What is All Saints' Day? Understanding the Catholic Feast and A Call to Holiness

The History and Meaning of All Saints' Day

The Forerunners of Christ with Saints and Martyrs, Fra Angelico, 1423-1424, The National Gallery, London

Every year on November 1st, the Church celebrates something special: the countless souls who have made it to our eternal home in Heaven. All Saints’ Day is a reminder that holiness isn’t just for a few chosen people; it’s the ultimate calling that we should all strive for. 

The history of this feast goes back centuries. It began in 609 AD, when Pope Boniface IV consecrated the old Roman Pantheon (a pagan temple) to the Blessed Virgin Mary and all the martyrs. That moment marked one of the Church’s first big acknowledgements that not just a few saints, but all those who lived faithfully deserved to be remembered and honored. A few hundred years later, Pope Gregory III moved the feast to November 1st, dedicating a special chapel in St. Peter’s Basilica to “all saints, martyrs, and confessors.” Then, in 835 AD, Pope Gregory IV made it an official Holy Day of Obligation, meaning Catholics everywhere were called to join in celebrating the great family of faith that came before us. 

All Saints’ Day is more than just a date on the calendar. It’s a celebration of the Communion of Saints, the connection that binds together all members of the Church across Heaven, Purgatory, and Earth. Those in Heaven, the Church Triumphant, are the saints who have finished the race and now see God face to face. On this day, we honor them and ask for their prayers, knowing they intercede for us. We, the Church Militant, are still here on earth striving to live out our faith and fight the fight against sin and temptation. All Saints’ Day reminds us that we aren’t alone in this struggle; the saints in Heaven support us through their prayers, and their examples show us that holiness is possible even amid daily challenges. Meanwhile, the Church Suffering, the souls in Purgatory, are those who died in friendship with God but still undergo purification before entering Heaven. 

The following Day, All Souls’ Day, we especially remember them in prayer, offering sacrifice and Masses to help them on their journey toward the fullness of God’s presence. Together, these parts of the Church–Triumphant, Suffering, and Militant–reveal the unity of God’s family. All Saints’ Day, in particular, calls us to rejoice with the saints in Heaven while renewing our own commitment to holiness here on earth. 

Finding Inspiration in the Saints: Why I Chose St. José Sánchez del Río

All Saints’ Day reminds us that holiness isn’t reserved for a few extraordinary people. It’s a calling for us,

students, workers, parents, and friends, anyone trying to love God in everyday life. It’s about ordinary people who trusted God in extraordinary ways. That’s exactly why I chose St. José Sánchez del Río as my Confirmation Saint. To me, he represents what All Saints’ Day is truly about–courage, faith, and a heart completely given to God. 

José was only 14 years old when he was martyred during the Cristero War in Mexico for refusing to deny his faith. Even when threatened with death, he stood firm, crying out, “Viva Cristo Rey!” – “Long live Christ the King!” His faith didn’t waver, even in the face of suffering and death. 

I chose him because he shows that sainthood isn’t about age, status, or perfection; it’s about love and conviction. His example reminds me that I can strive to be holy where I am, in the small choices I make every day. Just like All Saints’ Day honors all those who said “yes” to God, known and unknown, St. José’s life is a reminder that every act of faith, no matter how young or small, can echo in Heaven. 

Jackson Jones is a senior at Notre Dame Regional High School in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, and one of Sarah Strohmeyer's students. He serves as a Kairos Retreat Leader for the student-led senior retreat program and is captain of the cross country team. He also runs track and is well-respected by teachers and students alike!