The Vatican’s top exorcist would really like you to stop celebrating Halloween. Instead, Father Francesco Bamonte – who heads the International Association of Exorcists – is urging Christians to celebrate Halloween’s Catholic neighbor, All Saints’ Day.
Father Bamonte says that unlike Halloween, much of which was cribbed from ancient Celtic harvest festivals, All Saints’ Day is a Catholic holiday in honor not of darkness, but of goodness.
Halloween, he says, is not “a playful and innocent celebration or a secular occasion,” but rather “the representation of a pagan religious celebration: the Samhain festival originating in the Celtic world.”
Bamonte argues the modernized version, filled with scary flicks, jack-o-lanterns, and candy corn, is “rooted in magic, horror, and death, unlike Christianity.” It’s also “closely linked today to dark realities such as witchcraft and satanism.”
It’s clear that Father Bamonte is feeling the holy spirit rather than the Halloween spirit.
So, what is the holiday he says Christians should celebrate instead?
What Is All Saints' Day?
All Saints’ Day, also known as the Feast of All Saints, is one of the oldest and most universal feast days in the Catholic Church, honoring Catholic saints who have passed.
In a way, All Saints’ Day serves as a spiritual counterweight to Halloween’s fascination with the macabre. Where Halloween revels in ghosts, goblins, and the thin veil between the living and the dead, All Saints’ Day reminds the faithful that death is not the end but a beginning, a passage toward eternal life.
Its origins date back to the early centuries of Christianity, when local churches would commemorate martyrs who had died for their faith. In the 7th century, Pope Boniface IV consecrated the Pantheon at Rome to the Virgin Mary and other saints, establishing the first All Saints' Day on May 13th.
In the 9th century, Pope Gregory IV formally moved the official date of All Saints' Day to November 1st.
Why Is All Saints' Day on November 1st?
The choice of November 1st may have had both practical and symbolic roots. For example, Pope Gregory III had previously dedicated a chapel in St. Peter’s Basilica to all the saints on that date, and the feast soon spread throughout Europe.
But could there have been an ulterior motive? Many scholars suggest that the Church intentionally placed the celebration near the time of the pre-Christian Celtic festival of Samhain in order to encourage a Christian alternative to pagan seasonal observances.
Over time, they hoped the pagan festival would fade into obscurity as more and more people adopted conveniently-located Christian traditions. They were right – for a time.
How Is All Saints' Day Celebrated?
Traditionally, Christians attended candlelit vigils on this night of fasting and prayer in honor of the saints and their sacrifices. Following this ceremony, they'd visit graveyards and honor the dead by placing candles and flowers on graves of lost loved ones.
Today, Catholic churches and cathedrals hold service on November 1st, honoring the “communion of saints” with both reverence and joy. Churches are often adorned with candles, flowers, and relics of prominent saints.
The following day, November 2nd, All Souls’ Day, is dedicated to praying for the faithful departed who have not yet reached heaven, linking the two feasts in a profound meditation on life, death, and redemption.
What Is the Connection Between Halloween and All Saints' Day?
While All Saints' Day may have cribbed its date from the pagans, Halloween's name comes straight from All Saints' Day. The name "Halloween" derives from "All Hallows' Eve," the night before All Saints' Day.
Therein lies a small irony in this story. While early Christian leaders worked so hard to steer people away from pagan festivals and toward biblical ones, in the end they (unintentionally) helped to brand and promote a massive commercial and spiritual holiday that some Christians argue is a direct threat to their faith.
Despite Halloween's global popularity, All Saints’ Day hasn't gone away. In fact, it remains a vital expression of Catholic faith across the world.
But there are also interesting examples of how the two holidays are intertwined:
Is All Saints' Day the Same as Day of the Dead?
In many cultures, All Saints' Day is a day of remembrance – families visit cemeteries, light candles on graves, and honor loved ones who have passed.
With that context, it would be tempting to assume a direct connection between All Saints' Day and the Mexican holiday Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). But in fact, they are completely separate holidays.
While both celebrations focus on honoring and remembering loved ones who have died, Day of the Dead has distinct roots in indigenous Latin American culture and is not a Catholic holiday (nor is it related to Halloween).
Whether you spend this season handing out candy, honoring departed loved ones, or skipping the whole thing altogether, these competing holidays offer a shared reminder: darkness and light are both part of the human story.
29 comments
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Josalyn Jackson
I'm Glad that I'm Informed about this new holiday and the history of each day. it's Going to be very interesting to see how things play out in the future.
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Gerard Anthony Ritchie
'Bamonte argues the modernized version, filled with scary flicks, jack-o-lanterns, and candy corn, is “rooted in magic, horror, and death, unlike Christianity.”
