UNDAS 2016

Even though there's no announced holiday nor long weekend to celebrate Undas this year, still the majority of people are visiting tombs today to celebrate the feast of All Saints and All Souls Day.

After attending the Sunday mass, we went to columbary to visit FILs vault. There's an organized program held at the columbary every year. The priest officiates the mass prayer for the dead and blessing of each vault along with the family members.

UNDAS 2014

Filipino Catholics usually celebrates “Undas” by gathering in cemeteries to pay respect to those who have passed away. Every year, our family traditionally visits my FIL’s vault in Caloocan. We also attend mass and offer prayers for the souls of our departed family and friends.

REMEMBERING OUR DEPARTED LOVED ONES

As part of our traditional celebration of the "All Saints Day and All Souls Day", we offered prayers, flowers and lighted candles to the tomb of my father-in-law. While for majority of our long lost loved ones buried in different places and not possible for us to personally visit, we lighted candles to our doorstep and offered a thoughtful, silent moment of remembrance.

REMEMBERING THEM.....

On All Saint's Day as early as 9:00 in the morning, we went to the Columbarium to visit MJMs grandfather. It is more practical especially for the kids to stay there because it is comfortable, air-conditioned and secured. The proceedings are also well-organized. There's a mass and blessing of the dead. Only smokeless candles are allowed inside. There is a dedicated place outside where you can lit incense and other candles. We offer some prayers and stayed there for a couple of hours.

Late in the afternoon at our home, we lit some candles in front of our doorsteps as part of our tradition. Then, another batch of candles were lighted again on All Soul's Day. These candles were offered to all the dear ones who passed away and have touched our lives during their existence.

As a family, we make it as our obligation to pay respect and remember the souls of all friends and loved ones who have died most importantly on this special day...