All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day – Vatican in Exile Reflection and Homily

All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day – Vatican in Exile Reflection

As the Church Militant prepares to celebrate the Solemnity of All Saints, we honor the countless souls—canonized and unknown—who triumphed in grace and now reign in glory with Christ the King. The Vatican in Exile reminds the faithful that this feast is not merely a commemoration, but a living reminder of our call to holiness. These saints, formed by divine charity, stand as our intercessors and models in perseverance. Their sanctity proves that the light of Christ endures even amid persecution, exile, and trial. As St. Bernard of Clairvaux wrote, “The saints have no need of honor from us, neither does our devotion add the least thing to what is theirs, but we, when we honor them, draw closer to them and become sharers in their glory.”

Following this heavenly feast, All Souls’ Day invites the faithful to turn their hearts in compassion toward the Holy Souls in Purgatory. In the Vatican in Exile, prayers and Requiem Masses are especially offered for all departed faithful—particularly for the repose of Pope Michael I, whose legacy of fidelity and courage continues to inspire the scattered flock. His steadfast defense of the true faith and his paternal charity remain a guiding light to those striving to restore the Church in her purity. As the Psalmist declares, “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints” (Psalm 115:15, Vulgate). May our prayers hasten the purification of souls and renew in us the hope of that eternal communion where exile ends and all are united before the Lamb of God.

Archbishop Fred Clary, Archbishop of Minnesota, Vatican in Exile