Perth: As October 31 approaches and the world turns to costumes, fright, and fantasy, the St Joseph Syro Malabar Parish in Perth is offering a powerful alternative. A unique gathering that replaces fear with faith and darkness with divine light. This year’s Holyween celebration, themed “Apparitions of Mother Mary,” will be held on Friday, October 31, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, inviting families to rediscover the original spirit of All Hallows’ Eve through prayer, devotion, and reflection.
Reclaiming All Hallows’ Eve for God
Far removed from the commercialism and fear-driven imagery that dominate Halloween, Holyween calls the faithful to remember the night’s sacred origins, a time to honour saints and celebrate the triumph of good over evil. Instead of demonic masks and monsters - children, youth, and families will come dressed as saints, angels, and biblical figures, expressing virtues of courage, purity, and holiness. Through these acts of creative devotion, the parish seeks to reclaim All Hallows’ Eve as a moment of spiritual awakening and renewal.
Celebrating the Apparitions of Mother Mary
The 2025 celebration takes inspiration from more than 50 Marian apparitions that have shaped Christian faith across the centuries - from Lourdes and Fatima to Guadalupe and Kibeho. Each apparition carries messages of repentance, peace, and hope, and Holyween will bring these stories to life through Apparition Walkthroughs, a Saint Parade, a Rosary Rally, and the Holy Qurbana followed by Eucharistic Adoration. These events invite participants to experience Mary’s maternal presence and her enduring call to lead all souls closer to the Lord Jesus Christ.
Faith Triumphs Over Fear
“Holyween is our way of bringing light where darkness often takes centre stage,” said Tessy Michael, President of the Mathruvedi. “While the world celebrates fear and fantasy, we remind our community that true courage is born of faith, and that the Blessed Virgin Mary continues to lead us lovingly to her Son.” The celebration aims to guide young hearts away from the fascination with horror and toward the beauty of holiness, offering a powerful, counter-cultural expression of faith.
A Night of Grace and Reflection for All
Hosted by Mathruvedi, the parish mothers’ forum, Holyween 2025 is not only a joyful community gathering but also a catechetical opportunity - deepening the faithful’s understanding of Marian devotion and her role in guiding humanity to Jesus Christ. The evening will include Holy Mass, the Rosary, a solemn procession, and children’s participation as saints, uniting generations in prayer and purpose. Parish Vicar Fr. Ajith Cheriakkara, Assistant Vicar Fr. Bibin Velamparampil, and Mathruvedi President Tessy Michael encourage families and the wider community to attend this celebration of holiness, hope, and light.
In a world often drawn to shadows, Holyween 2025 stands as a radiant reminder that faith conquers fear and that the light of Christ, through the loving intercession of His Mother, forever triumphs over darkness.