At the end of October, as pumpkins glow on front porches and kids run from door to door in fun and fancy dress, most of us think of Halloween as a night of candy and costumes. But Halloween actually has deep Christian roots, and it’s part of a three-day journey that invites us to reflect on life, death, and eternity.
Halloween, or All Hallows’ Eve, is the vigil before All Saints Day, which is on November 1st , much like Christmas Eve is the vigil for the Feast of Christmas. The word “hallow” means “holy,” so All Hallows’ Eve simply means the evening before the feast of all the “hallows” – the saints. What began as a night of prayerful remembrance and fasting overtime became more of a fall festival. But at its core, it’s a reminder that this world isn’t all there is.
The next day, All Saints Day, brings our annual celebration of all those who have reached heaven, not only the famous saints we read about, but also the countless ordinary people who quietly lived holy lives and now rest in God’s presence. They are inspiring examples of perseverance, heroes in faith, and models of charity. They remind us that heaven is possible, and that holiness isn’t reserved for a select few, but something we’re all called to.
Then comes All Souls Day, on November 2nd, a more sobering day when the Church prays for all the faithful departed who have not yet reached heaven – those in Purgatory.
Purgatory is one of the most misunderstood teachings of our faith, even widely rejected by our Protestant brothers and sisters. It’s not a “mini-hell” or a punishment, but rather an expression of God’s mercy. The Catechism tells us that Purgatory is for those who die in God’s grace and friendship, but still need to be purified before entering the fullness of heaven. It’s a place, or perhaps better said, a process of perfecting love. The Church refers to scripture for this teaching in 2 Maccabees 12:42-46, Matthew 5:26 & Matthew 12:32.
Imagine standing before God, the source of all goodness, love, and beauty. Even the smallest trace of sin or selfishness would feel out of place in that light. Purgatory is where God removes those last traces of imperfection so that we can stand before him fully free. It’s not about God’s anger, but his desire to make us whole.
When we pray for the souls in Purgatory, we participate in that work of mercy. We offer Masses, prayers, and sacrifices for them, trusting that God uses those prayers to speed their journey to heaven. In turn, the souls we pray for will one day pray for us.
The triduum of All Hallow’s Eve, All Saints, and All Souls is not a reflection on death, but a proclamation of hope. The hope that no soul is ever forgotten, that every soul is loved, and that through God’s mercy, all are invited to be made perfect in his presence for eternity.
