On All Saints Day, we pray to the saints, known and unknown, that they continue to help and guide us along our path to salvation. One tradition associated with the feast day is going to Mass, and it is typically a holy day of obligation (but not in 2025 in the United States, since it falls on a Saturday). Other traditions include reading and learning about the saints, saying special prayers to the saints, and asking for their intercession so that we too might become saints. Either on Oct. 31 or Nov. 1, it is also tradition for children to dress up in costumes of their favorite saints.
All Souls’ Day (Nov. 2), is a time to pray for the souls in purgatory and make special sacrifices or give something up on their behalf. You can also visit cemeteries to pray for the dead, lighting candles (if permitted) or bringing flowers to graves. There is an indulgence for those who visit a cemetery and offer certain prayers on this day. Consider praying not just for your family members and friends, but for those who have no one to pray for them.