President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. urged Filipinos to honor the memory of saints and departed loved ones who exemplified lives of integrity, sacrifice, and service, as the nation observes All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day.
"I join all Filipino Catholics in the Philippines and around the world in observing All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day," Marcos said in his message on Thursday.
"Today, we remember those who paved the way for our present prosperity through their example of faith and love for others," he added.
Marcos highlighted this as an ideal time to deepen our connections, both with the divine and with one another, to better our spiritual lives.
He noted that this is also a reminder to aspire toward the virtues embodied by the saints—extraordinary compassion, kindness, and humility.
Marcos also encouraged everyone to spend this time with family, visiting the resting places of departed loved ones to offer prayers and express deep gratitude for the impact they’ve had on their lives.
He further expressed that the observance of #Undas2024 should serve as a reminder of the enduring values that define us as a nation: faith, resilience, and hope.
"Reflecting on our journey in this world, let us strive to live with love and compassion for others, ever seeking the common good, just as the saints and our loved ones did in their time," said Marcos.
Moreover, he remarked that these days of remembrance should inspire us to become better individuals, better Filipinos, and more responsible stewards of the nation.
