Beads of Joy Blog II (2025)

The Communion of The Saints All Saints Day – All Souls Day Nov. 1 st - All Saints Day: Honoring the Faithful Who are in Reached Heaven All Saints Day is a Christian observance commemorating all the saints of the church, both known and unknown, who have attained heaven, celebrated on November 1 in Western churches. The holiday recognizes not just the famous canonized saints like St. Patrick or St. Francis, but also countless unnamed faithful believers whose sainthood is known only to God. The origins of this celebration stretch back to the early centuries of Christianity. From the 4th century, feasts commemorating all Christian martyrs were held in various places, on various dates near Easter and Pentecost. These early celebrations honored those who had died for their faith during times of persecution. The first formal establishment came in the 7th century when Pope Boniface IV formally started what would later be known as All Saints Day on May 13 in 609 AD when he dedicated the ...

November Marian Calendar Opening Prayer: Blessed Mother Mary, Queen of Heaven and our loving advocate, we turn to you throughout this sacred month of November with hearts full of gratitude for your countless apparitions and intercessions throughout history. Guide us as we reflect upon the many ways you have revealed God's mercy to your children across the world and help us to grow closer to your Son through your maternal care. Amen. Our Lady of the Palm, Cadiz, Spain (1755) - Under this title, Mary is venerated as protector against natural disasters, particularly the devastating earthquake that struck Lisbon in 1755. The faithful seek her intercession for safety and deliverance from calamity. Our Lady of Emminont, Abbeville, France - This devotion honors Mary's maternal presence in the daily lives of the faithful in northern France. She is invoked as a source of comfort and spiritual guidance for families. Our Lady ...