What is All Saints Day
...and what makes someone a saint, anyway?
The Solemnity of All Saints is a day to commemorate all the saints in heaven for their dedication and love for God. A solemnity is the highest level of liturgical feast in the Catholic Church, which makes All Saints Day a holy day of obligation, meaning Catholics are obligated to attend Mass this day.
What exactly is a saint, and who counts as one?
A saint is simply a soul who has attained heaven. The Catholic Church has a process for formally declaring someone as a saint (canonization). On All Saints Day, however, we remember every saint... not only famous saints like St. Francis of Assisi and St. Teresa of Calcutta, but also ordinary Christians who lived virtuous lives whether or not they have been formally canonized
How can I celebrate?
In addition to participating in Mass, many Catholics take part in special All Saints Day prayers. These prayers ask for the intercession of the saints and reflect on the Christian calling to follow in their footsteps.
Download a free printable PDF of The Litany of the Saints that you can pray on your own, or with your family and friends, by clicking the button below!
Curious about the history of All Saints Day, who else celebrates it, and scriptural origins of our devotion to the saints?
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