Solemnity of All Saints

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Solemnity of All Saints

Liturgical Feast
Feast Day	November 01
Rank	Solemnity
Type	Fixed
Season	Ordinary Time
Primary Shrine
Countries	Universal
Dioceses

The Solemnity of All Saints, also known as All Saints' Day or All Hallows, is the principal feast in the Roman Rite honoring all the saints, known and unknown, in the heavenly communion of saints. Celebrated annually on November 1 according to the General Roman Calendar, it precedes the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed on November 2 and concludes the liturgical year in Ordinary Time. As a Holy Day of Obligation in many dioceses, the faithful attend Mass to give thanks for the saints' intercession.

According to the *General Roman Calendar* (2002 edition), All Saints ranks as a solemnity, supplanting Sundays in Ordinary Time. The Missale Romanum provides proper texts, including the recitation of the Gloria and Creed at Mass. The readings emphasize the universal call to holiness through the Beatitudes.

The feast evolved from early martyr commemorations, becoming universal by the 9th century, reflecting the Church's eschatological hope in the victory of grace over sin.

Liturgical observance

The Mass uses white or gold vestments. The Lectionary assigns Revelation 7:2–4, 9–14 (first reading, the great multitude), 1 John 3:1–3 (second reading, children of God), and Matthew 5:1–12a (Gospel, the Beatitudes). Missale Romanum (editio typica tertia ed.). Libreria Editrice Vaticana. 2002.  Lectionary for Mass. III. United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. 2002. 

A Vigil Mass on October 31 has distinct readings (Sirach 4:7–8, 12–14, 19–21, 30–31; or Wisdom 3:1–9; Psalm 24; Romans 5:1–5 or Romans 6:3–9; John 6:37–40). The Preface of All Saints highlights the saints' praise of God. No universal special rites exist, though the Liturgy of the Hours features proper antiphons; consult local diocesan ordo for variations.

History

Evidence suggests Eastern churches commemorated all martyrs on the Sunday after Pentecost by the 4th century, as referenced by St. Ephrem (d. 373). In Rome, Pope Boniface IV rededicated the Pantheon on May 13, 610, to Mary and all martyrs, establishing an annual feast. The Catholic Encyclopedia. 1. Robert Appleton Company. 1913. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/01315a.htm. 

Pope Gregory III dedicated a St. Peter's chapel to All Saints on November 1 in 732, shifting the Roman date. Pope Gregory IV extended it universally around 837. The 1969 reform retained November 1 as a solemnity."Mysterii Paschalis". Vatican. 1969-02-14. https://www.vatican.va/content/paul-vi/en/motu_proprio/documents/hf_p-vi_motu-proprio_19690214_mysterii-paschalis.html.  This reflects universal Roman Rite observance; Eastern Catholic calendars may use the post-Pentecost Sunday.

Theological significance

The Solemnity celebrates the Church Triumphant, affirming the communion of saints uniting heaven, earth, and purgatory. The Catechism of the Catholic Church states: “Having passed through the gates of death, the saints are in communion with us” (CCC 946). Catechism of the Catholic Church (2nd ed.). Libreria Editrice Vaticana. 1997. 

Revelation 7:9 depicts the saints from every nation adoring the Lamb, while the Beatitudes (Matthew 5) outline the path to sanctity. Pope Benedict XVI taught in a 2006 homily that All Saints reveals “the true face of the Church.”"Homily for All Saints". Vatican. 2006-11-01. https://www.vatican.va/content/benedict-xvi/en/homilies/2006/documents/hf_ben-xvi_hom_20061101_tutti-santi.html. 

Veneration and traditions

Liturgical tradition holds veneration through Mass and the Liturgy of the Hours, invoking the saints' intercession. According to popular devotion, customs like wearing costumes (from All Hallows' Eve) or visiting graves blend with All Souls, though the Church emphasizes prayer over secular elements.

Processions or family gatherings occur locally in Poland and Mexico, but cannot be confirmed as universal. Hymns such as "For All the Saints" (1864) are devotional. No prescribed foods exist; "soul cakes" relate more to All Souls.

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Shrines

List of shrines

This cannot be confirmed; no shrines are exclusively dedicated to All Saints per Canon 1230, as the feast honors the entire heavenly host rather than a specific site or relic.

External links

• Catechism of the Catholic Church §946–948 – Vatican
• All Saints Day – USCCB
• General Roman Calendar – Vatican