A Time of Remembrance: A Catholic Guide to All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day

As October comes to an end and we enter November, the Church turns her focus to two deeply meaningful observances: All Saints’ Day (November 1) and All Souls’ Day (November 2).

These days remind us that death does not end the bonds of love, nor does it separate the Body of Christ. We remain united — the faithful on earth, the saints in heaven, and the souls being purified. This is the mystery the Church calls the Communion of Saints.

All Saints’ Day
November 1

On All Saints’ Day, we celebrate every soul who is now in heaven — the canonized saints we know by name and the countless unnamed holy men and women who lived humble, hidden faithfulness in their ordinary lives.

Scripture calls them “a great cloud of witnesses” (Hebrews 12:1).

They are not distant figures in stained-glass windows. They are alive in Christ, interceding for us, encouraging us, and cheering us on toward heaven. Their lives prove that holiness is not reserved for a few — holiness is possible for ordinary people who love in extraordinary ways.

Ways to Celebrate All Saints’ Day
• Attend Mass (even though it is not a Holy Day of Obligation in the U.S. in 2025)
• Choose a saint to walk with you this coming year
• Pray the Litany of the Saints
• Read a brief biography of a saint you don’t know

Short Prayer
All you holy men and women, pray for us.

All Souls’ Day
November 2

If All Saints’ Day celebrates those already in heaven, All Souls’ Day is an act of love toward those still on the way.

On this day, we pray for the souls of the faithful departed who are being purified in Purgatory — not because God is harsh, but because His mercy is thorough. The Catechism describes Purgatory as a purification so that souls may “achieve the holiness necessary to enter the joy of heaven” (CCC 1030).

Our prayers help them.
Our love reaches them.
No soul is forgotten by God.

Ways to Honor All Souls’ Day
• Have a Mass offered for a deceased loved one
• Visit a cemetery and pray for the dead (a plenary indulgence can be gained Nov. 1–8)
• Light a candle at home near a photo of someone you love and offer prayers for their soul

Short Prayer
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen.

A Sacred Week of Hope

All Saints’ Day shows us where we are going.
All Souls’ Day shows us that love continues after death.

In this holy week, we remember:
• Heaven is our homeland
• The saints are our family
• Love endures beyond death

May these days draw you closer to heaven, and may the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.