Bishop of Tulsa encourages Christian perspective on Halloween traditions

Bishop Konderla of Tulsa Reminds Christians of the True Meaning of Halloween

As Halloween approaches, Bishop David Konderla of Tulsa is urging Christians to remember the holiday’s Christian origins and to focus on themes of mortality and redemption in Christ. In a recent memorandum, the bishop emphasized the importance of reflecting on death, judgment, Heaven, and hell, as symbolized by traditional Halloween props like skulls and scythes.

While Halloween has its roots in the Catholic liturgical calendar, Bishop Konderla noted that the holiday’s customs have strayed from their original purpose. He encouraged believers to avoid the secularized, ghoulish aspects of Halloween that may glorify evil or death, and instead to embrace the opportunity to dress up as Christian saints as a way of honoring their example of discipleship.

The bishop emphasized that Christ has conquered death through his Passion, Death, and Resurrection, and that by imitating the saints, Christians can deepen their devotion to God and strive for holiness. He also cautioned against popular Halloween themes that are contrary to the Catholic faith, such as superstition, witchcraft, and the occult.

As Halloween approaches, Bishop Konderla’s message serves as a reminder for Christians to approach the holiday with a spirit of reverence and devotion, focusing on the hope of one day entering into the Kingdom prepared for God’s holy ones. Let us heed his words and make this year’s celebration a true act of faith and devotion.