top of page
Search

Solemnity of All Saints (November 1): A Celebration of Our Universal Call to Holiness

On November 1st, the Church celebrates All Saints’ Day, honoring all the holy men and women, known and unknown, who now live in the presence of God. In the United States, it is a Holy Day of Obligation. This celebration reminds us that holiness is not a privilege of a few but a calling for everyone.


What We Celebrate on November 1st

The Solemnity of All Saints is a joyful day when we remember not only canonized saints but also countless faithful people whose quiet love and daily “yes” to God shaped the world. It is a day to lift our eyes toward heaven and recall that sainthood is our shared destiny.

“This is the will of God, your sanctification.” — 1 Thessalonians 4:3

Biblical Roots and Early Tradition

  • Revelation 7:9–17: “A great multitude from every nation, standing before the Lamb.”

  • Matthew 5:1–12: The Beatitudes — a portrait of the saint’s heart.

  • The early Christians honored martyrs who gave their lives for Christ. Later, the feast expanded to include all who reached eternal life through grace and faithfulness.


How It’s Celebrated in the United States

All Saints’ Day is a Holy Day of Obligation, meaning Catholics attend Mass.Many schools and parishes host processions, special Masses, or children’s activities where students dress as their favorite saints. The liturgy is filled with joy, light, and gratitude, often using white vestments and hymns of praise.

The next day, November 2nd, is All Souls’ Day, when the Church prays for all the faithful departed still being purified for heaven.


Holiness and Your Charisms

God doesn’t just call you to be holy — He equips you to live that holiness through the charisms of the Holy Spirit: gifts such as teaching, mercy, leadership, service, exhortation, and hospitality .Your charisms are your personal path to holiness — how you build up the Church and serve the world.

10 Ways to Live All Saints’ Day

  1. Attend Mass (on the vigil or the day itself).

  2. Read the Beatitudes (Mt 5:1–12) and choose one to live out this week.

  3. Pick a patron saint for the year and learn their story.

  4. Thank God for the “hidden saints” who shaped your life.

  5. Do one concrete act of mercy (visit, call, serve, give).

  6. Pray the Rosary for holiness in your family.

  7. Create a small home altar with saint images or candles.

  8. Share your testimony online: Which saint inspires you?

  9. Practice your charism — teaching, encouragement, service, etc.

  10. Invite someone to Mass or to pray with you.


Prayer for All Saints’ Day

Lord God,You are the source of all holiness and joy.We thank You for the great cloud of witnesses who inspire our faith.Awaken in us the desire for holiness,and help us to use our charisms to serve Your Church and the world.Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Frequently Asked Questions (U.S.)

Is it a Holy Day of Obligation? Yes. In the United States, All Saints’ Day (November 1st) is a Holy Day of Obligation unless otherwise dispensed by the bishops’ conference.

How is it different from All Souls’ Day ? On November 1st, we celebrate those already in heaven; on November 2nd, we pray for those who have died and are still being purified.

Are indulgences available this week? Yes. From November 1st to 8th, Catholics who visit a cemetery and pray for the departed can gain a plenary indulgence under the usual conditions.


Take the Next Step with Marazon

 
 
 

Comments

bottom of page