All Saints’ Day: More than just the ‘big names’

by Archbishop Gregory Aymond

By Archbishop Gregory Aymond

On Nov. 1 each year, we celebrate the Feast of All Saints. While it is true that each saint has a day designated to him or her, the Church asks us on Nov. 1 to remember all the saints and to ask for their prayers for us.

Nov. 1 this year is a Friday, and it is important that we have the opportunity to celebrate by going to Mass since it is a holy day of obligation. That means the Church thinks it is so important a feast that we go to church and hear the Word of God and celebrate the Eucharist together.

What is All Saints’ Day? As I mentioned before, it is a day to remember all the saints, those “big-name” saints we have known through the years, such as Sts. Peter and Paul, St. Mary Magdalene, Mary, the Mother of God, St. Joseph, St. Padre Pio, St. Monica and St. Agnes, as well as other saints whom we do not know much about and perhaps have never heard of. All of these are honored on All Saints’ Day.

Let us also remember that anyone who has gone to heaven is considered a saint. Some are actually canonized and therefore recognized by the entire Church. Others are very quietly in heaven, praying for us and interceding for us. Though their names are not on our liturgical calendar and though not much is known about them, they are in heaven with the Lord, which makes them saints.

You and I are called to sainthood. We are called to live our lives in such a way that someday we are invited to the kingdom of God and to be saints with those who have gone before us. Therefore, we remember that it is not just the “big-name” saints, but it is also people whom we have known, loved and lived with who are now in the kingdom of God. They, too, pray for us and intercede for us.

A saint can be a parent, a brother, a sister, a friend, a relative, a child – someone whom we have known and shared life with. We honor them on All Saints Day and ask the Lord to hear their prayers as they pray for you and for me.

I hope you have a happy All Saints’ Day. It is time to go to Mass and not only thank God for the saints, but also to ask them to pray for us and to guide us in our daily lives that we will join them one day in heaven.

Happy All Saints’ Day!

Questions for Archbishop Aymond may be sent to clarion [email protected].