As Catholics, we are blessed with many opportunities throughout the liturgical year to honor God and His saints and to pray for the faithful departed. Two particularly meaningful days are All Saints Day and All Souls Day, falling on November 1st and 2nd, respectively, each year.
These days are a beautiful reflection of the communion of saints: the faithful in heaven, the souls in purgatory, and those of us still living on earth. All Saints Day and All Souls Day offer us a chance to honor those who have gone before us and reflect on our own journey toward holiness.
What exactly is the difference between All Saints Day and All Souls Day? And how can you honor each feast day? We’ll explore what these feast days are, their significance in the Catholic Church, and how you can celebrate them through Mass, prayer, and special traditions.
What is All Saints Day?
All Saints Day is a holy day of obligation in the Catholic Church that falls on November 1st each year. However, in 2025, many dioceses have transferred the feast day to the closest Sunday (November 2nd), as the day falls on a Saturday this year. All Saints Day is dedicated to honoring all of the saints in heaven, both the canonized and those whose holiness is known only to God. The day also serves as a powerful reminder of the communion of saints in which all of the faithful, both those in heaven and those on earth, are spiritually connected.
Three Ways to Honor All Saints Day
On All Saints Day, we enjoy connecting with the saints through Mass, prayer, and reflection.
1. Attend Mass
Because All Saints Day is a holy day of obligation, we joyfully gather for Mass to thank God for the example of the saints and ask for their intercession. Even in years when the obligation is lifted or transferred to the nearest Sunday, attending Mass is a wonderful way to celebrate.
2. Pray the Litany of the Saints
This beautiful and ancient prayer invokes the names of saints from different periods in the Church’s history, asking for their prayers. It is especially appropriate to pray on All Saints Day to connect ourselves with the great cloud of witnesses in heaven.
“Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us.
St. Michael, pray for us.
St. Joseph, pray for us.
St. Peter and St. Paul, pray for us…”
— Prayer Excerpt from the Litany of the Saints
3. Reflect on the Lives of the Saints
Read about the saints who inspire you and seek their guidance in your daily life. You might begin with your Confirmation saint or explore the life of Venerable Bruno Lanteri, founder of the Oblates of the Virgin Mary. Though not yet canonized, Ven. Lanteri lived a life of heroic virtue, making him one of the many unrecognized saints we celebrate on this day.
Following Ven. Lanteri’s path, all Oblate brothers have a deep longing to become a saint. For many, this desire to be reunited with the Lord after their time on Earth is finished is what led them to become an Oblate of the Virgin Mary.
“Mary, I place myself in your hands, so that you may bring me to God. Brothers, I ask your help in order to persevere with fidelity all the days of my life, until the Father gathers me into His arms.” — OMV Formula of Profession
What Is All Souls Day?
All Souls Day, observed on November 2nd, is a day set aside to pray for the souls of the faithful departed, especially those who are in purgatory, undergoing purification before entering the fullness of heaven. It is an act of mercy and hope, trusting in God’s promise of eternal life.
While we hope and believe that our loved ones are in heaven, we also recognize that many may still be on their journey toward the pearly gates. Our prayers, sacrifices, and Masses offered on this day assist those souls in their journey toward the fullness of God’s presence.
Three Ways to Honor All Souls Day
Mass, prayers, and Novenas are excellent ways to honor the day.
1. Attend Mass
Though not a holy day of obligation, attending Mass on All Souls Day is a beautiful way to pray for the souls of the deceased. The Mass is the highest form of prayer we can offer, and it’s especially powerful when offered for the repose of the souls in purgatory.
2. Pray for Those Who Have Passed
One of the most traditional practices on All Souls Day is visiting the graves of deceased loved ones and offering prayers for their souls. Many choose to light a candle at their loved ones’ resting place, symbolizing the hope of eternal life. Consider saying these prayers for the faithful departed:
“Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.” — Eternal Rest Prayer
“Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord;
Lord, hear my voice.
Let your ears be attentive
to my cry for mercy.” — Psalm 130
3. Offer a Novena for the Departed
Another powerful way to honor All Souls Day is to pray a novena, offering it for the souls in purgatory. We invite you to enroll in the All Souls Remembrance at St. Clement Eucharistic Shrine, where we celebrate daily Masses for all enrolled during the entire month of November.
Living Out All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day
Beyond these feast days, we are called to live in communion with the saints and the souls of the departed every day.
Here are additional ways to carry the spirit of these celebrations throughout the year:
- Offer acts of charity in memory of your loved ones.
- Participate in parish activities such as prayer vigils or cemetery processions.
- Encourage your family to pray together, remembering that faith and holiness grow strongest in community.
A Time of Hope and Communion
All Saints Day and All Souls Day remind us that death does not end our connection to one another—it transforms it. We are united in the love and mercy of Christ, who conquered death and calls us all to eternal life.
As you celebrate these sacred days, may the saints inspire you to holiness and may your prayers bring comfort and peace to the souls of the faithful departed.
May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
Hi there, I just wanted to make note that All Souls’ Day is indeed a Holy Day of Obligation, and you have it listed as not being one. Thank you!
Hello Christina,
All Soul’s Day is not a Holy Day of Obligation. All Saint’s Day is.
God Bless,
The Oblates of the Virgin Mary