By Xander Ledesma
Fifty-five participants dressed as Catholic saints joined the first-ever March of Saints held by St. Anne Parish in Iloilo City’s Molo district, marking the observance of All Saints’ Day. The event, held on October 31 with the theme “Haló Wins,” aimed to honor the lives and virtues of saints as a positive alternative to traditional Halloween celebrations.
Rev. Msgr. Jose Marie Amado S. Delgado, Priest Moderator of the parish, emphasized the impact of the event, particularly on children, by instilling the belief that life is sacred and rooted in a mission given by God. “We want to start forming children with the understanding that life has purpose, as reflected in the lives of the saints,” he said.
Participants ranged in age from five to 75, including a 75-year-old portraying San Joaquin. The march featured saints chosen by local religious groups, ministries, and barangays, with special emphasis on the 16 female saints depicted within the church.
Rev. Fr. Angelo Colada, director of the Jaro Archdiocesan Commission on Social Communication, noted that similar events are being promoted by parishes throughout the archdiocese as an alternative to Halloween celebrations influenced by Western culture. He encouraged families to remember their departed loved ones on All Souls’ Day through prayer and by sharing stories that inspire future generations.
The March of Saints aims to shift the focus toward celebrating faith and virtue, fostering an inclusive environment where both young and old can connect with the values embodied by the saints.