President Marcos —FILE PHOTO
President Marcos on Monday wished Filipinos a meaningful celebration of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, calling on them not only to remember their dead, but also heal their hearts and renew their faith as the country recovers from the pandemic.
In a message issued by Malacañang, the President described All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day as important Christian holidays that celebrate the lives of heroes of the Christian faith and the memories left by departed loved ones, adding, “both remind us to strive, live Christ-centered lives, and fulfill our life’s purpose until we meet our Creator.”
“The pandemic of recent years forced us to come to terms with our mortality. It taught us to number our days as we realize the uncertainty of our time on Earth. It made us contemplate what it truly means to live a meaningful life and to die free of regrets and at peace with oneself,” Mr. Marcos said.
“As we gain momentum toward complete recovery, I pray that our efforts to remember the saints and our late loved ones will bring healing to our hearts. May it likewise reinforce the foundations of our faith and compel us to live with genuine love and compassion in all of our days,” he added.
The President earlier proclaimed Oct. 31 as a special nonworking holiday so that Filipinos will have a longer weekend to visit their dead and spend more time be with their families. INQ