And what is the primary symbol of Christianity? A man crucified and dead/dying on a cross with a hole in his side where somebody stuck a spear into him!
And that is not a symbol rooted in horror and death?
Hahahahahahahaha! Obviously father Bamonte doesn't get irony.
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James K Blatchford
Yes crucifixion is gruesome, but the real celebration (symbol in your terms) is Jesus being raised from the dead, walking among the living and ascending into heaven!
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Michael Kinman
Thou Shall Not Bare False Witness. The LORD Rebukes you!
Jesus is LORD!
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Michael Kinman
Jesus is LORD. Matthew 4:7-11 He told your father to his Face. Thou Shall Not tempt the LORD thy GOD. “Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; and saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.” Matthew 4:7-11 KJV https://bible.com/bible/1/mat.4.7-11.KJV
“But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.” Matthew 16:23 KJV https://bible.com/bible/1/mat.16.23.KJV
“And he spake that saying openly. And Peter took him, and began to rebuke him. But when he had turned about and looked on his disciples, he rebuked Peter, saying, Get thee behind me, Satan: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but the things that be of men. And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it. For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” Mark 8:32-36 KJV https://bible.com/bible/1/mrk.8.32-36.KJV
As it is Written!
“For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: and if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. THE END” Revelation 22:18-21 KJV https://bible.com/bible/1/rev.22.18-21.KJV
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Roy S. Thorpe
Having read the comments, I can see a portion of people have read and understand what the Catholic Church did in the guise of religion! The priests and nuns who did those horrible things and all those who covered it up for centuries will receive their "rewards" in the end! And to tell people how to live their lives really takes the cake!
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Ben
Comment removed by user.
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Tom Herman
Christianity has deep roots in the ancient Roman Empire where the dictator declared what people were to believe and do. Once you understand this is secular and not divine it is easy to understand the rest. Monarchs, Kings and the Papacy ruled through fear and domination. To establish their dominance the church killed thousands to establish itself. People will believe what works for them. Society develops when tolerance of others is the rule. For me, I enjoy everyone's holidays. We should not keep children from trick or treating as that activity helps groom good socializing skills.
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Ben
The composite Christ is a Johnny come lately solar archetype.
https://youtu.be/faILHU82-Cw?si=kFOqkI5Ixj-UDSi2
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Mary Lynne Lightowler
This is from Google AI: " All Hallows Day, also known as All Saints' Day, is a Christian feast day on November 1st that honors all saints, both known and unknown, who are believed to be in Heaven. It is part of Allhallowtide, the three-day period that commemorates the dead and includes All Hallows' Eve (Halloween) on October 31st and All Souls' Day on November 2nd. The name "All Hallows Day" comes from the Old English word hallowed, meaning holy. " Blessings for us all this Allhallowtide!
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Patricia Ann Gross
All Saints' Day and Halloween are two completely different holidays celebrating two completely different things. All Saints' Day is a religious holiday (holy day of obligation in the Catholic church) to celebrate those saints who have risen to the title and honor. In Protestant traditions it celebrates the "communion of saints" which is anyone who has died and acheived eternal life (although we don't really know whether they did or not, only guess based on our own tradition's definition of what it takes to get there). Halloween, on the eve of All Saints' Day, is a secular holiday that celebrates all things spooky.
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Sally Jeanne Altobello
For the majority of people, Halloween is nothing more than a costume party, a night of fun, play, cider and candy. For most, I believe, there is no religious connotation. People need to get over it!
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Thomas J Kasprik
That is the absolute truth
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ULC Rev Paul
And Nov.2 All Souls Day. Is that related to Día de los Muertos? Just a different day?
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Delayne Charles Smith
Well there you have it the original date was May 13th which is 3 days after my birthday but then they had to change it to November 1st at least if it was October 31st it would be an inversion of my birthday but anyway it's all crap because it's lost it's true meaning because you originally had it on May 13th why would you move it to a day after Halloween. Just another Catholic tradition . I don't think traditions have much meaning once you change the date you lose the original significance love the way you start out that they would love for you to stop celebrating Halloween. It's like you're jealous you're doing something that's paying attention to something other than them you're spending money other than donating your money and time to them I don't like the Catholics much maybe you can tell
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Delayne Charles Smith
Kind of like Christmas you know you had to change that day too Jesus is not born on December 25th why do you Catholics do that?
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Brother Peter
I just know they are going to go after the Easter Bunny next. Guaranteed.
