The Feast of All Saints commemorates all the saints: martyrs, apostles, confessors and all God’s devout servants… Around the year 835, the Catholic Church made 1 November a feast in honour of all the saints, known and unknown.
According to Pope Urban IV, it was also meant to make up for anything the faithful may have lacked in celebrating the saints’ feasts throughout the year; that is why it is called the feast of All Saints. As part of their obligation on this day, the faithful are to go to church and refrain from their ordinary work. The Eastern Churches celebrate this feast on the Sunday after Pentecost.
Prayer for the feast: Beloved Father, you have given the saints eternal happiness in heaven, and because of their holy love for you they now live in the fullness of your glory; they also care for me, my family, my friends, my Church and my neighbours. Thank you for the gift of their friendship and the witness of their holy lives. I ask our patron saints, and every saint who has a special place in my heart, to intercede for us. Ask them to help us walk safely along the narrow road that leads to heaven. Grant us their protection, Lord, and give us their help to overcome temptation and attain the fullness of life with you. Amen.
