IN PHOTOS: ‘Pangangaluluwa,’ an All Souls’ Day  tradition revived in San Beda

MANILA, Philippines – Students and faculty from the College of Arts and Sciences of San Beda University Manila visited campus offices on Tuesday, October 29, to offer prayers for the dead during their Pangangaluluwa.

This is an All Souls’ Day tradition relaunched by the Bedan Pastoral Ministry in collaboration with the Office of the Prefect of Student Affairs.

Pangangaluluwa means “gathering ghosts,” derived from the root word “kaluluwa” (soul or ghost). This tradition focuses on prayer and songs.

Participants, called the “nangangaluluwa,” believe that the souls in purgatory need prayers to attain eternal peace. They cover themselves in white to resemble ghosts.

The day also honored the four Bedan scouts — Jose Antonio Delgado, Felix R. Fuentebella Jr., Antonio R. Torrillo, and Ascario A. Tuazon Jr. — who, along with 20 other scouts, died in a plane crash en route to the 11th World Jamboree in Marathon, Greece, on July 28, 1963.

– Laurice Angeles/Rappler.com

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