Honoring the Saints

This marks the fifth year that the Archdiocese of Davao celebrates a week-long program honoring the saints. It’s encouraging to see that some private companies are going out of their way to support this archdiocesan initiative. The program serves as an opportunity for evangelization, strategically held in popular centers of activity, such as NCCC Mall VP. It’s also a gentle reminder that, as we remember our departed loved ones in November, we should also honor the saints who have gone before us.

November 1 is All Saints’ Day, and November 2 is All Souls’ Day. We honor the saints not only because of their extraordinary lives but because they serve as the best examples of living a Christ-centered life. Saints Lorenzo Ruiz from Luzon and Pedro Calungsod from Cebu sacrificed their lives for Christ. Many other saints were martyred or endured sickness, hunger, or hardship, all out of a deep zeal to bring Christ to the world. The saints are like the flickering stars in the night sky—reminders of God’s beauty, peace, hope, and inspiration shining in the darkness.

This year’s celebration, held from November 10-17 in line with the 75th Anniversary of the Archdiocese, is a chance for all of us to draw inspiration from the lives of the saints. They lived lives of faith and courage, and they remind us that we, too, can strive to live in our own way for God. When you visit the display on the ground floor of NCCC Mall VP, prepare to be moved by what you see, hear, and feel—all for the glory of God.