All Saints (Year B)

Celebrating the heroes of our Christian faith

The Catholic Church’s Calendar includes Solemnities, Feasts, and Memorials of Saints—apostles, martyrs, virgins, doctors, priests, religious, and holy men and women. Dioceses and national churches also have their own celebrations. Saints known for heroic virtues are recognized for their spiritual progress, helping us understand this Solemnity.
Today’s Solemnity honors Christian souls in heaven who assist us through their intercession, even if not yet officially recognized as Sancti or Beati. They can be imagined as in Revelation: clothed in white, worshipping the Lamb.

The process begins when a diocesan bishop, with Holy See approval, opens a cause for someone reputed holy. Their life and writings are examined to ensure alignment with Catholic teaching. If they lived heroically, they may be declared Venerable. These souls embody the truth in our second reading: “My people, we are already the children of God,” responding fully to God’s call. Venerables have no feast day, and the Church makes no claim about their presence in heaven. Miracles through their intercession are needed before beatification or canonization, seen as signs of heaven. The Pope waits for divine signs; some remain Venerable or Beati if no miracle is confirmed.

Today’s Solemnity celebrates all saints, including unknown heroes and martyrs—who are believed to enter heaven immediately. More Christian martyrs died in the 20th century than earlier. We also honor those living the virtues of Faith, Hope, Charity, Prudence, Justice, Fortitude, and Temperance—waiting to enter heaven.
Some wrongly say All Saints’ Day honors all Christians. Saint Paul calls Christians saints, but he means those on earth. Catholic teaching recognizes saints as those in heaven, known or unknown. Many of us have flaws, likely needing purgatory before seeing God.

Our Gospel today shows us a pattern in the Beatitudes for living as a saint in progress. Early on in Baptism, saints began their journey, living the Beatitudes. Their perseverance reassures us that with faithfulness and sacramental participation, we too can attain this.

May the saints in heaven pray for us as we follow their example.

Happy Solemnity of All Saints!
Happy New Month!

Fr Joseph Osho