Celebrations for November

(Plain Text Version)

We begin this month by looking ahead to the end of our lives on Earth.  The Church founded by Christ is made up of three groups: those living here on Earth, those who are in heaven, and those in purgatory. 

November 1 is All Saints Day.  On this day we rejoice with those who have made it to Heaven before us.  We look forward to joining them after the labor of this life. 

November 2 is All Souls Day.  This is a day to pray for the souls in purgatory, that they may soon enter Heaven.  For the entire month of November, we can obtain indulgences (help in getting through purgatory) for those who have died in God’s friendship.

November 3: St. Martin de Porres (1579-1639), a brother in the Dominican order who dedicated his life to helping the poor.

November 4: St. Charles Borromeo (1538-1584), an Italian bishop who lived in the 16th century.  He was known for his ability to help solve problems in the Church, but also for his love for the people in his care.

November 10: St. Leo the Great, who was the Pope from 440 to 461 AD.  He succeeded in resolving many misunderstandings about how Jesus Christ could be fully God and fully human.  In addition to explaining the heavenly mysteries, St. Leo did great things on Earth.  When the city of Rome was defenseless against Attila the Hun, Leo went out to ask him to spare the city.  Attila agreed and turned back.  Attila’s chiefs were astonished and asked him why he did this.  Attila replied that he saw a huge number of angels behind Pope Leo.

November 11: St. Martin of Tours (317 – 397 AD).  Martin was a soldier whose life was changed when he met poor man who was suffering from the cold weather.  He gave him half of his cloak. Afterwards Martin had a vision that the man was actually Christ.  Martin gave up the military life and founded a monastery.  He helped convert many pagans in what is now France.

November 21: Solemnity of Christ the King. On this day, the last Sunday of the Church year, we are reminded that Jesus Christ is the majestic ruler over all creation.  At His first coming to Earth as man, His greatness was hidden.  At His Second Coming, He will be seen in His glory.  On the next Sunday, the Church begins the new year by preparing for the celebration of our Lord’s birth.

November 13: St. Frances Cabrini (1850-1917).  Affectionally known as “Mother Cabrini” in the United States, today’s saint had great energy in caring for orphans, the poor, the sick, and the elderly.  By the time of her death, more than 1500 religious sisters had joined in her work.  When she was young, she had been turned down by two convents because her health was thought to be too frail.

November 23: Blessed Miguel Agustin Pro (1891-1927). During the persecution of the Church in Mexico, Fr. Pro ministered to his people by moving about in secret.  He often dressed in disguise and sent coded messages to his fellow-workers.  He was captured and executed by the government in 1927.  His last words were “Viva Cristo Rey!” (Long live Christ the King).

November 24: Saints Andrew Dung-Lac and Companions.  In the 19th century, a group of 117 Christians died for the faith.  Most of these martyrs were native Vietnamese, including Andrew Dung-Lac, who was a priest.  Today 10% of the population of Vietnam is Catholic.

November 28: First Sunday of Advent. 

November 30: St. Andrew, Apostle.