As millions of Filipinos observe All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, missionary priest Fr. Jerry Orbos, SVD reminds the faithful of a timeless calling: to choose goodness every day.
In an interview with DZRH, Fr. Orbos emphasized that Undas is not only a time to pray for departed loved ones, but also a moment for self-reflection and renewal of faith.
“Lahat tayo potential Saints. Lahat tayo tinawag maging mabait, mabuting tao. Palaging piliin maging mabuti. Paalala lang natin na we are made to become Saints not to become devils,” he said. “Today alalahanin natin na Lord, pipiliin ko ang kabutihan.”
Despite the frustrations and trials in society, Fr. Orbos encouraged Filipinos to continue choosing kindness.
“Napakahirap po kasi maging mabuti lalo na sa mga nangyayare ngayon, nakakadismaya naman nagpapakabait tayo ninanakawan lang pala tayo. Mga kapatid stay good.”
A Reminder of Life’s Final Destination
For Fr. Orbos, the observance of Undas goes beyond tradition — it is a reminder of the reality of life and death.
“Ang Undas, all souls' day bukas iyon. Ang Undas paalala naman na lahat tayo matotodas, tayo'y mamamatay. Paalala po na, ang buhay dito [sa lupa] wala tayong madadala, it will come to an end. No matter what kayaman mo, kasikat mo, lahat tayo mamatay.”
He urged the faithful to remain humble and grounded in faith.
“Magpakumbaba po. Lord, patawad po minsan nagdidiyos-diyosan po kami.”
Yet he stressed that death is not the end, but a passage to eternal life.
“Ang todas ay hindi wakas, may bukas pa, may buhay na walang hanggan. yun po ang pinagkhahawakan natin.”
‘Choose to be Good’
Fr. Orbos reminded Filipinos that while life is temporary, our choices carry eternal weight.
“Mayroon pong tinatawag na Divinde Justice — The Final Judgement. Paalala po unang una sa lahat, salamat po at naaalala natin yung mga yumao. I'm sure masaya po sila, nagsasakripisyo ka...gawin po natin 'yan from the heart mula sa puso.”
He added that remembering the dead should inspire the living to lead righteous lives.
“Pero paalala rin nila sa atin ‘Mamuhay kayo ng mabuti para hindi kayo matodas na hanggang doon nalang wakas na. May bukas pa, langit — buhay na walang hanggan. Choose to be good.’”
As the nation lights candles and offers prayers, Fr. Orbos’ message resonates: life is short, heaven is the goal, and goodness is always a choice.
