On November 1st in the liturgical calendar, the Catholic Church celebrates the Solemnity of All Saints, honoring both those canonized and venerated, as well as the anonymous and unknown. Contrary to popular belief, it is a joyful celebration because it commemorates those who, after their earthly journey, experience the joy of eternal life with God.
On this day, the Catholic Church reminds people of the universal call to holiness. It cannot be achieved by one’s own efforts because it requires the help of God’s grace. God freely gives grace to everyone, regardless of sin or failings.
The Solemnity of All Saints is distinctly different from All Souls’ Day, which is the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed. This year, November 2nd falls on Sunday when the Catholic Church remembers all the deceased who are in purgatory, undergoing purification, and in need of prayers to attain the fullness of joy in heaven.
The origin of the All Saints Day celebration dates back to the 4th century. In Antioch, which is in modern day, Syria the memory of many unnamed martyrs was honored, and they were commemorated on the Sunday after Pentecost. In 7th century Rome, Pope Boniface IV consecrated the former Pantheon temple and turned it into a church in honor of the Virgin Mary and all the Martyrs. On this occasion, he ordered that stones brought from the catacombs of Christian martyrs be placed there. Historians report that as many as 28 full wagons were brought at that time. The Roman Catholic feast of All Saints was associated with the anniversary of these events. At that time, only Mary and the martyrs were venerated. In later centuries, the title of “All the Perfect Righteous” was added. From the 8th century onward, this feast spread throughout Europe.
We should always remember in our prayers family members who left this world. However, on the commemoration of All Faithful Departed and the following days, there is a special call to pray for them. They need our prayers, and they expect our prayers. If it is possible, let’s visit their graves and pray for them there. If they are buried far away, why not visit any cemetery and commemorate them in prayers along with others unknown to us who also need our prayers? In this way, we will profess our belief in everlasting life and our closeness to them. We pray for them, and they in return, pray for us. I like to repeat that although death creates a real border between us here on the earth and those who departed from this world, in fact, because of the spiritual closeness to them, the veil that separates us is much thinner than we think.
I invite everyone to fill out a special form commemorating our deceased loved one with an offering. These forms can be found in the narthex. After filling them out, place them in the box close to the Jubilee candles. We will mention their names and pray for them before all the Sunday Masses in November.
May they rest in peace. May they live in the light of Christ.
Fr. Mark Jurzyk