The Night of Light,
is an initiative to reclaim Hallowe'en for the church. The
inspiration for it was received by Damian Stayne the founder of
the Catholic community, Cor et Lumen
Christi.
What immediately comes to mind when you think of Hallowe'en? Probably,
like most people, it is the images of witches and ghosts and so
on, which belong to the dark world of the occult and magic - images
of darkness and death.
In
fact Halloween ('All Hallows Eve'), the evening of the 31st October,
is the vigil (beginning) of the feast of All Saints - the feast
in which we celebrate the glory of God in His saints. The victory
of light over darkness in the lives of God's holy ones in heaven.
Jesus is the 'Light of the World'. The saints lived by that light,
and became a beacon in their own generation. We too are called by
Jesus to live out this vocation - to be the 'Light of the world'
today.
Let
Christians reclaim Halloween for God so that it is transformed from
a night of darkness into a great Christian festival once again.
In this way, in years to come, when people are asked what immediately
springs to mind when they think of Halloween, they will think of
Jesus Christ and the glory of God in His saints.
They will think of a .
- A
vigil mass for the feast of All Saints
(including a collection in the mass for a charity serving the poor such as CAFOD as abortion and poverty are such a darkness in our world today).
- All
night Adoration of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament - to join
the saints in heaven in the worship of Jesus Christ the True Light.
- Treats
and fun for the children in celebration of All Saints and
the Light of Christ. Perhaps the lighting of a candle at supper
and sweets and fun events in families or schools, e.g. a bonfire
or dressing up as saints.
- Placing
a light in your window (safely!) as a sign to passers-by that
yours is a Christian household and Christ is your light.
- In
addition, some may like to wear a white item of clothing
as a symbol of their allegiance to Christ our light.
Many
will participate in all elements of the
but any involvement is greatly encouraged.
"Halloween
is the time to rejoice in God's glory displayed in His saints but
we have allowed it to become focused upon witches and devils. I
welcome this initiative to recapture it for Christ."
-
THE RIGHT REV. DOM AMBROSE GRIFFITHS OSB, BISHOP OF HEXHAM &
NEWCASTLE
"I
firmly endorse this very important initiative, which I am sure will
improve the spiritual health of the nation and advance the Kingdom
of Jesus Christ."
-
AN OFFICIAL EXORCIST OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH IN BRITAIN
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