Allhallowtide: Remembering the Eternal

A Reflection for St. Ann Classical Academy

It is Allhallowtide, the sacred three day season when the Church, in her wisdom, invites us to look beyond the visible and contemplate the mysteries of the Four Last Things: death, judgment, Heaven, and Hell. The world may celebrate these days with costumes and candy, but the Church celebrates something far deeper: the victory of life over death and the unbreakable communion of love that unites Heaven, Earth, and Purgatory.

The Communion of Saints

Allhallowtide reveals to us the beauty of the Communion of Saints, the living reality that the Church is not merely an earthly institution but a mystical body composed of three inseparable parts:

• The Church Triumphant: The saints in Heaven who now behold the face of God and intercede for us.
• The Church Suffering: The holy souls in Purgatory being purified in God’s love.
• The Church Militant:  Us, the faithful still on pilgrimage, striving daily for holiness.

As St. Catherine of Siena wrote, “All the way to Heaven is Heaven, because He said, ‘I am the Way.’” These three realities remind us that no soul who loves Christ is ever alone; every act of prayer and virtue ripples across eternity.

A Season of Hope and Holy Memory

All Hallows’ Eve — October 31

The vigil of All Saints’ Day calls us to keep watch with joyful hearts. In the ancient tradition of Memento Mori — “remember you must die” — we meditate not with fear but with faith, recalling that death, through Christ, has become the gateway to life. The candlelit jack-o-lantern and the laughter of children at play become symbols of this truth: light conquers darkness, and joy endures beyond the grave.

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” — John 1:5

Families can pray the Litany of the Saints, light a candle for departed loved ones, and tell stories of holy men and women whose courage shone brightly amid the world’s shadows.

All Saints’ Day — November 1

This great solemnity celebrates the multitude of souls who have reached their heavenly home, the known and the unknown, the canonized and the quiet saints who lived hidden lives of holiness.

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us rid ourselves of every burden and sin that clings to us* and persevere in running the race that lies before us.” — Hebrews 12:1

On this day, attend Mass, dress as a favorite saint, share a feast in celebration, and remind children that sainthood is not reserved for the extraordinary but is the ordinary call of every baptized soul. The saints were students, parents, soldiers, farmers, and teachers who lived the Beatitudes with joy. Their lives show that holiness is possible, even now, even here.

All Souls’ Day — November 2

The Church tenderly turns her gaze to the souls in Purgatory, those being perfected in God’s mercy. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (1032) teaches, “From the beginning the Church has honored the memory of the dead and offered prayers in suffrage for them, above all the Eucharistic sacrifice.” When we pray for the dead, we perform a spiritual work of mercy and strengthen the bonds of charity that unite Heaven and Earth.

Visit a cemetery as a family, bringing flowers and prayers; teach children to whisper the Eternal Rest prayer:

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

The Church offers a special indulgence for visiting a cemetery and praying for the departed between November 1–8, a gift of grace that reminds us that love is stronger than death.

A Classical Vision of Life and Death

In the Catholic classical tradition, all truth is unified. The study of history, literature, art, and science finds its highest purpose when ordered toward God, who is the Source of all knowledge and wisdom. Our mission at St. Ann Classical Academy is to build a foundation for our students in the knowledge of the goodness, beauty, and truth of God's creation, both visible and invisible; to cultivate an understanding of the true nature of the human person intellectually, physically, socially and spiritually; and to nurture them as Christian disciples leading them into a personal relationship with Jesus, the Source of all knowledge and wisdom.

During Allhallowtide, this mission comes vividly to life. The saints embody the perfection of truth lived in charity; the souls in Purgatory remind us of God’s justice and mercy; and we, the Church Militant, are called to act courageously in faith. The mysteries of life and death are not abstract concepts but invitations to live wisely, love deeply, and look Heavenward.

Living Allhallowtide in the Domestic Church

In your home, consider adopting simple customs that unite your family to this holy season:

• Create a family altar with images of saints and photographs of departed relatives.
• Read a short saint biography each night of the triduum.
• Pray the Rosary together, offering one decade for each part of the Church: Triumphant, Suffering, and Militant.
• Share a festive meal and name a “family patron saint” for the coming year.
• Visit a cemetery to gain the All Souls indulgence and teach children to pray for those who have no one to pray for them.

Through these practices, the domestic church mirrors the life of grace our students encounter each day at St. Ann, where intellect meets wonder and faith meets reason. 

The Triumph of Love

Allhallowtide culminates in the certainty that Christ has conquered death. The tomb is empty, the saints rejoice, and the faithful live in hope. In contemplating this holy triduum, we proclaim with St. Paul:

“Death has been swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your sting?” — 1 Corinthians 15:54-55

May this Allhallowtide draw us nearer to the saints, deepen our compassion for the holy souls, and strengthen our resolve to walk as faithful disciples of Jesus Christ.

Saints and scholars, let us pray that we may live this life with Heaven in our hearts and joy on our faces.