My Dear Parish Family,
Happy All Saints Day! Ever since the 9th century, the Church has been celebrating this feast honoring all saints, both those formally canonized and those others who have attained heaven. These saints are individuals who have lived lives of extraordinary faith and dedication to God, serving as role models for Christians. Whether officially recognized by the Church or not, these saints have played a significant role in spreading Christianity and leading others toward holiness. Today’s feast is a holy day of obligation and is the middle of three dates honoring the dead – Halloween (All Hallows Eve October 31) and All Souls Day (November 2).
There are many non-Catholic Christians that reject the idea that the saints in heaven can hear our prayers. However, it’s often not considered that those in heaven are far more alive than those on earth. Ultimately, it is through God’s divine power that souls in heaven hear our prayers and are able to intercede on our behalf. After all, sacred scripture supports praying to saints. In the Letter to the Hebrews, it is made clear that there is a crowd of believers in heaven cheering us on: Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us. (Hebrews 12:1)
Thank you for all your prayers as I journeyed as Chaplain on Pilgrimage in the Footsteps of St. Paul in Greece and Turkey, leading some 70 folks from all around the USA to many of the places where Paul preached the good news of Jesus Christ. Upon returning, I have been asked what my favorite part of the whole experience was. My answer is the visit to ancient Corinth. There in the midst of ruins from the time of Christ, I celebrated Mass outdoors under the trees, with an ancient column’s base as my altar. To think that we were there, standing where the apostle Paul had stood before the Roman Proconsul Gallio in 51A.D. was a very moving experience for us all.
God bless you all and Oremus pro invicem.
Fr. Scott Shaffer