ‘Kabataan Para sa Kabanalan, Sama-samang Naglalakbay Kasama ang mga Banal.’
Joshua Roque, parish youth coordinator, said 63 children and teens joined the ‘Parade of Saints’ to highlight the virtues and good works of holy men and women.
‘It is our duty to remind the youth that All Saints’ Day is a celebration of holiness, not horror,’ Roque told the Inquirer.
‘This is also our way of encouraging young people to live out the values exemplified by the saints in their daily lives,’ he added.
Parents also took part in the event. Among them was 35-year-old Ejhay Bautista, who dressed his eight-month-old daughter, Aevia, in a saint-inspired costume.
‘I want her to grow up close to God, so I’m letting her join faith-based activities like this even at a young age,’ Bautista said.
Participants who stood out for their costumes and creativity included John Manuel Carreon as Saint John Paul, Vince Harold Magpayo as Saint Aloysius Gonzaga, and Calista Miel Meneses as Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus.
Roque said the parade is part of the parish’s continuing efforts to strengthen the faith and spiritual connection of Gen Z parishioners through engaging and meaningful activities