All Saints Day – November 1

Every November 1, the Catholic Church celebrates All Saints Day, a solemnity honoring all the saints in Heaven.

Some saints are famous throughout the world. Others are known only to God.

All Saints Day reminds us that the Church is larger than what we can see. The faithful on earth are united with the saints in Heaven and the souls being purified.

This celebration is also a powerful reminder that every Christian is called to holiness.

Who are the saints?

The saints are those who have entered into the glory of Heaven and behold God face to face.

The Church formally canonizes some saints after careful investigation, but All Saints Day is not limited to the saints whose names appear on the liturgical calendar.

It celebrates all the saints, including those whose holiness may be known only to God.

Why does the Church celebrate All Saints Day?

The saints give Christians examples of faithful discipleship.

They came from different countries, cultures, occupations, and historical periods.

Some were priests or religious.

Others were parents, workers, children, rulers, missionaries, martyrs, or ordinary people who lived extraordinary lives of charity.

Their lives show us that holiness is possible.

All Saints Day as a Holy Day of Obligation

Canon 1246 includes All Saints among the Holy Days named in the universal Church’s canonical framework. However, local bishops’ conferences may transfer or suppress certain Holy Days with the approval of the Holy See. 

In the United States, November 1 is generally a Holy Day of Obligation, except that the obligation is abrogated when the solemnity falls on Saturday or Monday. 

What can we learn from the saints?

The saints teach us perseverance.

Many experienced suffering.

Many struggled with temptation.

Many experienced rejection or poverty.

Many had moments when they could not see what God was doing.

Yet they remained faithful.

Their example encourages us not to give up.

Prayer to All the Saints

All holy men and women of God,

pray for us.

Help us to follow Christ faithfully and to persevere in prayer.

When we are tempted to lose hope, strengthen us by your example.

When we become attached to the things of this world, remind us that Heaven is our true home.

Pray for our families, the Church, the poor, the suffering, and those who have lost their faith.

Obtain for us the grace to live holy lives and to remain faithful to Jesus Christ.

May we one day join you in the glory of Heaven.

Amen.