The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed
This Sunday we celebrate All Souls’ Day, and I feel that it marks the close of a sacred season, a time when the Catholic Church, in her wisdom and tenderness as a loving mother, has been teaching us something profound.
It all begins on October 31st with All Hallow’s Eve – Halloween. Though the world has turned it into a largely pagan and commercial celebration, we can still draw a lesson from it. The darkness that is often highlighted on that night can remind us of the reality of hell and what awaits the soul that chooses separation from God. In a way, it points us to the urgency of our own call to holiness, our call to become saints.
Then comes November 1st: the Solemnity of All Saints. It’s one of the most beautiful feasts of the year, celebrating all those who now see God face to face. And something we need to remember is that only saints go to heaven. I know, shocking, right? I was also pretty shocked when I learned that. But that is true! Not all saints are canonized or officially recognized by the Church, but the definition of a saint is someone who is with God in Heaven for eternity – everyone in Heaven is a saint.
I truly believe that my grandparents are among them. Though their cause for canonization was never opened, I’m convinced they are in Heaven, and therefore, they are saints. On this feast, we honor not only the well-known canonized Saints who have been formally recognized with a capital “s”, but also the countless souls we have never heard of, the hidden saints who lived ordinary lives with virtue and extraordinary love. They, too, intercede for us.
The saints are our friends in Heaven. They have finished their race here on earth successfully, as St. Paul says, and now behold God in glory. They cheer us on from heaven to finish our race well, not by carrying or pushing us, but by their loving intercession. Their prayers help strengthen us so that one day, by God’s grace, we may join them in eternal Joy.
Finally, this sacred rhythm of days culminates on All Souls’ Day, which we celebrate today, November 2nd. It’s interesting that this year these three days fall on a weekend, almost like a mini-Triduum: Halloween reflecting the Passion and death, All Saints’ Day like Easter glory, and All Souls’ Day calling us to mercy and hope.
Some may find this day somber, even unsettling, but in truth, it’s one of the most beautiful acts of love we can offer. From the moment we are born, the only certainty we have is that one day we will die. And so, the Church dedicates this day to remember and pray for all who have gone before us, those who have completed their earthly race but are still being purified in purgatory. We pray that their purification may soon be complete so they can behold the face of Christ. Isn’t Our Church such a great and loving Mom?! I love being Catholic!