The Melbourne Cup weekend this year coincides with the three days known to Church tradition as Allhallowtide – the three days that incorporate October 31st (All Hallow’s Eve), November 1st (All Saints’ Day) and November 2nd (All Souls’ Day). The triduum that is Allhallowtide is a time traditionally set aside for people to remember those who have passed, all the faithful departed Christians, Saints and others. All Hallow’s Eve has been observed by Christians for more than a millennia, though the word now contracted to Halloween is usually associated today with trick and treat, pumpkins and ghoulish decorations. In the early days of observing All Hallow’s Eve, Christians believed that the link between this world and the next was at its ‘thinnest’ and in order not to be recognised by a departed soul (by a ghost) Christians would dress up, wear masks to disguise their identity.

The second day of the triduum of Allhallowtide, All Saints’ Day, is an important holy day – indeed it’s a day of holy obligation - a day where saints and martyrs, many of whom are unknown, are remembered and celebrated at Mass. Traditionally, this day was the principal feast day of the Church, and one of four holy days specifically recommended for baptism. It is interesting to note the many different customs which have accompanied this day: in countries as far apart as Argentina and Lebanon, Christians take flowers to the graves of loved ones and in France Christians place wreaths, especially of Chrysanthemums, at each tomb or grave; in countries as far apart as Sweden and Macedonia, candles are lit at gravesides; in countries as far apart as Portugal and Brazil, children go from door to door receiving gifts such as pomegranates and nuts.

The third day, November 2nd, is All Souls’ Day, a day traditionally where Catholics pray for the dead; in many Catholic countries this too is a public holiday. Perhaps the most famous celebrations – recently used in the opening scene of the latest James Bond movie, Spectre – is that held in Mexico, known as the Day of the Dead. At the festival, passed ancestors are remembered with sugar skulls, their favourite foods and drinks, and the marigold flower.

I trust that many of you enjoy the Cup weekend with family and friends, perhaps entering into the fun that is Halloween and the relaxation afforded by the long weekend.

The class of 2024 have commenced their exams this week on Tuesday, we wish all students the best during their examination period, and we pray that they will carry with them throughout their entire life journey the Mercy values; the values of Courage, Compassion, Hospitality, Service, Justice and Respect.