All Saints & All Souls Day – 1-2 November 2026

Dearly Beloved Franciscans,

All Hallow’s Eve [which the world turned into “Halloween”] is usually celebrated on the evening of 31 Oct and traditionally invites us to spend time in a prayer vigil in preparation for 01 Nov, ALL SAINTS DAY, and 02 Nov, ALL SOULS’ DAY when we give thanks for our dearly departed loved ones. As this has became more commercialised into “Halloween”, it has caused quite a headache for some Christian parents, guardians, grandparents because of the seeming magnification of popular elements of horror, the macabre, and the dark side of the supernatural. Not at all compatible with our faith which nourishes all that is holy, loving and good, and which believes in:

• the glorified resurrection from the dead,
• the communion of the saints and
• the supernatural love and goodness of God which is stronger than any evil.
  What can we offer as an alternative?
  What about exploring your family tree and your interesting forbearers, exploring the so-called “Saints” [whom Anglicans call “Heroes of the Faith”]…. maybe even dressing up as one of these…. and referring to what the Bible says about angels: messenger angels, guardian angels, archangels etc.
  In other words, celebrate and nourish all that is good and beautiful and true.
  We can also offset the “trick or treating”, by offering our Christian gift of kind and generous hospitality.

We give thanks to God for our faith-ancestors, communion of the saints and eternal life in the bliss of God’s Presence.
Please join us for our Sunday 8.30am Children’s Church and Eucharist either in person or online. Herewith our livestream link:

https://youtube.com/@st.francisanglicanchurchpa9465?si=wvcMQqL2s7Dj00Gx

Love and Faith, Michelle