Bishop nixes horror, trick or treat on Halloween

MANILA, Philippines — Junk the scary costumes and trick or treat, Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo said on Tuesday.

“[W]e are glorifying what is ugly, what is evil, what is bad and not appropriate,” the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines official said.

Halloween means “holy evening” and is meant to celebrate holy men and women instead of creepy creatures, he said.

To remember our departed, bring flowers and food, and light candles, which are “really a celebration of life,” Pabillo said. —Tina G. Santos