Recognising All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day

28 Oct 2025

Why early November holds special meaning for many Christians

1 November: All Saints Day

All Saints’ Day honours all the saints, known and unknown; those who lived lives of faith and virtue and are believed to be in heaven. It’s a day to celebrate the examples of compassion, courage, and service they left behind. In many cultures, it’s also a time to reflect on the idea of hope, spiritual legacy, and the human capacity for goodness.

In the New Testament the word ‘Saint’ refers to living Christians, often enduring difficulties, and the book of Revelation describes Christians who have died and are raised to new life with the Risen Christ, in what we call heaven: ‘I saw a huge number, impossible to count, of people from every nation, race, tribe and language’. (Rev 7:9). There are far more saints than those already declared by the Church, who are all remembered together on All Saints Day, when we give thanks to God for their prayers. 

2 November: All Souls’ Day

The following day, All Souls’ Day, is more focused on remembering all the faithful departed, especially loved ones who have died. It also includes those who may need some purification (called Purgatory) before being in God’s presence. People often visit cemeteries, light candles, or say prayers in memory of those they’ve lost. It’s a time of reflection, mourning, and gratitude.

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