Vatican Council for the Promotion of the New Evangelisation backs
The secularism which presently pervades western culture has put forward the thesis that it is better for one to live in the world as if God does not exists. This impetus to remove God has had tragic consequences in the lives of so many who have now lost themselves as a consequence of removing God from their lives. For this reason, I commend you on your 'Night of Light' initiative.
During his Wednesday Audience prior to the Solemnity of All Saints, Pope Francis has stated: "To be a saint is not a privilege of a few... all of us in baptism have the inheritance of being able to become saints. Sanctity is a vocation for everyone." May the 'Night of Light' initiative spark in the souls of many the desire to become saints.
Cardinal Rino Fisichella
President of the Pontifical Council for the promotion of the New Evangelisation, Vatican
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What is ?
The Night of Light,
is an international initiative to reclaim Hallowe'en for the church.
It is running in many, many countries in the world from Engaland to India, from Africa to New Zealand and Hungary to the United States, with uncountable numbers of people involved. Celebrations have taken place in small chapels and cathedrals in parish churches and monasteries in Schools, homes and on the streets.The
inspiration for it was received by Damian Stayne the founder of
the Catholic community, Cor et Lumen
Christi Click to see their website. The Night of Light has the endorsement of the Bishops Conference of England and Wales. Click here.
Why the ?
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 .
So what are the key elements of the ?
- 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!), and a picture of the Risen Christ 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.
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