CHAPLAIN’S REPORT
Beyond
pumpkins and
Halloween is not widely celebrated
in Australia – at least not the overly
commercialised version of Halloween that
we are so familiar with from American
literature and films. What is less well
known to many, however, is the connection
between Halloween and two key Christian
festivals commemorating the saints and our
departed loved ones.
All Hallows Eve (October 31)
The name Halloween is derived from a
shortening of All Hallows Eve. This festival
has its origins in the pagan festival of
ghosts
the dead, but was later adopted by the
Christian Church as a solemn day to be
spent preparing for All Hallows Day – now
known as All Saints Day. The word ‘hallow’
means holy, and so at this time of year
in the Christian Church we remember
the hallowedness or holiness of life, and
especially the lives of those now departed.
of commemoration. All Saints Day has its
origin with Pope Boniface IV who in the
7th century ordered that a day be set aside
for remembering and honouring all saints
together. In 1926 Pope Urban moved that
this day should be focused on those saints
who do not have a commemorative festival
of their own.
All Saints Day (November 1)
All Souls Day (November 2)
Throughout the year the Church remembers
on certain days the lives of many saints and
martyrs. However, there are many more
who go unnoticed but are equally deserving
Where the focus of All Saints Day is the
Christian saints and martyrs, All Souls Day is
set aside for the remembrance of the faithful
departed. It is a time for giving thanks for all
our loved ones, now departed.
Many Christian churches today combine
these celebrations of All Saints and All Souls,
and hold special vigils and commemorative
services. At Guildford Grammar School, we
hold a commemorative service each year to
remember past students and staff who have
died whilst a part of the school community.
In your own family, you may like to take
some time to remember and commemorate,
in your own way, all those whom you love
that now know the fullness of eternal life.
Rest eternal grant unto them and may light
perpetual shine upon them.
Blessings,
Amma Lisa
Chaplain
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