All Souls Day in the Philippines

As Philippines is predominantly Catholic, most of the people today are commemorating the All Souls Day. Many people go to the cemeteries to visit the dead and offer flowers and prayers. The Cemeteries at this time has that festive atmosphere with all the familes and relatives gather together. As defined by Wikepedia , All Souls' Day commemorates the faithful departed. This day is observed in the Roman Catholic Church, churches of the Anglican Communion, Old Catholic Churches, and to some extent among Protestants. The Roman Catholic celebration is based on the doctrine that the souls of the faithful which at death have not been cleansed from venial sins, or have not fully atoned for mortal sins, cannot attain the beatific vision in heaven yet, and that they may be helped to do so by prayer and by the sacrifice of the Mass.

I'm personally not a Roman Catholic and I believe that once we die, our souls are immediately judged whether we go to heaven or hell. Our faith here on earth while we're still alive , determines our eternal destination. And as Jesus said in He who believes in me should not perish but have everlasting life. But back to All Souls Day, Filipinos take this opportunity also to gather and meet together as a family. It's indeed both a solemn and festive occasion and with some people eating and drinking as they stay overnight at the cemeteries.

photo taken from www.inquirer.net