All Saints Day

My dear friends in Christ,

Today, we celebrate the Feast of All Saints. All Saints Day is a solemn holy day of the Catholic Church celebrated annually on November 1. The day is dedicated to the saints of The Church, that is, all those who have attained heaven. All Saints Day was formally started by Pope Boniface IV, who consecrated the Pantheon at Rome to the Virgin Mary and all the Martyrs on May 13 in 609 AD. Boniface IV also established All Souls Day, which follows All Saints. The holy day was eventually established on November 1 by Pope Gregory III in the mid-eighth century as a day dedicated to the saints and their relics. During this time, many will visit the graves of relatives leaving flowers or lit candles in remembrance. Some may re-read today’s Gospel on the Beatitudes as recounted in Jesus’ famous Sermon on the Mount as recounted by Matthew. Special emphasis is often given to the verse “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the Earth.” We ask for the intercession of All the Saints for our salvation.

Tomorrow we celebrate the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed or All Souls Day. We will have Mass at 8:00 AM and a service at 7:00 PM in remembrance of all the Faithful Souls of Corpus Christi Parish who returned home to the Lord this past year. Please join us for this beautiful ceremony.

Finally, with the spike in COVID-19 cases, please continue to maintain social distancing, wear your mask, and wash your hands.

May God bless you all,

Father John