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The Importance of Early November in Catholic Life
On October 31st, children in neighborhoods all across the United States and Canada will be out on the streets in their colorful costumes trick or treating and having fun. The next day will be different. With the dawning of the new month, we Catholics begin a time of reflection and prayer.
On November 1st, we celebrate All Saints' Day. Most of us have several saints to whom we are particularly devoted because they served the Lord with all of their minds, bodies, and souls. November 1st allows us to remember these saints and many others, all of who thought of serving God as best they could.
All Saints' Day developed during the first centuries of the Church's existence as a commemoration of Christian martyrs; it later began to include the saints. All Souls' Day follows All Saints' Day on November 2nd or 3rd - if the second is a Sunday.
In the Church's first millennium, many congregations across Europe prayed for the souls' of departed friends and family. Today we dedicate Masses to the dead and continue praying for them so that their souls may find refuge with God in Heaven. Masses on All Souls' Day are requiems. Priests are also required to recite the Office of the Dead during these Masses.
Both All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day are opportunities for us to slow down. The Saints and deceased loved ones come to us when we are in prayer, strengthening us for any hard times ahead and promising that in the future we will all be reunited.
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