Family Parade of Saints and Living Rosary
by Christian Celi - KFC Christchurch Central Coordinator
On the eve of All Saints Day, St Bernadette's Church in Hornby was filled with families celebrating Halloween the Catholic way. A Living Rosary was also held to mark the culmination of the rosary month.
For the second consecutive year, Kids for Christ (KFC), a ministry of Couples for Christ (CFC), organised this special event to honour the true meaning of Halloween, or ‘All Hallows' Eve.’ This is a time for us Catholics to remember the saints and be encouraged to follow their example of faith. It is a tradition we hope to revive for our children and families.
The evening began with a Living Rosary. Families prayed together, bead by bead, forming a powerful chain of prayer in honour of our Blessed Mother Mary. Children, parents, and other adults were dressed as their favourite saints. These included Padre Pio, St Monica of Hippo, St Claire, St Augustine, and Filipino saints like San Lorenzo Ruiz and Pedro Calungsod.
They joyfully and reverently processed into the church, with even a baby dressed as Santo Niño (Holy Child Jesus).
Fr Zani Pacanza then celebrated a vigil Mass for All Saints' Day, sharing stories of the saints and how they serve as a source of inspiration for kids, who are the future of our Church.
After the Mass, everyone enjoyed a time of fellowship, with children receiving
"treats" to add a bit of festive fun to the evening. It was a wonderful way to gather in faith, family, and community, reminding us all of the joy and inspiration the saints bring to our lives.
True to our mission to "Evangelise Kids, Enrich Families, and Renew Society", Kids for Christ is committed to making this meaningful celebration an annual tradition. We invite more families each year to join in celebrating Halloween with faith and purpose.
