Halloween, coming up on October 31, has its roots in Catholic tradition dating back over 1,200 years with the intent of honoring martyrs and other holy people. It was formally affirmed and established by Pope Gregory VII during his papacy (1073-1085) as a church feast day to be held on November 1 of each year. Halloween is a condensed form of All Hallow's Eve. Just as we celebrate Christmas Eve as the precursor to the birth of the Savior, so is All Hallow's Eve a precursor to All Saints' Day, at which time we remember all those who have gone before us and are presumed to be in heaven. The evening before was at first seen as the night when the evil spirits of the world would come out and do what they could to frighten away believers from going to church and keeping the memory of all the saints alive. However, over the years that belief has evolved into a night when more human "devilment" could take place wherein participants dressed up in frightening garb. In the last century or so, it has become a night for children to go from door to door to elicit free candy or treats, supposedly in return for performing some kind of trick. But this year, let us remember--and celebrate--the real reason for this feast day; namely, to acclaim all those holy men, women, and children--known and unknown--who lived a life that led them to heaven--and God's presence--where they now live eternally. However you "keep" this unique night, please be safe--and thank those holy people for being Christian examples for us.