Prior to 2020, millions of Filipinos would travel back to their hometowns at the end of October, and they would gather at the local cemeteries.
In hand would be candles, matches, and food. At the cemeteries, they would sit on the graves of their deceased relatives, light the candles, and have a picnic. At least one extra plate would be prepared for the deceased. Most importantly (for them), prayers would be offered by a local priest or lay minister on the behalf of the deceased.
An Agutaynen once told me that the light of the candle will lead the deceased soul to heaven.
This was all prior to covid. Like last year, the cemeteries in the Philippines have once again been closed this year. Not only closed but guarded by local authorities to prevent people from entering.
Please pray with us that the hearts of the Filipinos will be opened to the Truth during this time of closure. May they see that they can neither help nor comfort the souls of the deceased. And even more importantly, may they see that they need to personally place their faith in Jesus while they still have a chance.