Catholic schools reject Halloween parties

ANTICIPATING numerous Halloween parties this week, the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP) discouraged its member-schools from organizing their own.

In a radio interview, CEAP President Fr. Greg Banaga said they believe that Halloween parties should be avoided since they are not part of Christian holidays that are being taught.

“Iwasan natin ang mga ganyan Halloween party kasi hindi naman Christian holidays,” said Banaga over Church-run Radio Veritas.

There are some 1,345 Catholic schools nationwide registered as CEAP members, including Ateneo de Manila University, Colegio de San Juan de Letran, University of Santo Tomas, and San Beda College.

Halloween is a western holiday celebrated every October 31 as a way of commemorating the festival of the dead with some believing it has pagan roots.

Among the more popular Halloween activities include trick-or-treating, where children are dressed as scary characters while going house-to-house; holding costume parties, also of scary characters being exhibited; watching horror films; visiting haunted attractions; and ghost story telling.

Instead, Catholic schools are being urged to focus on highlighting the importance of the All Saints and All Souls Day.

“Ang dapat nating i-focus ay yung November 1 at November 2, where we commemorate and we celebrate and honor our saints and departed loved ones,” said Banaga.

Banaga said students must be taught how departed loved ones should be remembered, saying they are still members of the Church that gives them a special bond with the living. (HDT/Sunnex)