All Saints’ Day is Nov. 1

Friday, Oct. 27, 2023

The Solemnity of All Saints falls on Wednesday, Nov. 1 this year. It is a holy day of obligation; check with your parish for Mass times.

The feast “was originally instituted to honor the Christian martyrs of the late Roman Empire,” according to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

“Although we often associate martyrdom with events of the past, violent persecution of Christians is still happening at an alarming rate in modern times in many countries,” the USCCB adds. “Therefore, in praying for the martyrs of ages past, let us also pray for suffering Christians around the world who continue to be persecuted in this day and age for following Christ.”

All Souls’ Day is Thursday, Nov. 2 this year. Although it is not a holy day of obligation, many Catholics attend Mass on this day to pray for those who have gone before us, marked with the sign of faith. On this day, “Catholics in many countries honor and pray for the departed souls who may have no one to pray for them,” the USCCB states.

On All Souls’ Day, a diocesan Mass will be celebrated at noon in the Risen Savior Mausoleum at Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery, 275 U St., SLC. All are welcome.