If you’ve ever seen little kids dressed up as saints on November 1st or heard about a “Holy Day of Obligation” right after Halloween, you’ve probably brushed up against All Saints Day—one of the most beautiful feasts in the Church year. Whether you’re just learning about it or want to understand it more deeply, here’s a beginner’s guide that covers the history of All Saints Day, the meaning behind it, and how we can celebrate it as modern-day Catholics.

The History of All Saints Day

The history of All Saints Day dates back to the early centuries of the Church, when Christians began honoring martyrs who had died for their faith. By the 7th century, Pope Boniface IV officially designated a day to honor all saints, especially those who didn't have a feast day of their own. Eventually, the date was moved to November 1st by Pope Gregory III to coincide with a dedication of a chapel in St. Peter’s Basilica.

Why does this matter? Because it reminds us that the Church has always celebrated holiness—not just in famous saints, but in the hidden, humble followers of Christ whose names we may never know.

What Is the Meaning of All Saints Day?

So what exactly is All Saints Day? In short: it’s a day to celebrate the meaning of saints—those holy men and women who are now in Heaven, both the well-known canonized ones and the quiet, everyday ones. It’s a joyful reminder that the goal of our faith isn’t just to “be a good person”—it’s to become a saint.

We’re invited to reflect on their lives, ask for their intercession, and be inspired to live with the same kind of love, courage, and faithfulness they showed in their time on earth.

Saints vs. Souls: What’s the Difference?

All Saints Day (November 1st) is followed by All Souls Day (November 2nd). The two go hand-in-hand but are different in purpose:

• All Saints Day honors those already in Heaven.

• All Souls Day is for praying for the souls in Purgatory who are still being purified on their way to Heaven.

Together, they form what’s called Allhallowtide—a sacred time to reflect on life, death, and our eternal destiny.

How Do Catholics Celebrate All Saints Day?

There are so many beautiful ways to celebrate All Saints Day, whether you're single, married, a parent, or new to the faith. Here are a few simple ideas:

• Go to Mass – It’s a Holy Day of Obligation for a reason.

• Learn about a new saint – Pick one you’ve never heard of and read their story.

• Dress up as a saint – This is especially fun for families and Catholic schools!

• Pray the Litany of Saints – It’s powerful and deeply moving.

• Talk about your patron saint – Share their story at dinner or with your children.

Even lighting a candle and asking the saints for their prayers can be a quiet but meaningful act of devotion.

Final Thoughts: The Saints Are Cheering You On

If you’ve ever felt like sainthood is something “for other people,” All Saints Day gently reminds us that we are all called to be saints. The Church gives us this day not to intimidate us—but to encourage us. The saints weren’t perfect. They were just deeply in love with Jesus and radically faithful to Him in their own unique ways.

So this November 1st, take a moment to breathe in the joy of the Church. You’re part of something eternal—and you’ve got a whole cloud of witnesses cheering you on.