PALO, LEYTE — Bringing spiritual focus back to the solemnity of All Saints’ Day, young Catholics across Palo, Leyte, gathered to honor the lives and virtues of holy men and women through the annual March of Saints.
Organized by the Palo Metropolitan Cathedral Commission on Youth, the religious procession and gathering served as a faith-centered alternative to commercialized Halloween festivities, encouraging the younger generation to draw inspiration from the devotion, courage, and service of the saints.
Portraying Virtues For The Modern Youth
Dressed in traditional robes and iconic regalia, local youth participants brought the stories of beloved patron saints to life through personal portrayals:
Emulating Mercy: 16-year-old Kristine Mae Balderia, who portrayed St. Elizabeth of Portugal, shared that stepping into the saint’s role offered a deeper understanding of charity and quiet service. She urged fellow young people to prioritize honoring holy role models over secular Halloween trends.
Guiding Faith In Modern Times: 19-year-old Frenz Cotejar, portraying St. John the Baptist, emphasized the role of saints as spiritual guides and intercessors, particularly as fewer youth actively participate in church activities. He noted that reflecting on the saints' courage helps strengthen the youth’s relationship with the Church.
A Universal Call To Everyday Holiness
The Palo Metropolitan Cathedral Commission on Youth highlighted that sanctity and Christian virtue are not reserved for historical figures, but represent a universal calling entrusted to every believer today.
Rather than viewing All Saints’ Day as merely a tradition of costumes and holidays, church leaders and youth organizers framed the event as an active reminder to live out Gospel values, practice compassion, and serve as living witnesses of faith within local families and communities across Leyte.
