PHILIPPINES: Filipino families visit graves of dead loved ones on All Saints Day

Record ID: 862674

  • Title: PHILIPPINES: Filipino families visit graves of dead loved ones on All Saints Day
  • Date: 1st November 2013
  • Summary: MANILA, PHILIPPINES (NOVEMBER 1, 2013) (REUTERS) HEROES CEMETERY GRAVE MARKERS MAN CARRYING FLOWERS WHILE WALKING WOMEN OFFERING FLOWERS ON TOMBSTONE FAMILY LIGHTING CANDLES MAN OFFERING FLOWERS AND LIGHTING CANDLE MEN SITTING (SOUNDBITE) (English) RETIRED GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEE VICTORIA CALVO SAYING: "I will pray for their souls to go to heaven so they could also enjoy b
  • Embargoed: 16th November 2013 12:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Philippines
  • City:
  • Country: Philippines
  • Topics: General,Religion
  • Reuters ID: LVAALX0862KWOSP4E8CY5OXX3PMV
  • Aspect Ratio:
  • Story Text: Filipinos visited cemeteries across the country on Friday (November 1) to pay respects to their loved ones on All Saints Day.
    The holiday in the predominantly Catholic country, sees millions flock to their provincial homes to be with families as they offer prayers to the dead.
    In Western Christian theology, the day commemorates all those who have attained the beatific vision, or direct communication to God, in heaven.
    Thousands of people visited the Heroes Cemetery in Manila, the resting place of military officials, and former Presidents of the Philippines.
    Retired government employee Victoria Calvo was visiting the graves of her two brothers who died defending the country during World war II.
    "I will pray to their souls to go to heaven so they could also enjoy being with the Lord in heaven," she said.
    Families lit candles, brought flowers, and offered prayers in front of the tombs of their loved ones, before sitting down for picnics beside the graves of their relatives. Some even spent the night, playing games or listening to music to pass the time.
    "As much as possible, we honour our loved ones on November 1 and offer prayers for their souls, which is important for them, as much as for us in the living," said Isabelita Iguiron, who frequently visits the grave of her husband and child together with her surviving family.
    The cemetery visits stretch to All Souls Day on November 2. Authorities say an average of 2 million visitors enter the cemetery gates in Manila during these two days.
  • Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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