Honoring Saints and the Faithful Departed on All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days

Each year, on Nov. 1 and Nov. 2, Catholics commemorate All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, two solemn occasions honoring the faithful departed. These days serve as a reminder of the hope of eternal life, the communion of saints, and the prayers for the departed souls who may need our intercession. Together, they offer a powerful opportunity for Catholics to reflect on mortality, holiness, and the promise of the resurrection.

All Saints’ Day, celebrated on Nov. 1, is dedicated to all saints recognized by the Church, as well as those known only to God. While canonized saints such as St. Francis of Assisi and St. Teresa of Ávila are commonly celebrated, this feast day also acknowledges ordinary Christians who led virtuous lives.  Instituted by Pope Gregory III in the 8th century, this day celebrates those who lived lives of devotion and sacrifice, inspiring Catholics to strive for holiness. Parishes often mark the day with Mass celebrating the saints, calling to mind that “we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses” (Hebrews 12:1).

On Nov. 2, Catholics observe All Souls’ Day, a time to pray for souls in purgatory. The Church teaches that purgatory is a state of purification, preparing the departed to fully enter God’s presence. All Souls’ Day emphasizes that, through prayer, the living can assist in this process, bringing comfort to both the departed and themselves.

Many Catholics observe All Souls’ Day by visiting cemeteries, lighting candles, and offering Masses for deceased loved ones.  Catholic schools may also celebrate All Saints’ Day by having students dress as their favorite saints. The day underscores the Catholic belief in the communion of saints—a spiritual connection among the faithful on Earth, the saints in heaven, and the souls undergoing purification.

Throughout November, the Archdiocese of Newark holds special gatherings to remember loved ones and pray for eternal peace. On Wednesday, Nov. 6, at 3 p.m., a Memorial Mass for priests and deacons of the Archdiocese who passed in the last year will be celebrated by Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark.

On Nov. 3, 2024, designated as Cemetery Sunday, the faithful are invited to the Catholic Cemeteries of the Archdiocese of Newark to honor the deceased with prayer and reflection. Visiting a Catholic cemetery allows families to grieve, heal, and recall Jesus’ promise of eternal life.

Following the cemetery visit, the faithful are invited to a Memorial Concert, titled “Requiem,” by Michael John Trotta, at 3 p.m. in the Cathedral Basilica. This concert, featuring The Cathedral Choir, soloists, and an orchestra, aims to console those grieving the loss of loved ones. A pre-concert lecture by Anita Foley will be held at 2:20 p.m. in the Lady Chapel.

Guests are invited to inscribe the names of loved ones in a Book of Remembrance at the Cathedral Basilica. The public may attend without tickets; a free-will offering will be accepted. For further details, visit newarkbasilica.org/concert-series.

All Saints’ and All Souls’ days, together with November’s commemorations, underscore the Catholic hope in eternal life and the enduring connection between the living and the departed.