Filipinos observe All Saints' Day with graveside family reunions

Published: 2004-11-02

SAN MATEO, Philippines (CNS) -- The commemoration of All Saints' Day for the Belaro family centers in their home, where they keep the ashes of a family member who died two years ago. Many Catholic families in the Philippines traditionally honor deceased relatives on All Saints' Day, Nov. 1, by going to the cemetery, cleaning graves and keeping vigil. Some arrive the night before and spend the whole day at the cemetery, reported UCA News, an Asian church news agency based in Thailand. The visit can be prayerful or the occasion for a picnic.

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