Blessed Allhallowtide!

Blessed All Hallowtide!

This coming weekend is one of the two Triduums (three-day) holy periods within the Christian tradition.

This is the triduum of Allhallowtide - All Hallow’s Eve (Halloween, October 31), All Hallow’s Day (All Saint’s Day, Nov. 1), and All Soul’s Day (November 2). 

The other observance is the Paschal triduum from Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Vigil.

This period of holy observance recalls that we are surrounded by a “great cloud of witnesses” (Hebrews 12:1) - all who have died and stepped into eternity. During these days, we take strength in knowing that the Saints - particularly holy people recognized by the Church - intercede and pray for us to our God.

And we grieve for the loved ones we have lost, and take solace in knowing that they have entered into eternity, where God will wipe away every tear from their eyes (Isaiah 25:8, Revelation 21:4).

It is a time for us to reflect on the fact that the veil between life and death, between this world which is passing away and our eternal inheritance in Christ Jesus, is not as permanent as it may seem.

And it is a time of profound joy in remembering that we are never alone - of course, we have our loving God with us at all times - but we also have the Saints and the souls of the departed praying for us, interceding for us, in the presence of our loving God.

I encourage us all to take some time to rest in the profound joy that our community extends so much further than St. Andrew’s in Tucson. Our community is with the Church Universal here in this world, and the Church Triumphant in eternity - which transcends all of time and space - a truly wondrous and shocking reality to consider.

I look forward to celebrating this great festal day on Sunday as we rejoice with all the Saints!

And, should you like to commemorate the faithful departed in your life through prayer, I will be the Celebrant of the Requiem Mass - a Mass for the Dead - at St. Philip’s at 7:00 pm on Monday, November 3. More information here, and know that you would be most welcome!

Yours in Christ,

Alex+