Church holds Mass for EJK victims ahead of Undas

MANILA, Philippines—Families of victims of extrajudicial killings (EJK) gathered for a Mass ahead of Undas on Oct. 29 to honor their departed loved ones and pray for justice.

The Mass was held at the Diocesan Shrine of Jesus the Divine Word–Christ the King Mission Seminary and led by Fr. Flaviano “Flavie” Villanueva, a priest who has spoken out against the war on drugs.

Villanueva said the Mass was scheduled ahead of Undas to accommodate the expected busy schedules of families and the Church during the season.

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“The Mass is an act of honoring and thanking God for the gift of life, honoring the families whose loved ones were killed, and continuing to pray to God for justice and healing,” Villanueva told the Inquirer.

Remembering the dead

Villanueva said families of EJK victims observe Undas like other Filipinos, visiting the graves of their departed loved ones and keeping their stories alive.

“Undas is a tradition deeply rooted in Filipino culture. During this time, we visit the graves of our departed loved ones. It is no different for Filipinos who were killed—they had families, and those they left behind have stories that deserve to be told continuously,” he said.

Undas is observed on Nov. 1, All Saints’ Day, and Nov. 2, All Souls’ Day, when families traditionally visit cemeteries to remember their departed relatives.

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Villanueva said the Mass also remembered those killed during the Duterte administration’s war on drugs.

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“This is a tradition that expresses the faith of Catholics, Filipinos and all those who grieve the loss of a loved one, especially those who were killed,” he said.

After the Mass, families offered flowers at a makeshift altar displaying photographs of their loved ones alongside their names, dates of death and final words. /mr