In many Christian churches, today is All Saints’ Day—a day set aside to honor all saints, known and unknown, in the Catholic, Lutheran, Anglican, and Methodist traditions. It’s a time to remember those who have reflected Divine love through their lives and who continue to companion and inspire us from beyond.
Yet this season of remembrance stretches far beyond one tradition. Across the world, many spiritual paths pause at this threshold between October and November to honor those who have gone before. In Mexico and Latin America, Día de los Muertos, the Day of the Dead, is a vibrant celebration of remembrance. Families create colorful altars adorned with marigolds, candles, photographs, and favorite foods of their loved ones—offering gratitude, laughter, and story to affirm that love is stronger than death.
In Celtic lands, the ancient festival of Samhain marks the turning of the year. It is said that during this time the veil between worlds grows thin and the ancestors draw near. Fires are kindled, candles lit, and prayers offered to honor those who have crossed into the mystery. Both Día de los Muertos and Samhain remind us that remembrance can be tender and joyful—that death is not an end but part of the great rhythm of life, death, and renewal.
All Saints’ Day, Día de los Muertos, and Samhain together invite us to pause and remember that the bonds of love and spirit do not end with death. The ancestors—our personal ones, our spiritual ones, and those of the wider human family—continue to surround us, offering quiet wisdom and strength.
I’m sharing this writing from Fr. Henri Nouwen, whose words beautifully express this sense of spiritual companionship:
Saintly Counselors
In the past, the saints had very much moved to the background of my consciousness. During the last few months, they re-entered my awareness as powerful guides on the way to God. I read the lives of many saints and great spiritual men and women, and it seems that they have become real members of my spiritual family, always present to offer suggestions, ideas, advice, consolation, courage, and strength. It is very hard to keep your heart and mind directed toward God when there are no examples to help you in your struggle. Without saints you easily settle for less-inspiring people and quickly follow the ways of others who for a while seem exciting but who are not able to offer lasting support. I am happy to have been able to restore my relationship with many great saintly men and women in history who, by their lives and works, can be real counselors to me.”
— Henri Nouwen
Who are your “saints”?
Some of my “saints” are traditional figures recognized by the Church, but others fall outside those boundaries: poets, mystics, teachers, ancestors, artists, and even elements of nature that awaken the sacred in me. Each carries a spark of Divine Love that continues to guide and companion me.
I invite you to take a few moments today for prayer or meditation. Calm yourself and take a few mindful breaths. Then ask, “Who wants to companion me today?” Spend time with the presence or energy that arises—perhaps through silence, journaling, or creative expression.
What qualities do your saints or ancestors embody? How might their wisdom be living on through you?
As we move through this season of remembrance, may we open our hearts to the communion of saints, ancestors, and holy ones who walk with us still. May their love, courage, and faith remind us of our own sacred belonging.
Blessings,
Christy