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Solemnity of All Saints (All Saints Day)

Friday November 1, 2024

The origin of All Saints Day can be traced back to the 4th century when it was established to commemorate the martyrs who had died for their faith. Over time, it evolved to include all saints, whether they were martyrs or not.

On this day, Catholics attend Mass to celebrate the saints' lives and seek inspiration from their examples of faith. All Saints Day is a Catholic feast that honors all saints, known and unknown, and has a rich history dating back to the early Church. It's a day for reflection, prayer, and remembering the faithful who have gone before us.

Mass Readings for the Solemnity of All Saints

Here are the daily mass readings for the Solemnity of All Saints:

  • First Reading: Revelation 7:2-4, 9-14: An angel seals the servants of God before any destruction occurs. A multitude from all nations, wearing white robes, stand before God and the Lamb, having survived great distress.
  • Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 24: The Earth belongs to the Lord. Only those with clean hearts and hands can stand in God's presence. They will receive blessings and are the ones truly seeking God.
  • Second Reading: 1 John 3:1-3: The Father's love makes us his children. The world may not recognize us because it didn't recognize Him. Our future form is unknown, but we'll resemble God and should strive for purity.
  • Gospel: Matthew 5:1-12a: Jesus gives a sermon known as the Beatitudes, outlining who is blessed in the eyes of God. He says the poor in spirit, mourners, meek, those hungry for righteousness, merciful, pure-hearted, peacemakers, and persecuted are blessed. Each group is promised a specific reward, like inheriting the earth or seeing God.

Quotes for All Saints Day

Keep in mind that our community is not composed of those who are already saints, but of those who are trying to become saints. Therefore let us be extremely patient with each other’s faults and failures.

St. Teresa of Calcutta

The saints are friends with whom we can grow in friendship. We all need friends who can help us deal with life. This is the trust which enlivens us when we turn to the saints in the decisive moments of our lives.

Pope Francis

Homilies and Reflections

Word on Fire: Blueprint for Happiness

In this reflection for the Solemnity of All Saints, Bishop Robert Barron focuses on the Sermon on the Mount, specifically the eight Beatitudes, as a blueprint for happiness according to Jesus. He points out that two key Beatitudes, "Blessed are the merciful" and "Blessed are the peacemakers," encapsulate the essence of divine qualities. Drawing on Old and New Testament terminology, he relates God's nature to 'chesed' (tender mercy) and 'agape' (love). Bishop Barron asserts that adopting these divine qualities is the way to achieve happiness, as they align individuals with the characteristics of God.

USCCB Reflection: Embracing Humility and Kindnesss

This USCCB video reflection for the Solemnity of All Saints emphasizes the qualities of humility, meekness, mercy, and peacemaking as virtues to aspire to. It criticizes the modern tendency to value boldness and braggadocio over these quieter virtues. The speaker points out that these virtues were essential in the teachings of Christ 2,000 years ago and remain relevant today. He calls for a community-based approach to embody these traits, stressing the importance of love and kindness even when it's difficult. The video questions whether society has become too rule-focused like the Pharisees, rather than focusing on the underlying message of love and saintly behavior.

What Is Keeping You From Being a Saint?

In the video, Father Mike Schmitz discusses the challenges and misconceptions around becoming a saint. He argues that sainthood is not about extreme acts but about a commitment to a lifelong process shaped by God's grace. Schmitz identifies three obstacles to sainthood: 1) our culture's focus on instant gratification, which contradicts the gradual process of becoming more like Christ; 2) a fear of commitment, where people are hesitant to fully commit to God; and 3) a lack of a fighting spirit, suggesting that aspiring saints should be courageous and committed. He emphasizes that becoming a saint is accessible to all but will require overcoming these cultural and personal barriers.

More Resources

Why Do Catholics Pray to Mary and the Saints Lesson Plan
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Why Do Catholics Pray to Mary and the Saints? A Lesson Plan

The concept of "praying to a saint" can indeed be perplexing to both non-Catholics and some Catholics alike. It's crucial to clarify that when Catholics speak of "praying to a saint," they are essentially seeking the saint's intercession, similar to how they might ask a friend for help or support. This lesson plan serves as a valuable tool to illuminate this aspect of Catholic faith to young learners, bridging the gap in understanding. Particularly, it's a fitting lesson for All Saints Day, as it enables youth to grasp the significance of saints and their role as intercessors in Catholic spirituality.

Books for All Saints Day

Frequently Asked Questions

What date is All Saints Day?

All Saints Day is a Christian feast celebrated on November 1st each year.

What are the Mass readings for the Solemnity of All Saints?

First ReadingRevelation 7:2-4, 9-14: Sealed and Saved
Responsorial PsalmPsalm 24: Seeking God's Face
Second Reading1 John 3:1-3: Children of God
GospelMatthew 5:1-12a: The Beatitudes

What is the significance of All Saints Day?

On All Saints Day we remember all men and women who were servants of the Lord while here on earth. We ask that they pray for us so that one day we might join them in heaven.

Is All Saints Day a Catholic holiday only?

No, All Saints Day is celebrated by various Christian denominations, including the Catholic Church.

Is All Saints Day a holy day of obligation?

Yes, Catholics attend Mass on All Saints Day to celebrate the lives of the saints and seek inspiration from their examples of faith.

Are there any customs associated with All Saints Day?

Some individuals choose to perform acts of charity or kindness on All Saints Day as a way to emulate the generosity and compassion of the saints. Children sometimes dress as their favorite saint.

How does All Saints Day differ from All Souls Day?

All Saints Day honors all the saints in heaven, while All Souls Day, celebrated on November 2nd, focuses on praying for the souls of the departed, especially those in purgatory.

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