All Saints’ Day

Today is the feast of All Saints. It originated circa 609 when Pope Boniface IV dedicated the Pantheon to honor the Virgin Mary and the martyrs, although the day was celebrated May 13. However, Pope Gregory III consecrated a basilica in the Vatican to honor all saints, and he chose Nov. 1 as their feast. Pope Gregory IV decided the entire church would observe the feast on that day. All Saints’ Day is a holy day of obligation.