1ST NOVEMBER: THE FEAST OF ALL SAINTS

The Feast of All Saints, which we celebrate every 1st November, invites us to honour all those who, having lived on earth, have reached a high degree of Christian life and already enjoy the presence of God in heaven. This celebration reminds us of both the saints officially recognised by the Church, and those who remain not canonized officially, but who have nevertheless lived a life of faith, charity and virtue. At the centre of this feast also shines the figure of the Virgin Mary who occupies a pre-eminent place among all the saints, being the perfect model of holiness and intercessor par excellence.

The Feast of All Saints emphasises, in a special way, the reality of the ‘communion of saints’, that is, the spiritual union of all the Christian faithful, both those already enjoying the divine presence and those still wandering on earth. This communion reminds us that the Church goes beyond the earthly dimension, a heavenly reality. All the saints, from heaven, intercede for us still living in this world, helping us to achieve salvation. This bond reminds us that we are not alone, that we are part of a community destined for eternal life, and that we are all called to be part of this family of the redeemed.

This day also gives us a profound sense of ‘universal sanctification’. Not only the best known or canonised saints are celebrated, but also all those who have lived according to the Gospel and achieved holiness, even if their lives have not been visible to or recognised by people. The Feast of All Saints emphasises that holiness is not an exclusive privilege of a chosen few, but is the call of every baptised Christian. It is a reminder that the vocation to holiness is inscribed in each one of us, and that each one, in his or her daily life, can respond with love and dedication to this call.

In the context of this celebration, the Virgin Mary holds a unique place of honour. She is the holiest of saints, the ‘Queen of All Saints’, and represents the most sublime model of faithfulness to God's call. With her unconditional ‘yes’ to the divine plan, Mary shows us the path to holiness: a life of unwavering faith, humble obedience and generous love. She is the example to which all Christians are called to look and imitate, because in her life we contemplate the ideal of what it means to live fully God's will.

Moreover, Mary is a maternal intercessor who, from heaven, cares and prays for all her children on earth. Her role as a loving mother makes her a refuge and help for all those who face difficulties on the path to holiness. In her, the faithful find not only an inspiring example, but also a close companion and protector who intercedes for us before God, ensuring her support in times of greatest spiritual need.

This feast also invites us to contemplate the glory of heaven and to reflect on the destiny promised to humanity. Mary, having been assumed into heaven, becomes the living testimony of what all believers can achieve: eternal life in the presence of God. While the first woman, Eve, brought sin into the world, Mary is the fulfilment of humanity's redemptive destiny and the sign of hope for all believers. In her is reflected the certainty that, thanks to God's grace and Christ's victory over sin and death, each of us can attain the fullness of life in God.

Thus, the Feast of All Saints is not only a celebration of those who are already in God's glory, but also an invitation to hope and personal commitment to holiness. The saints show us that, despite our human limitations and struggles, it is possible to live in God's love and achieve eternal communion with Him. They inspire us to remain steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same God who worked in their lives also works in ours.

Finally, the Virgin Mary, as Mother of Christ and Mother of the Church, has a fundamental role in this communion of saints. She, being closest to Christ, is the most effective mediatrix interceding for our needs. Her presence reminds us that all members of the Body of Christ, both in heaven and on earth, are united and support each other on the path to holiness.

The Feast of All Saints is ultimately a profound celebration of communion, hope and the universal call to holiness. In it, the figure of the Virgin Mary stands out as the holiest, the Queen of all saints, and as the perfect model to follow. She intercedes for us and encourages us to respond generously to God's call, following the example of those saints who have gone before us and shown us the path to eternal life. May this celebration remind us that holiness is a real possibility for all, and that our ultimate destiny is communion with God in glory, to which Mary is the first and most exalted witness.

Don Gabriel Cruz Trejo, SDB

Spiritual Animator ADMA, Valdocco.

Renato Valera,

President ADMA Valdocco.