On November 1, 2026, the Catholic Church celebrates the Solemnity of All Saints—a feast honoring every soul in heaven who lives in the vision of God. It is a holy day of obligation in the United States, calling Catholics to attend Mass and rejoice in the communion of saints.
All Saints is not only about canonized names on a calendar. It celebrates the vast multitude—known and unknown—who reached the goal of Christian life: union with the Holy Trinity through Christ.
Prepare with prayer and Scripture: Catholic Calendar · Daily Bible Verse · Saints.
When Is All Saints Day?
All Saints is celebrated every year on November 1. In 2026, November 1 falls on a Sunday. Because it is a solemnity, it takes precedence in the liturgy when it coincides with a Sunday in Ordinary Time—the Church celebrates All Saints on that day.
In the United States, November 1 is a holy day of obligation (along with a small number of other feasts). Catholics are normally bound to attend Mass unless dispensed by legitimate authority. If you are unsure about your diocese when the feast falls on Sunday, check your parish bulletin.
What Does All Saints Mean?
The communion of saints (Catechism §946–962) is the unity of the Church on earth (pilgrims), in purgatory (being purified), and in heaven (the blessed). All Saints Day looks to the Church in glory:
- Canonized saints — men and women the Church holds up as models
- Unknown saints — holy parents, martyrs, catechists, and quiet disciples never formally canonized
- Your loved ones in heaven — if they died in friendship with God
The feast proclaims that holiness is possible for every baptized person who cooperates with grace.
All Saints in Scripture
- Revelation 7:9 — a great multitude from every nation before the throne of God
- Matthew 5:1–12 — the Beatitudes, the “portrait” of sanctity
- Hebrews 12:1 — cloud of witnesses surrounding us
- 1 John 3:2 — we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is
- Philippians 3:20 — our citizenship is in heaven
Read the Beatitudes in Matthew 5 on All Saints Day and choose one to live this week.
All Saints vs. All Souls (November 2)
| Feast | Date | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| All Saints | November 1 | Those already in heaven; joy and hope |
| All Souls | November 2 | The faithful departed being purified; prayer and suffrage |
Guide for tomorrow: All Souls Day November 2.
How to Celebrate All Saints Day 2026
- Attend Mass — fulfill the holy day precept with joy, not burden.
- Name saints who inspire you — read a short life on Saints.
- Teach children that heaven is real and holiness is their vocation.
- Visit a cemetery (many cultures combine this with All Souls on November 2).
- Renew baptismal dignity — all saints were baptized into Christ.
Prayers for All Saints Day
Litany of the Saints (short invocation): Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. All holy men and women, pray for us. Amen.
Personal prayer: God of all holiness, thank You for the saints who surround Your throne. Through their intercession, strengthen me to walk the narrow way of love. Make my home and parish nurseries of future saints. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is All Saints Day a holy day of obligation in the United States?
Yes. November 1 is a holy day of obligation unless your diocese provides otherwise when the feast coincides with a Sunday—confirm locally for 2026.
When is All Saints Day 2026?
Sunday, November 1, 2026.
What is the difference between a solemnity and a feast?
A solemnity is the highest rank of feast in the general calendar (e.g., All Saints, Christmas, Easter). All Saints is a solemnity.
Can I pray to my deceased grandmother on All Saints?
If she is in heaven, she is among the saints. Catholics also pray for the dead on All Souls (November 2) when we entrust those who may still be in purgatory.
What Bible passage is read on All Saints?
Mass readings vary by year; Revelation 7 and the Beatitudes are common themes. Read ahead via Daily Mass Readings.
Rejoice in the Saints
All Saints Day is the Church’s annual glimpse of our destiny: not escape from the world, but transfigured love in God. On November 1, 2026, stand with the multitude in heaven and ask for courage to become what you were baptized to be.
All you saints of God, pray for us. Amen.
Read next: Catholic Calendar · All Souls Day · Lateran Basilica November 9