Reflections on All Saints Day

All Saints’ Day is a unique and sacred celebration within the Christian calendar, offering believers the chance to honour all the saints, known and unknown, who have entered into eternal life with God. It serves as a reminder of the profound unity that exists between heaven and earth—a spiritual connection that transcends time, culture, and status. The significance of this feast lies not only in honouring those who have gone before us but also in recognizing our own journey towards holiness and the ways in which we are called to live in the spirit of the saints.

One of the most striking aspects of All Saints’ Day is its universality. Unlike feasts dedicated to specific saints, this day commemorates all the holy men and women who have faithfully followed Christ, even if their names and deeds are lost to history. At its heart, All Saints’ Day is an expression of hope. It points to the transformative power of God’s grace, which turns ordinary people into extraordinary witnesses of love, charity, and faith. The saints, in all their diversity, provide us with a glimpse of what it means to live in communion with God. It reminds us that sainthood is not limited to a select few who achieved great fame or accomplished extraordinary feats; rather, it encompasses countless individuals whose lives, while perhaps quiet or humble, were nonetheless deeply rooted in faith. These are the mothers and fathers, the workers and neighbours, the ordinary people who lived out their discipleship in simple yet profound ways. This day calls us to remember that holiness is not reserved for the few but is open to all of us.

In the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:1-12), which are often read during All Saints’ Day liturgies, Jesus lays out the path to holiness in a way that is both universal and personal. Blessed are the poor in spirit, the meek, the peacemakers, and those who hunger and thirst for righteousness. These words reveal that sainthood is less about perfection and more about a life oriented toward God and others. The saints are models for us, not because they were sinless, but because they allowed God’s grace to work in and through them, even in their weakness.

All Saints’ Day also calls us to examine our own lives in the light of eternity. The saints remind us that our time on earth is fleeting, and that our ultimate home is with God. This should not provoke fear but rather inspire us to live with purpose and intentionally. As we reflect on the lives of the saints, we are challenged to ask ourselves:

1. What kind of legacy do I want to leave behind?
2. Am I living in a way that reflects God’s love, justice, and mercy?
3. How can I grow in holiness in my daily life, with all its joys and struggles?

In contemplating these questions, we are reminded that sainthood is not about grand gestures but about fidelity to God in the ordinary. The saints teach us that every act of kindness, every moment of patience, and every instance of forgiveness brings us closer to God.

All Carmelite Saints Day, celebrated on November 14th, is a special day within the Carmelite tradition to honour the many Saints and Blessed who have lived out the Carmelite charism of prayer, contemplation, and service. This day provides an opportunity to reflect on the

profound spiritual legacy of the Carmelite Order, which spans centuries and has produced some of the Church’s most remarkable saints, including St. Teresa of Ávila, St. John of the Cross, and St. Thérèse of Lisieux. Each of these saints, along with countless others, embodies the rich contemplative spirituality that is at the heart of the Carmelite tradition.

The Carmelite charism is deeply rooted in a life of intimate union with God through prayer and contemplation. Carmelites strive to live in the presence of God, seeking to experience His love in the silence of their hearts and to share that love with the world. The saints of Carmel are shining examples of this mystical journey—a journey that leads not only to personal transformation but also to a life of service to others.

Ultimately, All Carmelite Saints Day is a feast of hope and encouragement. It reminds us that the journey to God, while challenging, is also filled with grace, and that the saints are with us every step of the way, interceding for us and guiding us along the path of holiness. Through their example, we are encouraged to trust in God’s presence, to embrace a life of prayer, and to live out our faith with love and humility in all that we do.

Our holy foundress Venerable Mother Veronica is our strong intercessor in heaven. Mother Veronica, our beloved foundress, is indeed a significant figure in the history of the Catholic Church, particularly in India. Born as Sophie Leeves in Constantinople in 1823, she converted to Catholicism from Anglicanism, taking on the name “Veronica of the Passion” upon becoming a religious sister. Her journey toward founding the Congregation of the Carmelite Religious and the Apostolic Carmel Congregation involved a deep spiritual connection with God, particularly through the Eucharist, as well as her dedication to education and service to women.

Her vision came from her deep conviction of the need for women religious to serve in India, particularly in educating young girls. She faced many challenges, including opposition and personal sacrifices, but she persisted in her mission, guided by her profound relationship with the Eucharistic Lord. She collaborated with others to bring her vision to fruition, eventually establishing the Apostolic Carmel in Mangalore in 1868.

Mother Veronica’s holiness, her unwavering dedication, and her deep spiritual life are indeed characteristics often associated with those considered for sainthood. While she is not officially canonized, her virtuous life and contributions to the Church and education are deeply revered by those who continue to follow her spiritual legacy. As her spiritual daughters we look up to her as our mentor and guide and pray that she soon joins the ranks of the saints. Her life is a testament to faith, perseverance, and a life devoted to God’s work, and many consider her to be among the holy saints in heaven.