All Saints Apr 2026

(also known as All Hallows' Day or Hallowmas ) is a major Christian solemnity celebrated on November 1st in Western Christianity and the first Sunday after Pentecost in the East . It is dedicated to honoring all the saints of the church, both officially canonized figures and the "uncounted multitude" of unknown souls believed to have attained eternal life in heaven. Historical Origins

: Pope Boniface IV consecrated the Pantheon in Rome to the Virgin Mary and all martyrs on May 13, 609 AD, establishing an official annual feast. All Saints

: Pope Gregory IV extended the feast to the entire Western Church in 837 AD. (also known as All Hallows' Day or Hallowmas

: Early records show a collective feast for all martyrs was established, primarily because the number of martyrs during Roman persecutions eventually exceeded the days in the year. : Pope Gregory IV extended the feast to

The feast emerged from the early Christian tradition of honoring martyrs on the anniversaries of their deaths.