Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

We approach this week the two days that remind us of the tri-level nature of the Church: the Saints in Heaven, the saints-in-purification, and of course the saints-in-making, namely us here on earth. When in the Creed we profess our faith in the Communion of Saints, it is exactly this to which we are referring. Two of these levels are part of the invisible reality of the Church. What is so remarkable is that we are in a constant state of helping and relating to each other.

 Those in Heaven are eager to intercede for us before the throne of God. On rare occasions there are even times when they are visible to us. We think of our Blessed Mother’s apparitions through the centuries. It is less likely that the souls in Purgatory may visit us, but there have been instances when in their desire for prayers and sacrifices they have been known to encounter us. Of course, we don’t look for such encounters, but if it is for God’s good purpose who could object.

We keep up our connections by our rosaries, our novenas, and our devotions to our favorite saints. And for those in anticipation of heavenly glory, we offer most especially the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass in order to expiate their time in Purgatory so that they may welcome us and intercede for us when our time to make the Passover has come. How beautifully  Our Lord has designed His Church and may our celebration of All Saints and All Souls enliven our faith and point us on the way to Heaven.

With Blessings,

Father Langan