Suffering With Joy

Using Halloween to show the Christian Faith

We hear the word “inculturation“ used a lot regarding our liturgical life, but what is the meaning of the word?  Let’s look at the timely example of Halloween.  Halloween as we know it today, was just such a pagan feast, originating with the Celts, added on to by the Romans, and finally, by the ninth century, becoming a celebration attached to All Saints Day. Here is ALLs information on a free stencil for pumpking carving, and here from Catholic Cuisine, are many examples of what they call “Saint-O-Lanterns”.   

Throughout the centuries the Church has always taken what was pagan and “Christianized” it.  All Hallow’s Eve or Halloween as we know it today, was just such a pagan feast, originating with the Celts, added on to by the Romans, and finally, by the ninth century, becoming a celebration attached to All Saints Day. 

For Catholic families, Halloween is an opportunity to witness to Christ in a public way without saying a word. Today children dress up as favorite saints, holding parties and celebrations where they perform skits and other entertainment for guests.  Also growing more common is the public display of carved pumpkins with pro-life and saint themes on porches, in front yards and in windows.  These displays can often become conversation starters for people to share their faith, or a prompt for someone to deepen his relationship with God. 

Christianity is the religion of life, of love, and of joy.  

And to sanctify our efforts to live a Christ-incultured life, remember the Morning Offering from the Apostleship of Prayer which you can view at their web site or on You Tube.

HT to Colleen Hammond.

Tags: Catholic Church, Halloween, liturgy, pro-life