Liturgical Colour: White

‘The custom of commemorating all of the martyrs of the church on a single day goes back at least to the third century. In modern practice, All Saints’ Day commemorates not only all the martyrs but all the people of God, living and dead, who form the mystical body of Christ. The feast is, in effect, a feast of the church.’ (Contemporary Worship 6: The Church Year, Calendar and Lectionary, 1973)

A memorial rite for those who have died in the faith is often held on All Saints’ Day or the following Sunday. For more information and the details of the memorial rite, see the Liturgy & Prayers section.