Celebrating All Saints and All Souls in November

The Diocese of Grand Rapids released a reflection on the upcoming November observances of All Saints and All Souls. The text notes that the solemnity of All Saints has been observed since the eighth century to honor holy men and women in heaven, including both canonized figures and those who lived unnoticed lives.

The Diocese explains that the Church calls the faithful to venerate saints and imitate their virtues to grow closer to Christ. According to the report, praying to saints is an act of intercession where the faithful ask those in heaven to join their will with God's will. This relationship is part of the Communion of Saints professed in the Creed.

The reflection also references Pope Francis' 2018 apostolic exhortation, Gaudete et exsultate, which discusses saints who accompany the faithful and those living ordinary lives. During November, Catholics typically visit churches or cemeteries to pray for the souls in purgatory.