Ghouls, Ghosts and Vampires... NOT! Want to know what Halloween's About?

By Juan Rodriguez - DHT

How many of us know the history of Halloween? For Catholics, Halloween is a special feast day of honoring Christians who lived a holy life or have been Martyred (a word used in our Church to describe a person who became a witness to Jesus). “A feast day?” you might be asking – yes, one that calls us as Catholics to learn about the saints and to try to imitate them in living a good life, a good life for Christ. It is sad that many of our Catholic youth know more about the comic book heroes than the saints of the Church. It is about time we emphasize this special feast day for Catholic youth and young adults.

The feast has a long history, but its name tends to bring up thoughts centered on spiritual evil when in fact the feast day is nothing at all what our secular culture makes it to be; Halloween comes from two words: Hallow, which means “Holy”, and “e’en”, which means “evening”. If it is translated literally it would mean “All Hallows Eve” or what we call today “All Saints Day”.

On November 1st, Catholics remember the saints with a “Solemnity Mass”; a mass that is celebrated with great importance by having beautiful decorations, music, the use of fine sacred vestments (special clothing that bishops, priests or deacons wear when celebrating mass), and more. On this day all the saints that are known and that are unknown are remembered to help Catholics, young and old, live a more holy and fruitful life in Jesus Christ.

In ancient times, Christians celebrated the memory of the saints and martyrs in their parishes, and then in their dioceses. It had been recommended by some of the saints of that time to combine feast days of the martyrs because the names of the saints grew in numbers. One saint in particular was St. Basil of Caesarea in the year 397 A.D. who wrote a letter that encouraged the bishops of Pontus to join the commemoration of the saints and martyrs for one day, that way all Christians can celebrate this special feast day.

So it began with individual churches, then its popularity grew in dioceses throughout the Christian world. Later Pope Gregory IV made it official that the entire Church should honor the saints on November 1st.

Let’s keep this in mind – Halloween is a Catholic Feast Day!

We at DHT would like to provide resources and information on this feast day, encouraging Catholic youth and young adult leaders, parents, Catechist teachers, religious leaders, and the clergy to make this Halloween special. Let’s take back this special feast day and make it Catholic again!

Here are some articles for history, pastoral plans and ways to celebrate Halloween.

- Halloween and its Christian Roots: By Susan Hines-Brigger
(St. Anthony Messenger)
- Witches, Ghosts and Magic - What Catholics Believe:
By Page Zyromski(St. Anthony Messenger)

- How Halloween Can Be Redeemed: By Page Zyromski (St. Anthony Messenger)
- Holyween - Reclaim the Celebration of All Saints: By Fr. Vincent Serpa O.P. (Catholic Answers)
- Smashing Pumpkins: By Brian Paul (Envoy Magazine)