Outspoken Reverend Father Richard O’Connor described children dressed as demons and demons as «a complete betrayal of the Christian faith.»
Father O’Connor – Kerry’s parish priest – said he wanted to see Halloween «return to its true meaning» and Catholics should lead the way.
He said that children should dress up as saints to celebrate this date, and described the trick or treating of tradition as «possible paths towards occultism».
The opinionated Padre, who once called for the caste to be banned for «living in sin» spouses, made his comments in the Irish Catholic newspaper.
He said: We’re supposed to celebrate All Saints’ Day. [November 1] And we have kids who dress up as demons and demons and witches and things like that, quite the opposite.
“It shows a complete betrayal of the Christian faith on this very point.
Father O’Connor, who teaches at the Pontifical Angelicum University in Rome, said children should dress up as saints and insist: «It will give real meaning.»
He continued, «Sure, do Halloween parties, but make it center around the saints. I expect Catholic schools to give the lead in this regard.»
«Take on Christmas, the school is going to have a little play centered around Christmas, and the kids love to dress up as Shepherds and the Three Kings and all that’s left.
«In the same way that you can have a party centered around saints.»
He added, «I’d say I definitely make something big for Halloween and throw a great party but celebrate the saints instead of the devils.»
In a letter to Irish Catholic editor Father O’Connor he says: «The word ‘Halloween’ means the eve of All Saints’ Day.
“However, in shop windows and even on school windows we see images of ghosts, skeletons, witches, demons, etc., at this time of year, actually of all sorts of ugly things that remind one of witchcraft and the devil.
But many Catholic parents and Catholic school boards seem to have no problem with this.
Instead, they see it, naively, as good pleasure though such things are what might be called ‘the avenues’ leading to witchcraft; and this is at a time when Satanism, black masses, and cults are on the rise all over the world.
“If Halloween reclaims its true meaning, why not make this a time when young parents are encouraged to dress up as their favorite saints, and then schools give away prizes for best efforts.
“Moreover, instead of ‘trick or treat’, young people can also go to their neighbors and offer prayers to these saints for their intentions.”
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