Solemnity of All Saints and Commemoration of All Souls - November 1st and 2nd

What Does It Mean to Be a Saint?

In the Christian tradition, the word “saint” refers to a human person who has responded faithfully to God's call to holiness. While only God is holy by nature, the human person - created in God's image and likeness - is called to reflect that holiness in daily life.

The Book of Leviticus repeats this divine invitation:

“Be holy, for I am holy” (Leviticus 11:44–45)

“You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy” (Leviticus 19:2)

“You shall be holy to me, for I the Lord am holy” (Leviticus 20:26)

Holiness is not reserved for a few; it is the vocation of every person. It is the concrete expression of being a beloved son or daughter of the heavenly Father.

Saints in the Life of the Church

The Catholic Church recognizes certain individuals who have lived lives of heroic virtue and fidelity to God. These are the canonized saints, whose lives inspire us and whose intercession we seek. Each is remembered on a specific feast day.

Yet, many saints remain unknown - ordinary people who lived extraordinary lives of love, faith, and service. On All Saints Day (November 1st), we give thanks for all those, known and unknown, who have shown us what it means to live a holy life. We remember those who strengthened our faith, guided our actions, and helped us draw closer to God.

All Souls Day: Remembering the Faithful Departed

On November 2nd, the Church commemorates All Souls Day, a time to remember and pray for all who have died. We especially recall:

Members of our families

Teachers and friends

Founders of our communities

Pioneers who built up the Church in Israel

Their lives paved the way for us. In remembering them, we renew our hope in the resurrection and entrust them to God's mercy.

Called to Be Saints

Saint Paul reminds the Christian community in Rome:

I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect. (Romans 12:1–2)

On the occasion of these feasts, we offer different versions of the song “Amazing Grace”. The words were written by John Newton in the 18th century. One of the verses expresses faith in eternal life and the peace God promises his beloved.

1. Sung by Libera, a boys’ choir: View and listen

2. Sung by Mahalia Jackson, the Afro-American singer: View and listen

3. Sung by Elvis Presley, the famous rock star: View and listen

4. Sung by Nana Mouskouri: View and listen

You may also want to pray the Litany to All the Saints in English: View and listen

or in Latin: View and listen.