The Solemnity of All Saints

The meaning of the celebration

+ Originally celebrated as a feast commemorating all the martyrs, on All Saints Day, the Church remembers that “great multitude which no one can count, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb” (cf. Revelation 7:9).

+ All Saints Day is a celebration of the fulfillment of Pentecost, recognizing that the message of the Gospel that was entrusted to the Apostles on that holy day has borne fruit in the lives of countless women, men, and children from every corner of the earth who are now with God in heaven.

+ This celebration reminds just hat the call to holiness is for everyone. Not only are we called to be saints, holiness is possible whatever our age, race, economic status, or vocation.

For prayer reflection

“Today, we celebrate all the saints, and we might have a misleading impression. We might think we are celebrating those sisters and brothers who were perfect in life, always straight, precise, or rather ‘starched.’ Instead, today’s Gospel belies this stereotypical view, this ‘picture-perfect holiness.’ In fact, Jesus’ Beatitudes (cf. Matthew 5:1-12), which are the identity card of the saints, show the complete opposite: they speak of a life that goes against the grain, a revolutionary life! Saints are the true revolutionaries.”—Pope Francis

Spiritual bonus

Although November 1 is celebrated as the Solemnity of All the Saints, the Roman Martyrology includes several specific individuals for commemoration on this day, including the Franciscan lay brother Blessed Rainer of Artino. Known for his humility, poverty, and service to the poor, he died in Sansepolcro, Italy, on November 1, 1304. Devotion to Blessed Rainer was officially approved in 1802 and he has come to be honored as a heavenly patron of women in childbirth, on account of a miracles for the benefit of children which were attributed to his intercession.

Prayer

Almighty ever-living God,
by whose gifts we venerate in one celebration
the merits of all the Saints,
bestow on us, we pray,
through the prayers of so many intercessors,
an abundance of the reconciliation with you
for which we earnestly long
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever. Amen.

(from The Roman Missal)

Saint profiles prepared by Brother Silas Henderson, S.D.S.