Let's Chat About...All Saints' Day
All Saints' Day is also known as All Hallows' Day. It is a Christain Celebration in honor of Saints of the Church.
Beginning in the 4th Century, feasts honoring Christain Martyrs were held in various locations on dates near Easter or Pentecost.
In the 9th Century, some Churches in the British Isles began hosting the celebration on November 1st and this was extended to the whole Catholic Church by Pope Gregory IV.
In Western Civilization, this holiday is still celebrated on November 1st by the Roman Catholics as well as many Protestant Churches such as Lutheran, Angelicin and Methodist.
All Hallow's Tide is a term referencing the 3-day celebration in the Western Christain practice, including All Hallows' Eve (Oct. 31), All Saints' Day (Nov. 1) and All Souls' Day (Nov. 2).
All Saints' Day is considered a "Holy Day of Obligation" in the Catholic Church. This means Catholic Christians are obligated to attend Mass on this day.
Saint: -A person recognized as having an exceptional degree of holiness, likeness or closeness to God.
Patron Saint: -Believed to have power of protection against specific illness or disaster. Not power on their own, but through the works of God.
According to the Catholic Church, the title "Saint" denotes a person who has formally been "Canonized" (officially and authoritatively declared a Saint by the Church).
What is the difference between All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day?
All Saints Day is dedicated to celebrating all of the Saints in Heaven; All Souls Day is a day to pray for all the souls in purgatory.
Purgatory: -A place or state of suffering inhabited by the souls of sinners who are expiating their sins before going to heaven.
When I grew up, I attended St. Joseph's Catholic School in Red Lake Falls, MN. We celebrated All Saints' Day instead of Halloween and dressed up as one of the Patron Saints.
Today, our Religious Education students of Saints Peter and Paul, go door to door collecting items for the Food Shelf instead of Trick or Treating. They also participate in our local "Trunk or Treating" which is a community function.
I believe these are character building projects that teach the value of giving instead of receiving.
I know that every denomination of religion practices their Confirmation ritual in a different way, so being Catholic I can only speak of our tradition. For us, Confirmation is considered a sacrament requiring a long period of preparation. Part of this preparation requires the student to choose a Patron Saint to study and write a report about. During the Confirmation Ceremony, the Bishop may have a brief discussion with the candidate about their Saint and why they chose him/her.
There are thousands of Saints that have been Canonized throughout history. Here are a few of my favorites:
Saint Nicholas - Patron Saint of Children and Sailors (Known for being the Father of Christmas and a generous spirit towards children)
Saint Patrick - Patron Saint of Ireland (Known for being the Father of St. Patrick's Day and using the shamrock to describe the Holy Trinity)
Saint Valentine - Patron Saint of Rome (Known for being the Father of Valentine's Day and for marring couples in Christianity which was against the law).
Saint Joseph - Patron Saint of Fathers and Workers (Known for being the Foster Father of Jesus and a Carpenter).
Saint Teresa of Calcutta - Patron Saint of Missionaries (Known for her missionary work for the poor of Calcutta).
St. Anthony - Patron Saint of Lost or Stolen Articles (Known for his ability to invoke the return of lost property).
St. Micheal the Arch Angel - Patron Saint of Police and Soldiers (Known for his battle and victory over Satan)
St. Sebastian - Patron Saint of Athletes and Archers (Known for his physical and spiritual strength).
St. Fransis - Patron Saint of Animals (Known for his ability to speak to birds and other wild animals).
St. Maria Goretti - Patron Saint of Chastity and Young Women (Known for her work in helping young women who have been raped or victimized).
Saint Maximillian - Patron Saint of Prisoners and Drug Addicts (Known for aiding Jewish Refugees during World War II).
Saint Peter - Patron Saint of Fisherman (Considered the "Rock" on which the Church was founded).
Saint Paul - Patron Saint of Writers (Known for his Scripture writings in the Bible).
Saint Rose of Lima - Patron Saint of Embroidery and Gardening (Known for being the 1st female Saint to be Canonized).
St Gabriel the Archangel - Patron Saint of Communication (Known for his ability to relay messages from God).
So, whether you are Catholic or any other Christian Denomination, I wish you a Happy Saints Day and wish you peace and grace in your life! May we all try and live in a Saintly manner.
If you have anything to add or share, please comment below.
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