Dear Columban Friends,
In the span of two sacred days — All Saints’ Day (November 1) and All Souls’ Day (November 2) — the Church invites us into a beautiful rhythm of remembrance, hope, and communion.
All Saints’ Day is a celebration of the countless holy men and women — known and unknown — who now rejoice in the presence of God. It reminds us that sainthood is not reserved for the famous or flawless but is the calling of all who live lives of faith, love, and sacrifice. It’s a day of joy, hope, and inspiration as we reflect on the great cloud of witnesses who surround us and cheer us on.
All Souls’ Day, by contrast, is quieter and more contemplative. It is the day we remember our beloved dead—those who have gone before us marked with the sign of faith. We pray for their souls, trusting in God's mercy and love, and we reaffirm our belief in the communion of saints: that the living and the dead are united in Christ.
Together, these days form a sacred bridge between heaven and earth, reminding us that death is not the end, and that love, faith, and prayer bind us across the veil.
As we celebrate All Saints’ Day, we give thanks for the faithful who have gone before us—those whose lives were marked by service, sacrifice, and steadfast love for God’s people around the world.
In their spirit, we invite you to participate in our All Saints’ Day Global Mission Appeal. Your gift will help bring hope, healing, and opportunity to communities across the globe — and the proclamation of the Gospel in underserved regions.
On All Souls’ Day, we pause in sacred remembrance of all the faithful departed—those we have loved and lost, whose lives touched ours deeply, and whose memory we continue to cherish.
This solemn day invites us not only to pray for the souls of the departed but also to honor their memory through acts of mercy and generosity. In that spirit, we invite you to make a memorial financial gift in their name, supporting the Missionary Society of St. Columban as we continue the Gospel work of compassion, justice, and healing.
Your generosity can help us:
- Provide emergency aid in areas affected by conflict or natural disaster
- Equip local missionaries sharing Christ’s love on the front lines
- Sustain long-term partnerships that uplift families and empower futures
As we celebrate All Saints’ Day and All Souls Day, let us join together across borders to share Christ’s compassion with the world. Your gift and prayers will bring light and hope to those experiencing life’s trials.
Please use the enclosed slip for the name(s) of those you are remembering. All names will be prayerfully included in our All Souls’ Remembrance Masses and prayers throughout the month of November. You can also visit us online at www.columban.org/AllSouls to send your prayer intentions or make a gift. Together, let us turn remembrance into renewal—offering a gift that lives on in service to others.
Gratefully yours in Christ,
Fr. Al Utzig | Director, U.S. Region
The Missionary Society of St. Columban is entrusted by the Holy Father with part of the Church’s mission to spread the Faith and saving work of Christ.” (Vat.II) The Society works under the guidance of the Sacred Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples and under the leadership of the bishops. We are listed in the U.S. Official Catholic Directory published annually by P.J. Kennedy and Sons. As such, the U.S. Internal Revenue Service recognizes us as a religious not-for-profit corporation, therefore contributions to our work are tax deductible. We employ no outside professional fund-raisers and pay no commissions.
