Halloween

 AN OPEN LETTER TO ALL CATHOLIC FAITHFUL : A CALL TO DISCERNMENT THIS HALLOWEEN 

-Fr. Daniel Fernandes

My dear brothers ans sisters in Christ, Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ! 

I write this letter not to condemn, but in heartfelt concern and deep pastoral sorrow. As a Shepherd entrusted with the care of souls, it pains me profoundly to see that in recent years, even within our own Catholic circles — our gymkhanas, institutions, and social clubs — there has been a growing acceptance and even promotion of Halloween celebrations.

I must, in good conscience, speak plainly: Halloween, as popularly celebrated today, is incompatible with the faith we profess. What began centuries ago as a pagan ritual has retained its core — a glorification of darkness, fear, and the occult. The costumes, symbols, and practices of Halloween often mock what is sacred and normalize what is sinful. Scripture reminds us: “Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them” (Ephesians 5:11).

When Christians dress up as witches, ghosts, demons, or monsters, we blur the lines between light and darkness — and make sport of spiritual realities that are not to be trifled with. Many will argue, “It’s just harmless fun.” But can something rooted in fear, death, and superstition ever be harmless? The very themes of Halloween — ghosts, tombs, haunted spirits — are not just theatrics; they represent a fascination with death completely dissociated from the redemptive light of Christ. Our faith teaches us that death has been conquered! “O death, where is your sting? O grave, where is your victory?” (1 Corinthians 15:55). Why then, my dear brothers and sisters, would we revert to celebrating that which Christ has already triumphed over by His glorious Resurrection?

Even more troubling are the occult undertones that often accompany these festivities — Ouija boards, spirit summoning, mock rituals, and chants. What may seem like innocent fun can desensitize both adults and children to the reality of evil. We cannot call witchcraft and idolatry “fun.” Scripture warns us clearly: “Let no one be found among you who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or consults the dead. For anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord.” (Deuteronomy 18:10–12).

And what of our children, the future of the Church? By allowing them to dress as ghosts or demons, to speak of spells and haunted houses, we subtly teach them to trivialize the spiritual battle between good and evil. The psychological toll of

fear-based imagery and exposure to dark themes is often dismissed, yet its effects linger. Worse still, we risk forming young hearts to see evil as entertainment.

Let us also recognize the tragic irony of the so-called “trick or treat.” It is, in a deeper

sense, the Devil’s own mockery — tricking Christians into thinking they are participating in harmless revelry while he “treats” himself to their distracted souls.

How heartbreaking it is to see us, the redeemed people of Christ, taking part in a spectacle that mocks and caricatures His saving sacrifice!

Instead, dear friends, let us turn our gaze to the true celebration of this season — the solemn feasts of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day. These holy days call us to honor those who have walked faithfully before us and to intercede for the souls who have

gone ahead. They remind us of our communion with heaven, our call to holiness, and our hope in eternal life. These are days filled not with fear, but with faith; not with horror, but with hope; especially as we journey together in this Jubilee Year of Hope!

I appeal especially to our Catholic gymkhanas, associations, and youth groups: please, reconsider your choices. Hosting Halloween parties may seem trendy or profitable, but at what cost? Each event hosted in the name of fun chips away at the

witness of our faith. We are called not to conform to the world but to transform it. “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind” (Romans 12:2).

Dear brothers and sisters, the choice before us is clear. We can either celebrate the occult or celebrate Christ. We can either glorify the darkness or bear witness to the Light that no darkness can overcome. The path of discipleship is not always easy — it is, as Jesus said, a “narrow road that leads to life” (Matthew 7:14). But it is the only road worth walking.

As we approach Halloween, I urge you to choose wisely. Let your homes, schools, and communities radiate the joy of celebrating the lives of the Saints, not the pagan customs. Let us be a people who proclaim, in word and witness: Christ is our light, and in Him there is no darkness at all (1 John 1:5).

Yours in Christ, with love and prayer,

Fr. Daniel Fernandes, Mumbai.