Feast of All Saints Year C 2025

"Blessed are the poor in spirit,

for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven. (MT 5:3a)

I think God would say something like this to us.

Faithful friend, listen closely. You are not alone. You were never meant to live your faith in isolation or fear. I see how big crowds and loud noise can wear you down, how sometimes you long for quiet—just to breathe and be still. But today, I want you to look beyond the noise and see what I see: a countless multitude, a great family gathered together with me—people from every nation, language, and time. All now share my joy, and one day, you will too.

Today, we celebrate them all—every saint. Not just those whose names you know, but the quiet and unknown ones. Mothers who prayed in silence, teachers who shaped hearts with love, neighbours who lent a hand expecting nothing in return. Their goodness might have gone unnoticed by the world, but not by me. Their light still shines, even now.

My Church’s greatest treasure isn’t found in marble halls or written in books. It lives in hearts that loved me quietly and faithfully. For every famous saint, there are thousands more whose names you’ll never hear—men and women who built my Church through kindness, patience, and hidden sacrifice. Their prayers became the foundation stones of faith.

Hopefully you realise that I never asked you to be a copy of anyone else. I made you to be you—the saint only you can become crated from your life, your struggles, your heart. Holiness does not mean perfection; it means letting my love work through your everyday moments, your patience in difficulty, your mercy when it’s hard, your joy when the world grows dim.

Do not be discouraged by your weaknesses. Saints weren’t made in a day. They grew slowly, through many trials and tears. They kept walking even after stumbling because they trusted that I would never let them fall too far. I am more eager to bless you than you are to receive my blessings. You were made for me, and your heart will always be restless until it finds its home in me.

Happily you have met people whose kindness left a mark on you. That spark you saw in them was my light shining through. Their goodness is proof that holiness is possible—as is yours.

The world may glorify villains and scandal, but heaven rejoices in goodness. Don’t be fooled: there are many more saints than sinners. A great cloud of witnesses surrounds you even now—cheering you on, praying for you, believing in you.

Most saints have no statues or feast days. They are the faithful parents, the humble workers, the caregivers, the quiet believers whose love changed lives in small, unseen ways. Their holiness was simple, but it was real—and it changed the world.

One day, you will join that great gathering: popes and peasants, kings and labourers, all kneeling side by side in love and joy. Each of you with your own story, your own path, your own light.

Keep going, friends. You are part of something far greater than you can imagine. And I am with you—always. Signed God

By Fr. Thomas O'Brien a.a.