All Saints (Year B)

Apoc 7.2-4, 9-14; Ps 23; I Jn 3.1-3; Mt 5.1-12

Honoring those who have exemplified the Christian faith through extraordinary dedication and commitment.

The Universal Calendar of the Catholic Church comprises Solemnities, Feasts, and Memorials dedicated to Saints, including apostles, martyrs, virgins, doctors of the Church, priests, religious figures, and holy men and women. Furthermore, each Diocese, Province, or National Church observes its own specific celebrations of varying significance.

There are certain Saints, renowned for their exemplary virtues, who, through their spirituality, have progressed further in the Church’s canonization process. A comprehension of the process leading to canonization enhances our understanding of this Solemnity.

The Solemnity of All Saints serves as an occasion to honor those Christian souls who have attained heaven and who support us through their intercession within the Communion of Saints, even if they have not yet been formally recognized by the Church as Sancti or Beati. One may envision them as depicted in the profound vision from the Book of the Apocalypse, where individuals are seen clad in white robes worshipping the Lamb.

The initial phase in the canonization process commences when, with the approval of the Holy See, a diocesan bishop initiates a cause on behalf of an individual noted for holiness. The individual’s life and writings undergo scrutiny to ascertain their alignment with Catholic teaching.

If the person is deemed to have lived a Christian life “to a heroic degree,” they may be designated as Venerable. In essence, these souls embody the truth articulated in our second reading, as Saint John proclaims, “My people, we are already the children of God.” Those on the path to sanctity do not attain it solely through human endeavor; rather, they respond fully to God’s call, thus realizing the abundant life to which the Father invites us.

Individuals declared Venerable do not receive a feast day, and the Church refrains from making any declarations regarding their status in heaven. Prior to Beatification or Canonization, a miracle attributed to the intercession of the candidate must occur, which the Church interprets as a divine indication of the individual’s presence in heaven.

The determination is not made by the Pope; instead, the Church awaits a sign from God, which the Holy Father acts upon accordingly. Some candidates may never advance beyond the declaration of Venerable status, while others remain classified as Beati if no additional miracles are attributed to them.

Thus, today’s Solemnity, beyond being a general celebration of the Communion of Saints, provides an opportunity to honor those hitherto unrecognized heroes of the faith. Among those celebrated will be martyrs, for Catholic tradition holds that martyrs are granted immediate access to heaven.

It is a sobering reflection that the twentieth century witnessed more Christian martyrs than any previous century. We also recognize all who have fully embodied the Theological Virtues of Faith, Hope, and Charity, as well as the Cardinal Virtues of Prudence, Justice, Fortitude, and Temperance—those who await their turn to grace the heavenly stage.

It is a common misconception that All Saints’ Day is a celebration of all Christians. While Saint Paul occasionally refers to Christians as “saints,” he is primarily addressing followers of Christ on earth. Catholic doctrine states that saints are those who have attained heaven, whether known or unknown.

If one were to experience martyrdom in an instant, one would be among them. However, for the majority, the journey to heaven is fraught with challenges, and many will require purification in purgatory before they are prepared to behold the vision of God.

Nevertheless, we possess a model to emulate on our journey, as laid out in the Gospel for today’s Mass. In the Beatitudes, Our Lord articulates a vision of the life of an aspiring saint. Those whose heavenly existence inspires us today commenced their journey in Baptism, striving to embody the life illustrated in the Beatitudes, ultimately achieving this during their time on earth. They assure us that with perseverance, fidelity to the Church’s teachings, and active participation in the sacramental life, such attainment is feasible.

May the Saints in heaven, both known and unknown, intercede for us as we endeavor to follow their exemplary pathway and tread in their footsteps.

Happy All Saints Day

Happy New Month of November

Fr Joseph Osho