Let us all rejoice in the Lord,
as we celebrate the feast day in honor of all the Saints,
at whose festival the Angels rejoice
and praise the Son of God.
(From the Entrance Antiphon on November 1st – All Saints)

Just as Jesus died and has risen again,
so through Jesus God will bring with him
those who have fallen asleep;
and as in Adam all die,
so also in Christ will all be brought to life.
(From the Entrance Antiphon on November 2nd –
The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed.
1 Thessalonians 4:14 & 1 Corinthians 15:22)

Join me as we celebrate, commemorate and observe the saints of the church and souls of loved ones.

When I was young I did not understand what these two days of November meant or what the difference was. In time I learned that we celebrate the Saints, those who have been canonized and those that are not. We pray for and remember the Souls of our loved ones, friends, relatives and all the faithful departed.

With the loss of friends, relatives and my Dad it has brought a special meaning for me to remember them and pray that their souls find rest. What do these days mean for you? Is there something special you do?

The Mexican holiday Dia de los Muertos (the Day of the Dead) is celebrated on November 1st and 2nd. They honor and remember their loved ones who have passed away. They have altars with photos, their favorite foods and drinks along with marigold flowers.

Some parishes have a table for people to bring photos of their loved ones during the month of November. Does your parish have a remembrance table? Do you participate with a photo of a loved one who has passed on?

Take this November to celebrate all of the Saints and to pray for all the Faithful Departed.

– Sr. Barb Knauf