As the calendar turns to November, many people immediately think of Veterans Day and Thanksgiving. However, a significant holiday that holds deep meaning for countless Christians occurs right at the beginning of the month—All Saints’ Day. While Halloween garners commercial attention as the second-largest holiday after Christmas, the days surrounding October 31 are rich in religious significance for Christians worldwide.
Traditionally recognized as All Hallows’ Eve , October 31 serves as a vigil for believers, a time for prayer and fasting in anticipation of the feast day that follows: All Saints’ Day. What Is All Saints’ Day? All Saints’ Day, celebrated on November 1 each year in the Western Christian calendar , is a feast day dedicated to honoring all saints known to God, including not only those canonized by the Catholic Church but all faithful followers of Jesus throughout history. It is a day of remembrance for those who have gone before us, honoring their lives, faithfulness, and contributions to the faith.
This observance fosters a sense of communion among believers, allowing them to celebrate their ongoing connection with the saints through the ages and recognize their participation in the body of Christ. In the Catholic Church, All Saints’ Day is classified as a holy day of obligation, which requires parishioners to attend Mass. However, if the holy day falls on a Saturday or Monday, the obligation is lifted.
Various traditions mark the day globally, wit.