This month of November the Church celebrates some special days. Starting with November 1st, All Saints, and November 2nd, the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (All Souls). The first, All Saints' Day, is a solemn holy day of the Catholic Church. When I think of All Saints, it brings to mind the Litany of Saints that we hear at a deacon or priestly ordination and at Easter Vigil during baptisms. We often think of the saints as holy people who are far beyond our own experience and people out of this world. The reality is that this solemnity reminds us that at one time they were ordinary people just like us, living ordinary lives.
The second, All Souls Day, is a holy day set aside for honoring the dead. This day we celebrate the hope we have for our faithful departed, because of God's gracious will for each of us that we all be saved. As we celebrate and remember our loved ones who have gone before us, let us pray for them with the hope and assurance that they are enjoying the presence of God in His kingdom.
Fr. Alex