Solemnity of All Saints and All Souls

Prayer for All Saints and All Souls Day

God our Father, source of all holiness, the work of your hands is manifest in your saints, the beauty of your truth is reflected in their faith. May we who aspire to have part in their joy be filled with the Spirit that blessed their lives, so that having shared their faith on earth we may also know their peace in your kingdom. Grant this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Solemnity of All Saints Day and All Souls Day are celebrated on November 1 and 2, respectively. On All Saints Day, the church celebrates all the saints: canonized or beatified, and the multitude of those who are in heaven enjoying the beatific vision that are only known to God. This day should inspire us with tremendous hope as the saints who have gone before us to the heavenly home call on us to follow them.

Meanwhile, on All Soul's Day the church observes the commemoration of the faithful departed who still groan in Purgatory, so that they may join as soon as possible the inhabitants of the heavenly city. On this day, the priest must recite the Office of the Dead and all the masses are to be of Requiem. Black vestments may be worn as well.

“The example of the Saints encourages us to follow in their same footsteps and to experience the joy of those who trust in God, for the one true cause of sorrow and unhappiness for men and women is to live far from him.”

- Pope Benedict XVI, Homily for All Saints day, November 1, 2006

From St. Michael's Center for the Blessed Virgin Mary