As we enter All Saints’ Day, we celebrate the saints in heaven and remember our call to holiness. Then, the next day, All Souls’ Day, is a time to remember and pray for the faithful departed. Through Christ, the Church on earth and in heaven remains united.

"...the communion of saints goes beyond earthly life, beyond death and endures for ever. This union among us goes beyond and continues in the next life; it is a spiritual communion born in Baptism and not broken by death, but, thanks to the Risen Christ, is destined to find its fullness in eternal life. There is a deep and indissoluble bond between those who are still pilgrims in this world — us — and those who have crossed the threshold of death and entered eternity. All baptized persons here on earth, the souls in Purgatory and all the blessed who are already in Paradise make one great Family. This communion between earth and heaven is realized especially in intercessory prayer." Pope Francis, 2013

With so many witnesses in a great cloud on every side of us, we are encouraged to run steadily in the race we have started. We pray to Christ, for He is the author of our faith, and He will bring it to fulfilment:– With all the saints we praise and thank You, Lord. (from evening Vespers 31 Oct)

Please take five minutes to reflect on the words of Bishop Richard