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Embracing the Communion of Saints: Reflecting on All Saints Day

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“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight… looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith.” — Hebrews 12:1-2 (ESV)


For many, October 31st brings the excitement of Halloween—a night of costumes, candy, and community festivities. Growing up Baptist, Halloween was a significant event in my childhood, filled with church “Fall Festivals” and neighborhood trick-or-treating. Yet, amidst all the excitement, I never heard of All Saints Day. It was not until later in life that I discovered this profound observance, often overshadowed by the secular celebrations of Halloween.

Discovering All Saints Day

My introduction to All Saints Day came through a chance conversation with a friend from a liturgical tradition. As she spoke about honoring the saints and remembering those who had faithfully departed, I realized there was a depth to this season I had never explored. All Saints Day, celebrated on November 1st, is a time set apart to honor all saints, known and unknown. Its roots extend back to the early Christian Church, where martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the faith were venerated. As the number of martyrs grew, the Church established a common day to commemorate their steadfast witness.
By the 9th century, the focus expanded beyond martyrs to include all who lived exemplary lives of holiness and are now in the presence of God. This observance serves as a reminder of the unity of the Church across time and space, known as the “communion of saints.”


Connecting Halloween and All Saints Day

The evening before All Saints Day is known as All Hallows’ Eve—or Halloween. The term “hallow” means “holy” or “saint,” and thus, Halloween originally signified the vigil in anticipation of All Saints Day. In many Christian traditions, it was customary to prepare spiritually on the eve of a significant feast through prayer and reflection.

As I delved deeper into this connection, I realized that Halloween’s origins were deeply intertwined with the sacred. However, growing up, the spiritual significance was eclipsed by the secular aspects of costumes and candy. Understanding this history has given me a new perspective on Halloween—not as a day to be avoided or merely indulged in superficially, but as an opportunity to reflect on the lives of those who have walked the path of faith before us.


A Celebration of the Faithful

All Saints Day is more than a historical observance; it’s a celebration of the faithful who have embodied Christ’s love and righteousness throughout the ages. These saints were real people who faced trials, doubts, and hardships, just like us, yet remained steadfast in their devotion to God.

They came from diverse backgrounds—teachers, doctors, parents, missionaries, and more. Their common thread is a life transformed by grace, marked by acts of compassion, justice, and unwavering faith. By commemorating them, we acknowledge the myriad ways God’s love manifests in humanity.

The author of Hebrews speaks of a “great cloud of witnesses” surrounding us. This imagery gives a sense of being part of something much larger than ourselves. The saints who have gone before us are not distant figures but are spiritually present, encouraging us in our journey.

Their lives serve as testimonies of God’s faithfulness and the possibilities that arise when one fully surrenders to His will. When we feel weary or discouraged, remembering their stories can reignite our hope and inspire us to persevere.


Living as Modern-Day Saints

While All Saints Day honors those recognized for their extraordinary faith, it also invites us to reflect on our own calling to sainthood. The Apostle Paul often addressed early Christians as “saints,” indicating that sanctity is not reserved for a select few but is the vocation of all believers.

In a world filled with challenges—social injustice, moral ambiguity, personal struggles—how do we live out this calling? It begins with a daily commitment to align our hearts with God’s, allowing the Holy Spirit to work in us.

All Saints Day emphasizes the unity of the Church—the body of Christ that transcends time, culture, and denomination. Discovering this observance opened my eyes to the richness of Christian tradition beyond my own upbringing. It’s a day to remember that believers from every place and time are interconnected, all being part of God’s family.


Hope in Eternal Life

All Saints Day directs our gaze toward eternity. The saints remind us of the promise of eternal life with God—a hope that sustains us through temporal trials. In honoring them, we affirm our belief in the resurrection and the life to come. This eternal perspective can transform how we approach our present circumstances. It encourages us to invest in what has lasting value—faith, hope, and love—and to hold loosely the temporary things of this world.


Reclaiming the Spiritual Significance of Halloween

Reflecting on my childhood experiences, I see an opportunity to reclaim the spiritual significance of this season. Instead of allowing Halloween (the secular version) to overshadow All Saints Day, All Saints Day should overshadow Halloween, enriching our faith and practices.

