by Christina Hermoso
The Catholic faithful will observe All Saints Day on Tuesday, November 1, in honor of all the saints, known and unknown.
Now that cemeteries and columbaries are open to the public unlike in the last two years because of the COVID-19 pandemic, families and friends of the departed will be able to visit their loved ones who had passed on although many had planned on visiting earlier or much later to avoid the expected crowd.
As in the past years, Church officials remind the faithful “to commemorate All Saints’ Day solemnly as it is meant to enrich the faith of all who observe it. As we honor the saints and remember our departed loved ones, we actually give glory to God,” Church leaders said.
According to an old tradition, prayers for the intercession of saints are as old as Christianity itself, while the veneration of saints goes back to the beginning of Christianity. Catechism 2683 said, “Their intercession is their most exalted service to God’s plan. We can and should ask for them to intercede for us and for the whole world.”
Originally known as the Feast of All Martyrs in memory of the martyrs of the early Church who died for their faith in Christ, All Saints’ Day has since evolved into a solemn observance during which the Church remembers all who have died in the faith. Pope Gregory (731-741) consecrated a chapel in the Basilica of St. Peter in Rome, Italy to all the saints and fixed the observance to Nov. 1. Pope Gregory IV (827-844) extended the celebration to the Universal Church in 837.
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