LAKE JAMES

NORTH CAROLINA

All Saints Day and All Souls Day

Both the Feasts of All Saints (November 1) and All Souls (November 2) are quite ancient, the former having its origin as a festival in honor of all martyrs and was well established by the 3rd century.  By the 5th century its focus has broadened to include all saints and by the early 9th century it was observed virtually everywhere throughout the Christian world.  All Saints Day is the Church's affirmation of the unusual holiness of some Christians, men and women, clergy and laity, who have been declared to be saints (literally, "holy ones").  We know the names of some of them, such as the Blessed Virgin Mary, Saint Peter, Saint Paul, etc. but we also know that there are far more whose names we do not know.  Together, they constitute what is called "The Church Triumphant" and are in the immediate Presence of God in heaven where they not only enjoy the Beatific Vision of God but pray for the Church on earth.

The observance of All Souls Day grew out of the Church's need to pray for the great number of the faithful departed who, at death, still needed to grow in holiness (just as they did while alive in the body).  Traditionally called "The Church Expectant," they occupy what theologians call the "intermediate state" where continued growth is possible and, where, just as before death, they are able to be aided by the prayers of others.  As an observance, All Souls Day is over a thousand years old and witnesses to the essential unity of all Christians, whether saints in heaven, souls in paradise, or those still on earth.

The Collect for The Feast of All Saints

Al mighty God, you have knit together your elect in one communion and fellowship in the mystical body of your Son Christ our Lord: Give us grace so to follow your saints in all virtuous and godly living, that we may come to those ineffable joys that you have prepared for those who truly love you; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting, Amen.

A Collect for The Faithful Departed

Be mindful, O Lord, of the souls of your servants who have gone before us wit the sign of faith.  To all who rest in Christ, mercifully grant a place of refreshment, light, and peace.  May they continue to grow in y our love and service, and finally, enter more fully into your Presence where, with all your saints, they may have the fullness of joy.  We ask this through Christ, our Lord.  Amen.

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To learn more about All Saints Day from the Catholic Encyclopedia, click here.

To learn more about All Souls Day from Wikipedia.org, click here.

This page last modified on Friday, April 11, 2008 09:39 PM