St. John Paul II and the Feasts of All Saints and All Souls

by Bernadette McCambridge

The celebrations of All Saints and All Souls provide a reminder of the reality of eternity: life in the here and now is “not worth comparing to the glory is to be revealed to us” (Romans 8:18). The glorious company of Apostles and Saints, the Church Triumphant, bear witness to the immense glory and fulfillment of offering one’s life in full to the Lord. This is evidenced in John Paul II’s life, specifically in his unique desire to uphold the dignity of the human person in such a way as to bring to light the inseparable union of God and man, and man and God. Echoing St. Irenaeus’ quote that “The glory of God is man fully alive, and the life of man is the vision of God,” John Paul II shows that God’s glory is found precisely in one who finds Him.

May the commemoration of the Saints in heaven and all the faithful departed spur us on to finding the One in Whom life finds its meaning, fulfillment, and glory in having given our all to the Lord:

⁷"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing” (2 Timothy 4:7-9).