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Bishop William Dusenberry, DD
I was initially canonized and therefore became an official ULC saint, by the ULC’s founder (Bishop Kirby J Hensley) in 1969; and I was re-sainted for good measure, by the ULC in 2001. Ergo, I was able to take a religious holiday, every Nov 1, (which if occurred on the weekend, the following Monday.) After becoming sainted myself, I proclaimed Mother Theresa a saint, years before the Catholic Church did, and I still have her sainthood proclamation to prove it.
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James Riggle-Johnson
The Chief Exorcist at the Vatican wants us to stop celebrating Halloween and begin celebrating All Saints Day. I’d be more inclined to do it if the Vatican hadn’t moved so many child molesters from one parish to another to find more victims. They’ve lost all credibility in my book. Sorry, I’m in a mood today.
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Richard Veerman
I might add, in the absolute right mood. This is organized religion trying to recruit as many dumb people as possible, organized religion has its place to placate emotionally weak people but, make no mistake, it is a lucrative business that doesn’t pay taxes, wow, wish that I could have a slice of that pie.All the privileges of citizenship without paying a cent for the privilege.
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Ben
They don't have the credibility to be taken seriously at this point and besides - Halloween is simply the eve before the Day of the Dead which is also known as All saints Day. It's still practiced in Mexico City.
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Rev. Carol M Anaski-Figurski
Happy Halloween, aka Samhain Day & Happy witches new year 2025 & happy all souls & saints day All shall be celebrated. Maybe you should see bible characters walking around this holiday to celebrate it. witches, ghouls goblins & Jesus lol. All these holidays are either 10.31 to 11.1. Don't forget the time change is 11.2 fall back Turn your clocks back.
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John Alex Paxson
Different times, lands, beliefs, cultures, respect all, because we really do not know until we pass to the "Other Side".
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Reverend Paula Copp
All Saints’ Day has been recognized by the Catholic Church since at least the beginning of the Middle Ages… it’s the night when the veil between the living and the dead is the thinnest, but it’s not actually “honoring” the dead. As a witch, I feel strongly about misinformation regarding a holiday sacred to a growing number of pagans…
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Tom Herman
I agree with you. Too many attempt to negate what is sacred to others. In Catholism there is a distinction between All Souls, All Saints Day. Samhain is a holiday sacred to numerous other faiths of paganism. I could never understand why Christianity tries to dominate others. We should embrace them all. Additionally, let the children enjoy the trick or treat of Halloween.
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Warren Calvin Wall
Because it's not actually about celebrating the dead saints. It's about control. Everything about the Abrahamic religions is about control. The more people that celebrate Halloween/Samhain the fewer that the Church can control.
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Ben
Yep.
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Najah P Tamargo
Najah Tamargo-USA
Two different countries, two different things! People should REALLY should read more!!!
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Rev. Christina M Barrow
There is a much bigger picture beyond Grandma's garden. Visualize the enormous Milky Way Galaxy. Now find earth in the milky way galaxy. We are the only carbon based sentient life form in the milky way galaxy and humanity is a work in progress compared to different sentient life outside the milky way galaxy.
I have relatives from many different places and religions. I accept the foundation established by the US Constitution including the First Amendment and Article VI.
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You don't realize, the futility of your ambitions, You can't take it with you, when you pass away, that's facts. If you knew the wisdom that Jesus taught, He spoke of this subject, about material loss, That all the wealth you gain, is pointless when life's gone. The richest man, is the man whose loved by all, His life's seen as an image, that is looked up to when lost.
In this age of advanced technology, where science dictates there is no proof to mythology, They fail to see the value gained from within, The moral values given by religions belief, Has been the cornerstone of every successful civilization. It's not comprised of mythical beings alone, it's the wisdom and insight, That makes them valuable to all.
Look at the world as it stands today, Ruled by science, with a society in decay, There's no respect, No clear line between right and wrong, Your value of laws, vary by the majority's cause, What applies to all, does not apply to the special few, And if you try to take them down, they'll cancel your views.
The solution here, is not a simple answer, You must look deep into your roots, To find the source of this cancer, Stop trying to create a sedative to the illness, To find the cure, you've got to see the sins within you, See how they connect and fuel the fire, Of the chaos around you and do not give in to your desires. Make a stand, Set a habit to change your life's direction, In these ways, I have learned from the Messiah I see, his wisdom speaks truth if you'd only put down your vanity. Listen not to the words, that speak of denying its value, And see the wisdom makes sense and that is its true value, That it doesn't matter if history says it's true, Have faith in its logical use, Trust that it's wisdom is not what they say, They're just gossiping drama queens, trying to lead you astray.
So this is my wisdom, my gift to you. Guided by angels who whispered to me this truth. Have faith in the logic of these words I say, And cast off any who stand in your way.