All Saints' Day honors both canonized saints and those known only to God, celebrating their eternal life and intercession, with the Church emphasizing that all baptized individuals are considered saints.
All Saints’ Day celebration
On November 1, the Church observes All Saints’ Day, honoring all saints—those officially canonized and those known only to God. This day recognizes that these individuals are believed to be in heaven, where they are thought to pray for others on earth.Common misunderstanding
The day is sometimes confused with a "festival of the dead," a term more commonly associated with the Anglo-Saxon tradition of Halloween. However, the Church instead focuses on celebrating life and the promise of eternal life, which the saints have achieved through their faith and discipleship.Honoring both canonized and unknown saints
All Saints’ Day honors not only those officially recognized as saints but also those known only to God. While these individuals are dead, their lives are celebrated, and their spiritual support is sought. The Church teaches that all baptized individuals are considered saints in a broader sense.Pope’s message to the faithful
During his visit to France in September, Pope Leo XIV reminded the people of Saint-Denis of their spiritual identity, declaring, "You are the saints of France!" He addressed 80,000 young people at the Stade de France, reinforcing the belief that holiness is not limited to a fixed or statue-like image.Holiness and baptism
The concept of holiness, or being set apart for God, is not limited to a select few. Saint Paul referred to the faithful of Ephesus and Philippi as "those who are sanctified," emphasizing that all who have received baptism are considered sanctified. Through the sacraments, believers are called to grow in their relationship with God.Communion of saints and eternal life
The Church teaches that the communion of saints includes both the earthly Church and the heavenly Church, united in God. This belief is reflected in the devotion to saints and the liturgy of All Saints’ Day, which is followed by the commemoration of the faithful departed on November 2. The Church affirms that even those who are dead are called to live in God for eternity.
