All Saints and Souls
This coming week we celebrate two very special days in our Church Calendar: All Saints and All Souls. These Holy Days have been with us from the very early times in the Church. In the beginning all followers of Jesus were called “Saints.” Because of their faith and actions
, some died for the sake of the faith – martyrdom.
As early as the year 397 most of these people had a special day for their own veneration. However, there were so many that a single special day was assigned to celebrate “All the Saints.” This single day strengthened the powerful spiritual bond between those in heaven and those on earth.
We also take the month of November to remember “All the Souls of the Faithful Departed.” The Parish Book of Remembrance is brought forward with the Bread and Wine at Mass. We all pray for our loved ones during Mass. It brings about good memories… yet reminds us of how much we miss them.
Out of the thirty days in November, twenty–two are days honoring the Saints. At the end of the month, on the November 20, 2022, we celebrate the Feast of Christ the King. And then Advent begins on November 27, 2022. Plus, we celebrate The Feast of the Immaculate Conception on December 8th .
So, at this time of the year, we honor Our Lord Jesus Christ; King of the Universe, All Saints, All Souls, Mary the Mother of God and prepare for Advent. Quite a month, lots of Church, and lots of opportunity to remember how good it is to be surrounded by that great cloud of witnesses – the saints – and celebrate all the souls of those we love.
Peace!