Let the hearts that seek the Lord rejoice – the entrance antiphon of the 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time reminds us that we may find true joy while searching for the Lord. He is a source of authentic joy and happiness even if one experiences trouble. In the same spirit of the joy, the entrance antiphon for the Solemnity of All Saints speaks to us: Let us all rejoice in the Lord. This liturgical exhortation invites us to taste the heavenly joy of the saints.

Annually, on the first two days of November the Universal Church celebrates All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days. The first feast is officially named the Solemnity of All Saints and it was established first for the local Church in Rome in the 8th century and in the next century it was extended to be celebrated by the Universal Church. On this day we honour all the saints, those formally recognized, those whose names remain unknown, and the baptized of every epoch and nation who enjoy the heavenly glory. The liturgy of this solemnity urges us to raise our eyes towards heaven and inflame our hearts with a desire for holiness. Our Lord wants us to be holy as the Father in heaven is holy, so we should generously respond, as the saints did, to this divine calling for holiness.
On November 2nd celebrating the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed we pray for all our sisters and brothers who completed their earthly pilgrimage and are waiting for admittance to God’s glory. It is our duty to remember them and help them with our prayers and self-denials to get in the kingdom of heaven. One day we will be in the same situation asking others for that same spiritual support.

This Saturday, as on the first Saturday of the month, we honour the Immaculate Heart of Mary with a Mass at 10 am.
Pope Francis encourages us to pray during the month of November for the following intention: That the language of love and dialogue may always prevail over the language of conflict.
All holy men and women pray for us!

God bless,
Fr. Peter