Solemnity of All Saints

The month of November opens with All Saints Day. On this special day, we remember and  honor not just the well-known saints who have official feast days, but also the countless ordinary  people of faith—those baptized Christians who have gone before us and are now united with  God in heaven. These saints may be unknown to the world, but they are celebrated for the  courage, trust in God, and love they showed in their everyday lives—real people who became  extraordinary by following God faithfully. 

Today is a day to give thanks for all the ordinary men and women who reflected God’s  goodness in their actions, and who now share in the joy of heaven. Their lives remind us that  everyone, not just a select few, is called to be holy. Holiness doesn’t mean being perfect or  famous; it’s about living with integrity, kindness, justice, generosity, compassion, and love.  When we live this way, we help make God’s love real for the people around us. 

Saints show us what it looks like to follow Jesus in practical ways. In his letters, St. Paul urges  followers of Jesus to honor and learn from those who live lives of deep faith. The saints are  examples for us: they prove that it is possible, in every time and situation for ordinary people to  live with mercy, forgiveness, and love. 

We also believe the saints are in heaven praying for us. They are close to Jesus, and just as we  ask friends and family to pray for us, we can ask the saints to pray for us too. Ultimately, Jesus  is our bridge to God, but the saints support us by their prayers and example. 

The call to be holy is for everyone. Jesus challenged us to “be holy as your Heavenly Father is  holy.” St. Augustine famously asked, “If they can become saints, why can’t I?” The invitation is  open to all of us! 

To grow in holiness, stay connected with God through prayer, by listening and talking to Him.  Offer your daily work, struggles, and joys to God. Do small things with great love; it’s not about  grand gestures, but about living with purpose and care in whatever you do. 

One amazing thing about the saints is how different they all are. There’s not just one way to be  holy. God shapes each person uniquely, crafting a masterpiece with every life. Holiness has  many colors, styles, and forms. So, learn from the saints, but don’t try to copy anyone exactly.  Find your own path - the unique way God is calling you to love others.