We had our All Hallows Eve (All Holy Eve or Halloween) and now we have the Holy Day of the Feast of All Saints.
According to Catholics On-Line:
“All Saints' Day was formally started by Pope Boniface IV, who consecrated the Pantheon at Rome to the Virgin Mary and all the Martyrs on May 13 in 609 AD. Boniface IV also established All Souls' Day, which follows All Saints.” Catholics On-Line also notes that the observance was moved to November 1 by Pope Gregory III in the mid-eighth century.
Collect for the Day
(from The Book of Common Prayer,1979)
Almighty God, you have knit together your elect in one communion and fellowship in the mystical body of your Son Christ our Lord: Give us grace so to follow your blessed saints in all virtuous and godly living, that we may come to those ineffable joys that you have prepared for those who truly love you; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.
A Reading for the Day
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God.
Consider him who endured such hostility against himself from sinners, so that you may not grow weary or lose heart. “ (Hebrews 12:1-3)
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Every 5-7 years, Rectors are to take a sabbatical of a minimum of 3 months. Mother Diana, now in her 6th year as our Rector, is taking a sabbatical this summer. She is using this time for study, spiritual renewal, and rest. One of the places she will study is at Oxford!
