Divine Cosplay

A COSPLAY is an act of dressing up as a particular known character. People who do it often are called cosplayers. These people copy particular character’s outfits as well as their mannerisms and gestures. Our minds are attuned that the usual cosplayers are copying their favorite anime characters. During Halloween, people are so used to wearing witches’ clothes and dressing up like messy dead people.

However, the Davao Verbum Dei Media Foundation, Inc. through its event, Gallery of Saints wanted to remind Catholics that this coming November 1 is all about the saints. With this purpose in mind, the Divine Cosplay was initiated and on that note this year is now its third. The foundation headed by Most Rev. Romulo G. Valles, D.D., Chairman of the Board, indeed organized an out of the ordinary event for everyone.

The Divine Cosplay kids’ category was held last Tuesday, October 25, 2022 at exactly 4:30 in the afternoon at the 2nd floor of SM Annex Ecoland with the theme “Listening and walking with the saints”, wherein participants dressed up as their favorite saints. There were seven participants, and among them, entry no. 2, Mark Anthony A. Diaz Jr. from the parish of Our Lady of the Assumption was proclaimed winner, portraying St. Anthony of Padua. He indeed imitated the figure of St. Anthony as he gladly had a tonsure just like the real saint. As he said, he suggested the idea of shaving the top of his head to look just like his favorite saint.

Some parents shared their thoughts about why they encouraged their children to join this activity. The parents felt the need to involve their children in church activities while they are still young. They also think how they can share their faith to their children.

According to Most Rev. Romulo G. Valles Archbishop of Davao, during his interview after the Holy Mass last October 23, 2022, about the upcoming Halloween, he is concerned about what others are portraying or doing to promote Halloween activities such as wearing costumes that have horns, look like the dead, and performing trick or treat. He added, that the church does not teach nor promote these kind of activities.

Lastly, although the archbishop believes that this is only done just for entertainment, what is important is to do something good for oneself and also contribute to society and the church. With this divine cosplay, people are encouraged to live good and holy lives like the saints. Through this event we promote the real meaning of Halloween and also a deeper meaning of devotion to God by imitating the life of the saints. (Bro. Julius Lugay)