It is no wonder there is confusion about All Saints’ Day. As if becoming a saint weren’t hard enough, just imagine having your celebration squeezed between two other holidays.
You do have the peace of mind that comes from knowing you can be an unknown saint and still have your day. However, there was a time when recognition was hard to come by and it hasn’t improved much over the centuries.
All Saints’ Day, which is observed on November 1, falls on the day after Halloween and the day before All Souls’ Day. The focus of Halloween has changed over time and All Souls’ Day is reserved for prayers for those in purgatory.
In between these two somber observances, All Saints’ Day continues to be a celebration of glory for saints known and unknown. It is a day of honor and feasting, with the faith that we are enriched by examples learned from their lives.
New Orleans takes great pride in its traditions and devoted care of its historic cemeteries. On this day, the populace respectfully tends to family burial sites.
The holiday is observed by many people but outside the Catholic Church, it is not well-known. However, in a locale known for revelry, the citizens shake off their hangovers on November 1 and respectfully honor All Saints’ Day.
It is easy to believe, with confidence, that all the saints gone before approve of these observances filled with remembrance. Judgement is never passed over who is saint and who is sinner. All Saints’ Day is special for them all.