





Get in touch
The parishes of the Blessed Sacrament and St. Bride's
Presbytery: 01792 892722
Mobile: 07458 305417
Hall Bookings: 01792 892722
Email: - Contact the Parish Office
The month begins with the celebration of All Saints which reminds us of Christ’s victory over the grave. The name Halloween comes from the eve of All Hallows – All Saints. Interestingly this past week someone asked Fr John Patrick what Halloween was all about. In pagan times this time of year marked the end of harvest time and the beginning of the dark period of the year. It was believed that the division between this world and the Other world was at its thinnest allowing the spirits of the Other world to return during this period in an active way. People used to leave out food for these spirits to appease them and therefore safeguard them and their livestock from the ravages of winter. The souls of deceased relatives were also thought to visit and families would set table places at meal times to welcome them in honour and as a mark of respect. When Christianity came to these lands many of the pagan rituals were adapted and Christianised. The feast of All Saints was initially celebrated at the end of Easter but eventually was moved to November as a spiritual means to re-affirm the message of Easter – that Christ has risen and so too all who have died and believed in him.