At times, the Solemnity of All Saints can feel like a roll call for all the saints recognized in the Church. We group them all together in this one celebration, but the feast is greater than this one scope.

The Solemnity of all Saints is not just a roll call of the recognized saints, but a celebration of the unity of the Church. It honors all the baptized who have lived holy lives and have gone before us. This feast also celebrates the Church as the Bride of Christ, the ‘source and model of holiness.’ Together, through the Church and in service to the Church, we journey to everlasting life.

Pope Benedict XVI quoted Saint Bernard in a curious question as to why we must venerate the saints on this day. They have no need of our praise. The reply of Bernard is worth quoting. He said, “The Saints have no need of honour from us; neither does our devotion add the slightest thing to what is theirs…. But I tell you, when I think of them, I feel myself inflamed by a tremendous yearning.” This yearning, this flame of inspiration, is what we draw from the veneration of saints, igniting our journey toward holiness.

Perhaps this is the yearning of Saint Augustine’s famous quote, “Our hearts are restless until they rest in you.” Celebrating the saints reawakens our awareness of being near Jesus and staying close to Jesus. The pope pointed out that to be holy does not mean to have unique gifts or talents. To be blessed is more fundamental than possessing any charism. The Bishop of Rome said, “It is necessary first of all to listen to Jesus and then to follow him without losing heart when faced by difficulties.” This is a journey we undertake together, as a community, supporting and guiding each other towards holiness.

After listening to Jesus, every saint realizes that all the various paths to holiness always lead through the way of the Cross. We must all make continuous efforts to be holy, and in the final analysis, it is Christ who gives us the grace to be like him.

There is a beautiful statement by French Catholic novelist Leon Bloy. He said, “The only real sadness, the only real failure, the only great tragedy in life, is not to become a saint.” Let us find life’s great joy and pursue Heaven. Be a saint!

If there is one saint who inspires and infuses our love for Jesus, let it be Mary. She loved him perfectly, knew his voice, and was always ready to give her consent to serve him. Happy Solemnity, everyone!