Every November 1st, we all show up to school tired and annoyed at the fact that we have to attend Mass. But did you know the reason we attend Mass every year the day after Halloween?

On November 1st, we celebrate All Saints Day. The day originated in May 609, when Pope Boniface IV dedicated the Pantheon in Roma to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Then, in the 18th century, Pope Gregory III changed the date to November 1st when he dedicated a chapel at the Vatican in honor of all saints. This was later extended as a celebration of all saints for the universal church. 

All Saints Day is a day commemorating all the saints of the church, known and unknown, who have attained heaven. The holiday is also known as All Hallows’ Day, the Feast of All Saints, the Solemnity of All Saints, and Hallowmas. 

Every year on November 1st all Catholics are obligated to attend Mass as it is one of many holy obligations as a Catholic. 

After All Saints Day, November 2nd, the Church celebrates All Souls Day. On this day the church remembers all Christians who have died by praying for the dead. It is also once believed long ago that on these two days, souls in purgatory would take the form of witches, toads, or demons and haunt persons who had wronged them during their lifetime.