[TCCM] Friday, Vigil Mass All Saints

[Michael Medas]

The Solemnity of All Saints, while typically a Holy Day of Obligation, is not a day of obligation this year, given that November 1st is a Saturday.  However, we will celebrate a Vigil Mass for the Solemnity of All Saints at 5:15pm, Friday, in the MIT Chapel.



Why is the Solemnity of All Saints important?

  *   To honor all people who lived holy lives:
The Church recognizes many saints by name, but countless others have lived holy lives without formal recognition. All Saints’ Day celebrates every person who has reached heaven and now shares in God’s glory.
  *   To inspire Us:
The saints are role models of faith, love, and perseverance. By celebrating them, we are reminded that holiness is possible for everyone and that we are all called to be saints.
  *   To celebrate the unity of the Church:
The feast reflects the Catholic belief in the Communion of Saints—the spiritual unity between the faithful on earth, the souls in purgatory, and the saints in heaven.

Historical roots:

     *   Early Christians honored martyrs (those who died for their faith).
     *   By the 9th century, Pope Gregory IV extended the celebration to include all saints and set the date as November 1st.

So, the Solemnity of All Saints is a joyful celebration of the victory of all God’s people in heaven and a call for everyone on earth to follow their example toward holiness.

Blessings and peace,

Fr Michael

Reverend Michael B. Medas, MSW
Catholic Chaplain | Director of Catholic Ministry
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
W11-012
40 Massachusetts Ave.
Cambridge, MA 02139



“Jesus loves you always, even when you don’t feel worthy.
When not accepted by others, even by yourself sometimes,
He is the one who always accepts you.  Only believe, you are precious to Him.
Bring all you are suffering to His feet, only open your heart to be loved by Him as you are.
He will do the rest.”  Saint Mother Teresa

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