LITURGY CORNER All Saints and All Souls

We are taking a brief break from our series on liturgical furnishings to explore two important celebrations that begin November, the Church’s traditional month of remembrance: All Saints Day on November 1 and All Souls Day on November 2. Although closely connected, each offers a different perspective on our relationship with those who have gone before us in faith.



All Saints Day, which falls on Sunday this year, is a solemnity, the highest rank of celebration in the Church’s calendar. The November 1 observance became established throughout Western Christianity during the ninth century. Its importance is reflected in the fact that it takes precedence over the usual Sunday celebration.

While we often associate saints with familiar figures such as St. Francis or St. Teresa, All Saints Day celebrates not only those formally recognized by the Church but also the countless holy men and women who have entered heaven without ever being canonized. We celebrate their holiness and ask for their continued prayers on our behalf.

Catholic tradition describes the Church in three parts: the Church Militant (those living on earth), the Church Triumphant (the saints in heaven), and the Church Suffering or Penitent (those undergoing purification in purgatory). Together, we remain one Church united in Christ.

All Souls Day, observed Monday, November 2, turns our attention toward the faithful departed, particularly those still undergoing purification before entering heaven. We offer prayers for them, trusting in God's mercy. The Mass for All Souls resembles a funeral Mass in its prayers and readings. Interestingly, it is one of the few occasions when the priest may wear white, violet, or even black vestments.

At Mary Queen, several traditions help us observe these days. Our Hispanic community prepares a Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) altar in the gathering area, where everyone is invited to place photographs and remembrances of deceased loved ones. The community also gathers for a novena of prayers for the faithful departed. At our All Souls Day Masses on Monday, we will remember parishioners who have died during the past year and present their families with the crosses bearing their names that have been displayed in our chapel.

We invite everyone to our All Souls Day Masses on Monday, November 2, at 8:15am (English, with our school), 5:30pm (English), and 7:00pm (Spanish).

Throughout November, our Book of Remembrance will be available for you to inscribe the names of loved ones. The Church also encourages cemetery visits and prayers for the dead, particularly during the first days of November.

Together, these celebrations remind us that death does not sever the bonds of the Church. We rejoice with those in heaven, pray for those who have died, and continue our own journey toward eternal life.