All Saints Party Offers All Hallows Eve Fun

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Published on Wednesday, 28 October 2009 19:41

Halloween can be celebrated in more ways than dressing up as witches and goblins, and for many of the children participating in Saturday's festivities in the Ave Maria town center the emphasis will be on welcoming the next day's Feast of All Saints.

"Halloween falls on the last day of October because the Feast of All Saints or "All Hallows" falls on Nov. 1,"  writes Fr. Augustine Thompson, a Professor of Religious Studies at the University of Virginia. Fr. Thompson adds that  various cultures have influenced the holiday. For exmple, he says, the tradition of dressing up in costumes came from the French in the 14th and 15 centuries and the practice of asking for treats originated by English Catholics marking Guy Fawkes Day. Fr. Thompson's article can be found here.

Ave Maria's emerging tradition of celebrating an All Saints Day Party began last year and has expanded this year, sponsored by the Ave Maria Merchants Association in co-operation with the Quasi-Parish of the Ave Maria Oratory. More than a dozen games and activities, including a Halo Toss and the St. Francis Duck Pond, will be sponsored by the merchants in La Piazza beginning at 4 p.m.

There will be a Saints Walk around the Oratory at 7 p.m. after which Fr. Robert Tatman, the Ave Maria Parish Administrator, will give a talk about the saints and holiness for children and judge the costumes. Right, Fr. Tatman addressing the children last year.

Plenty of treats will be on hand and all children are welcome to participate in the costume contest at the oratory by coming dressed as a saint.

"We want to celebrate in ways that are fun, safe and also emphasize the meaning of this holy feast day," said Chelsea Allan, the owner of Ave Maria shop By Way of the Family, who organized this year's festival.

"We hope as many people as possible will come out to celebrate with us."