Church appeals: Observe ‘kalag-kalag’ in proper way

CEBU, Philippines —  The All-Saints’ Day and All-Souls’ Day or simply “kalag-kalag” set today and tomorrow, respectively, should be respected and celebrated in an appropriate manner and not to be desecrated, Fr. Japhet Geonzon, assistant chairman on the Commission on Worship of the Archdiocese of Cebu said.

Fr. Geonzon said kalag-kalag is a reminder of how sacred life is and God’s purpose of our being and live it the way God want us to be.

“Ang petsa uno..bisan wa nato mailhi, o wala ma officially mailhi sa simbahan…mao nay gitawag ug those who belong to the church triumphant…Nakatagamtam na sa kahimayaan sa langit..apil na atong mga paryente, higala nga nag una na nato sa langit…Wa man ta masayod kung nahilangit na sila…Unsay atong buhaton? ato silang pasidunggan…Common na kayo ng na proklamar sa simbahan,” Fr. Geonzon told The Freeman in an interview.

As such, this has to be celebration the right way.

“Atong hinumduman nga ang menteryo and lubganan usa ka kampo-santo, balaan nga dapit..Mao na kay balaang dapit man..Nganong balaan man?..Kay ang naa diha mga binunyagan. So dili nato e-desecrate pinaagi sa pagda ug mga ilimnon, ang pag hudyaka, unya nakalimtan nato ang essense gyud sa kasaulugan,” added Fr. Geonzon.

In this point in time, masses should be offered with one attending it and not just pay for it.

Candles, flowers, food are also okay, but it should the most important of it all is prayer.

“Atong buhaton sa mga lubong sa atong mga minahal, mag halad tag pamisa, dili kay ang sobre ray atong e hagbong unya ta mulakaw…Sakripisyo man na, kanang halad sa sakripisyo, mao nay makatabang sa atong mga igsoon nga naa pa..Gitawag ug church suffering, naa sa atong gituohan isip Katoliko nga naa pa sa purgatory..aron makasulod sa langit,” Fr. Geonzon explained further.

Fr. Geonzon also hopes the way parents and other older people view Halloween will be changed.

“Subo kaayo pamalandungon nga no.1 promoter nga magsuot-suot ug bisti nga dili mao..Sukwahi sa unsa gyuy tinud-anay nga kahulugan sa kasaulugan sa uno og dos..Gitawag na siya Halloween kay gikan na siya sa pinulungan nga “halo”, unya “win”..Ang kabalaan unta ang mag madaugon ug dili ang mga kabati, mga yawan-ong simbolo..gisuotan nato ang mga kabataan ug mga sungay, gi make up pan nato ug di mao..dili na maoy atong gitudlo nila,” he stressed.

Instead, children have to be dressed up with dresses inspired by saints.

For the cemetery itself, Fr. Geonzon hopes that they respect the sanctity of the place.

“E-maintain unta nato ang pag respetar sa maong lugar..Likayan ang pagdala ug ilimnon ug likayan nato ang paghimo ug mga dautan og kagubot sud sa sam-ang ug sa mga menteryo nga atong adtuon…Dili ta magpatakag-labay..adto sa basurahan..Usa ka training sa mga batan-on..Kampo-santo man, balaang dapit..maintain cleanliness and orderliness..Dispose garbage properly para limpyo gihapon ang mga menteryo nato,” added Fr. Geonzon.

Security

After taking a short break from securing the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections 2023, the Central Visayas police are back in cemeteries to maintain security in line with the observance of the All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.

It is expected that today, there will be an influx of people in cemeteries as they visit their departed loved ones.

According to Police Lt. Col. Gerard Ace Pelare, spokesperson of the Police Regional Office-7, the police will be vigilant until the end of the Kalag-Kalag 2023.

PRO-7 Regional Director Brigadier General Anthony conducted an inspection of the cemeteries and terminals in Cebu City.

Together with the officers of the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) led by Police Colonel Ireneo Dalogdog, they first went to Carreta Cemetery then to North Bus Terminal, Queen City Memorial Garden, South Bus Terminal and Calamba Cemetery.

“Of course iyang gitan-aw ang morale sa atong mga tawo kay gikan man ta nag deploy for the election, the RD personally check pud the morale if our police officers are still physically okay but they have the proper mind set na hantod mahumana ng Undas,” said Pelare.

The CCPO has divided its police force. Those who guarded the election after dawn were rested and replaced by another who will guard the cemeteries.

The police also reminded the public that it is prohibited to bring liquor, weapons and loud sound systems inside the cemeteries.

The police also asked the public to plan the time when to go to the cemetery.

On people who plan to commit crimes, Pelare said that there are many police who are watching the criminals and they will arrest them.

There are also police assistance desks in place where people can approach regarding any problem. — (FREEMAN)