Homilies from the National Shrine

Happy All Saints Day! As Fr. Matthew reminds us, today we celebrate all the saints — not just those canonized and known to the Church, but also the hidden saints known only to God. These are the souls who lived their lives faithfully, quietly, and heroically, fulfilling the will of God in the ordinary duties of their daily lives. This feast is meant to be your feast day too. God desires every one of us to become a saint, to be counted among the Church Triumphant in Heaven.

The Church’s liturgical calendar these three days — All Hallows’ Eve, All Saints, and All Souls — beautifully unites the three parts of the Church: the Church Triumphant (Heaven), the Church Suffering (Purgatory), and the Church Militant (Earth). Together, we form the one Body of Christ, called to live in holiness and communion. As Fr. Matthew explains, Scripture and Tradition tell us that the saints in Heaven will one day complete the number of angels who fell from grace. When that number is filled, Christ will come again, and the world will be renewed in glory.

But sainthood doesn’t come through extraordinary deeds alone. Fr. Matthew points us to abandonment to divine providence: sanctity can be reduced to one simple practice — fidelity to the duties God has appointed to you. “Thy will be done” isn’t just a prayer — it’s a daily way of life. Whether through marriage, priesthood, religious life, or single vocation, holiness comes through doing God’s will with love, perseverance, and surrender.

As St. John saw in Revelation, the saints are marked with the seal of God on their foreheads — a seal first received in Baptism. To remain faithful to that seal means living out our baptismal promises with purity and love, so that our white garments may remain spotless when we stand before God.

Remember, sainthood is not reserved for a few — it’s your destiny if you cooperate with grace. Strive each day to purify your heart, grow in virtue, and surrender your will to God. As Fr. Matthew says, “Don’t delay becoming a saint.” Purgatory is for those who procrastinate holiness; Heaven is for those who say yes to God now.

Watch more inspiring Daily Homilies like this and grow in faith at DivineMercyPlus.org and on the free, ad-free Divine Mercy Plus (DM+) app. Visit the link in bio for prayers, devotions, and Catholic resources to help you live out your call to holiness today.

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What is Homilies from the National Shrine?

These difficult times demand that we turn back to the beautiful mystery of who God is and what it means to be His cherished children. Listen in to the daily homilies from the Marian Fathers at the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy, including Fr. Chris Alar, Fr. Kaz Chwalek, and many more. May they help you to live by God’s will that you may play an active and effective role in a world whose wellbeing requires authentic Christian witness!