Consider using Halloween (All Hallows’ Eve) as a time to share stories of the saints with your family or community. Engage in acts of service or outreach, embodying the love and generosity that the saints demonstrated. By doing so, we honor their legacy and bring deeper meaning to our celebrations.


Prayerful Reflection

As we observe All Saints Day and consider its connection to Halloween, let us take time to reflect on the legacy of those who have illuminated the path of faith. Perhaps read about a saint whose life resonates with you, or meditate on the qualities that made them stand out.


A Closing Prayer
Gracious God, we thank You for the saints who have gone before us—their lives bear witness to Your transformative power and enduring love. As we honor them on All Saints’ Day, inspire us to follow their example of faithfulness. Help us to see the deeper significance in our traditions and to live each day as a testament to Your grace. Fill us with Your Spirit, that we too may shine Your light in the world. Unite us as one body in Christ, and keep our eyes fixed on the hope of eternal life with You. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

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Page Brooks

The Rt. Rev. Dr. Page Brooks is a pastor-theologian, non-profit catalyst, and the Missional Lead/Bishop for Missio Mosaic: A Missional Society (missiomosaic.org). Originally from Alabama, he has lived in New Orleans for over 20 years where he ministers in the urban core. In 2011, through a re-plant and merger project, he became Senior Pastor of the historic Canal Street Church (canalmosaic.org) (through which Dr. Brooks is licensed with the Evangelical Covenant Church). Since that time, several ministries have been birthed from the church, including church plants and a non-profit community development ministry. Page has a passion for biblical teaching, mentoring leaders, and initiating justice projects for the good of the community. He is the author of several books and articles and regularly publishes in the areas of theology and culture, Christianity and Islam, ethics, and chaplaincy. Dr. Brooks has served for over 20 years in the Army National Guard and currently serves as the state command chaplain for the Louisiana National Guard where he oversees spiritual care to over 11,000 soldiers and airmen (https://geauxguard.la.gov/chaplain/). As the Missional Lead/Bishop for Missio Mosaic, Dr. Brooks provides vision for the missional society that includes churches, ministries, chaplains, community-development non-profits, and an educational institute. Missio Mosaic and its ministries are dedicated to engaging the culture by cultivating reconciling relationships through the Gospel of Jesus. One of the values of Missio Mosaic is to be ecumenical, reaching across denominations to be a unifying catalyst around the Gospel. As such, Missio Mosaic is a member of and sponsor for the Evangelical Chaplains Commission of the National Association of Evangelicals. First ordained by his home Baptist church in 1999, Dr. Brooks took on holy orders in 2013 as a deacon and in 2014 as an elder. In 2021, he was consecrated a missionary bishop with the Province of St. Peter, a relational, apostolic, and multi-racial communion of churches and ministries across the world. Later in 2022, Dr. Brooks was commissioned as a missionary bishop with the Anglican Mission Society Global (Church of Congo) to provide oversight and training to chaplains and church plants. Dr. Brooks earned a Masters of Theology at the University of Stellenbosch (in South Africa) and an M.Div. and Ph.D. at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. His first dissertation studied the Anglican theologian Alister McGrath and Islamic Scholar Seyyed Hossein Nasr. He is currently writing for his second Ph.D. at the Vrije University of Amsterdam in just war theory. He also conducted additional studies at Wycliffe Hall (the Anglican college at Oxford University) summer school; Northpark Theological Seminary, Chicago (Evangelical Covenant Church); the Anglican School of Theology (now under Trinity School of Ministry); and the Anglican Studies Course by the Jurisdiction of the Armed Forces and Chaplaincy (ACNA). Dr. Brooks formerly served as Associate Professor of Theology and Culture at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Dr. Brooks taught theology and cultural studies for 14 years at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. He currently serves as a Professor and Chair of the Theology Department at the School of Urban Missions Bible College and Seminary (sum.edu). He is a member of the Society of Pentecostal Studies and the Evangelical Theological Society. He was also selected for and is currently studying for a masters degree in strategic studies at the United States Army War College, which provides graduate-level training to senior military officers. ​ Dr. Brooks lives in New Orleans with his wife, Dr. Ashley Brooks, who serves as the founder and a counselor at Restoration Counseling, a ministry of Missio Mosaic. They have three adopted, multi-racial children.

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