ALL SAINTS’ DAY AND ALL SOULS’ DAY: Remembering Those Who Have Gone Before Us

The first two days of November offer us a valuable opportunity to remember and reflect upon those who have passed away. All Saints’ Day, celebrated on Nov. 1, is typically a Holy Day of Obligation and a time to honor those who have lived a holy life and have earned their eternal reward in heaven. As Pope Francis reminds us, “To be saints is not a privilege for the few, but a vocation for everyone” — thus, we remember those holy men and women who are examples for us to live holy everyday lives.

“All Saints’ Day is our annual day to honor those who have gone before us who have lived an exemplary life,” says Fr.Don Buhrman. “Every year we honor them because they modeled for us a life of discipleship to God in their own gifts and talents. We give thanks for them because they modeled for us to be faithful disciples to Jesus.”

All Souls’ Day is the day that we remember those who have gone before us. We pray for their souls to achieve eternal glory in heaven.

“All Souls’ Day is sort of like the Church’s version of Memorial Day,” Fr. Don says.

St. Leo’s has a special way of honoring those parishioners who have died in the last year. There is a display near the sanctuary to remember the parish’s deceased members. On the Sunday closest to All Souls’ Day, the 8 a.m. Mass is a Mass of Remembrance. At the beginning of Mass, a family member or parishioner carries in a candle to represent each of the deceased parishioners. Their names are read in remembrance and are also included in the prayers of the faithful.

During the month of October, the church displays a book of remembrance in the gathering space. Parishioners are encouraged to add the names of any deceased family members.

“When I first arrived at the parish, I established a page in the book for myself,” Fr. Don says. “I wrote down the names of my grandparents, cousins, and other family members who have died. We suggest that other parishioners do the same.”

Another way to honor the dead is to offer a Mass for them. Each Mass said at the church has a particular intention. One can offer a Mass by calling the parish office and speaking to Sue Kohles. The suggested gift for a Mass offering is $10.

“When we offer a Mass for a particular person, it is often a source of support for survivors to know that their loved ones are being prayed for by the community,” Fr. Don says.

These feasts are the church’s way of honoring and remembering those who have gone before us. This honor can be continued through the entire month of November.

These feasts are the church’s way of honoring and remembering those who have gone before us. This honor can be continued through the entire month of November.