This could be a controversial post, but it’s important – maybe increasingly so – to challenge the secular influences which can overshadow major Christian events.
November 1st (this year falling on a Wednesday), is the Feastday of ‘All Saints’. It’s a beautiful celebration of those people in the past who showed us good example in following the Gospel and living out their Christian calling. Many are very famous, like the saints our Churches are named after, Colmcille, Finian, Borchill, and Buithe (of Monasterboice).
Many of us were named after saints, or chose a saint’s name for Confirmation. There are the more modern saints, like Maximilian Kolbe, Faustina, or Padre Pio, and then there are those ‘on the way’ to sainthood; Blessed Carlo Acutis (whose relics were in Armagh Cathedral in June, and whose Feastday is October 12th) or Sr. Clare Crockett (a young nun from Derry, who died in an earthquake in Equador, in 2013), and whose cause is being promoted.
One way or the other, the saints have left a huge impact on the life of the Church, and, as we believe they are in heaven, we invoke their help; Saint Anthony, for lost things; St. Terese, the little flower; St. Peregrine for healing from Cancer, St. Rita; and who could forget St. Jude for hopeless causes;
And let’s not forget that all our our loved ones, who have gone to God – are saints! They are there interceding for us too, keeping a watchful eye out for us, sending graces from God when we need them, and walking with us as we continue our journey. We have our very own saints in heaven!
Finally, We are all called to be saints. We are all called to live the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ daily in our lives. We are also called to recognize the holiness in others. In this sense the Communion of Saints refers to members of the Church because we have been baptized into Christ.
So, with all that in mind, Halloween is – from the Christian perspective – the eve (evening before) the Hallow (Holy) day of All Saints. In many Christian countries, people dress not as monsters, ghosts or figures from films, but as a famous or favourite Saint.
Now, you may not be ready to go that far, but as you celebrate Halloween, why not also remember the men and women, young and old, recent and from long ago who lived their Christian faith well, and who can inspire us to do the same.
Mass will be celebrated for All Saints in St. Colmcille’s Church, Togher on Wednesday 1st November at 10am; and at 7pm in St. Finian’s, Dillonstown – All Welcome!
Togher Parish 