Parishes and schools in the diocese came together in profound displays of faith and reverence this November 1st and 2nd, to honor the saints and commemorate departed loved ones.
All Saints' Day, observed on November 1st, is a day dedicated to recognizing the saints and martyrs whose influence has shaped Catholic history. This is followed by All Souls' Day on November 2nd, a time to remember those who have departed this world in faith.
The Solemnity of All Saints and the Commemoration of the Faithful Departed (All Souls) are sacred liturgical feasts that carry great weight within the Catholic tradition. All Saints' Day, typically celebrated on November 1st, is a churchwide holy day of obligation. However, in the United States, if November 1st falls on a Saturday or Monday, the obligation to attend Mass is abrogated.
In this year where November 1st fell on a Wednesday, many parishes in the Diocese of Raleigh organized special masses to mark the occasion. Simultaneously, schools in the region embraced the festivities, providing opportunities for young students to dress up as saints, fostering a deeper connection to their faith.
At the Franciscan School, second graders reveled in the chance to dress as their favorite saints or Bible characters. St. Catherine of Sienna witnessed the creative endeavors of fourth graders, who ingeniously transformed ordinary bottles into depictions of saints, showcasing their dedication and artistic talents.
Second-graders at Saint Thomas More proudly adorned themselves as saints during the All Saints' Day school Mass. Father Nicolas, in his homily, encouraged the students, reminding them that through acts of kindness towards their neighbors and faithful adherence to God's teachings, they too can aspire to be like the saints who have left an indelible mark.
At St. Raphael Catholic School, the second-grade Guardians dressed up to pay homage to their favorite saints, acknowledging the profound impact these figures have on their daily lives. Also, as is tradition, an Altar of the Dead was set up to commemorate All Souls Day.
The altar in St Raphael pays tribute to our faithful departed, adorned with their names and photographs. Colored paper, pan de muerto, and other traditional foods, along with cempasúchil (marigolds), symbolic Day of the Dead flowers, further enhance the solemnity of the occasion.
At St. Catherine in Wake Forest, the celebration of All Saints' Day took on a unique significance, particularly for those of Mexican and Central American origin.
During his homily, Fr. Agustin Alonso Sigaran Donis delivered a poignant message of hope and encouragement. He reminded parishioners that sanctity is attainable, quoting the words of Saint John Paul II. His message resonated with the community, urging them to reflect on their own spiritual journeys and the state of their own hearts. As the celebrations concluded, the faithful departed with a renewed sense of purpose, inspired by the legacy of the saints.
