PASSAGES

On Monday, Oct. 31, we will again celebrate Halloween.

A western tradition that goes back to pre-Christian times. The pre-Christian celebration was celebrated Oct. 31 to Nov. 1.

As was the Church’s tradition, when a previously pagan people became Christian, a Christian holiday was placed on a sacred date. Hence, Pope Gregory II designed Nov. 1 as a time to honor the Saints of the Church, particularly the martyrs and the faithfully departed. The evening before All Saints Day was know as All Hallows Eve (Oct. 31). Because the pagan celebration was designed to ward off the shadows of the coming w...