On Tuesday 1 November, All Saints’ Day, the parish of Draguignan organized a march of the saints. Children and adults alike paraded through the streets, wearing their colorful costumes with pride. Father Bévillard tells us, commissioned by the parish priest Father Massomé to organize this party.
For the ninth consecutive year, a march of saints was held through the streets of Draguignan. Children and parents dressed up as their patron saint or a saint they particularly like. Launched in 2014 by Father Matthieu Bévillard, vicar of the parish of the Missionaries of Divine Mercy, this year it brought together around 70 people. An initiative that seems to really please. « This year, people have really played the game, even the adults” exulted Father Matthieu.
This parade, to which all are welcome, was held the day after Halloween, and for good reason. Through this initiative, Father Bévillard wishes to help “find what gave life and motivated the saints, so that through their example we can find the source of Life”. Unlike the Halloween processions, which show death in more terrifying and gloomy costumes than the others, the procession of the holy cards radiated with its colors and joie de vivre. For Father Matthieu, “When we distance ourselves from God, we are in a world that can be sad, scary and aggressive. But when we turn our gaze to God who places us in peace, joy and beauty, we rediscover the enthusiasm of being totally transformed by him”.
Leaving consumerism to enter the gift
After meeting in one of the parish bell towers, the participants began their march through the streets of Draguignan, enlivened by joyful songs, under the amused gaze of the residents and trade fairs present at the time. All the while, the children offered pious images of the Virgin and sweets to the people on the sidelines of the procession. Through this process, parish priests hope to bear witness to God’s joy and peace and thus touch hearts. “During the Halloween parades, the little ones claim what seems due to them, while here the children get out of the consumerist dimension and learn to donate”.
The procession made several stops, allowing the processions to take the microphone to present the saint they wore. The procession then took them to another church, where a moment of prayer and personal blessing of each child was offered. This joyous gathering finally ended with a festive snack during which the best costume was awarded.
Find photos and news from the parish of Draguignan on its Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Paroisse-De-Draguignan-879232375518120/
