To the Editor:

On this coming Sunday, November 1, people throughout the world will celebrate a day with special significance for all, the feast of All Saints. This includes all of those people who lived extraordinary lives, many of whom are honored by some Christian churches through solemn declarations of Beatification followed by Canonization, but also the many lesser-known people who pass our way, each and every day.

St Paul began several of his letters with the words: “To all the saints” and, obviously, he was speaking of those who lived within faith communities where they lived very simple and ordinary lives — laborers and craftsmen and women who raised their children in dignity and grace, shared their gifts, talents, and time with others who required their assistance.

During this period of COVID-19 and several other serious illnesses, we are made aware of those many saints who have served on the front lines in hospitals and extended care facilities, others who assist at food banks and emergency shelters, and the countless numbers of individuals who serve at supermarkets, restaurants and multiple other establishments, each aware of dangers within. Such is community!

Many of us grew up with the narrow perception that all saints came out of monasteries and convents, all dressing alike and praying in a similar fashion with well-identified rituals and prayer forms. How illuminating it was for us to come to realize that saints come in many forms, shapes, and sizes, and that one size (or mode of being) does not fit all. People of a contemplative spirit, others relishing in action-oriented ministries, and still others who are able to balance a healthy bit of both action and contemplation (Fr Richard Rohr style) — all have a legitimate claim to living a holy life (Saints?).

Brother Lawrence, a Discalced Carmelite of the 17th Century, gives us numerous examples of what sainthood can truly embrace. In his world, nothing was too ordinary or humble to not have a claim to living a spiritual life. Even when he washed the dishes at his monastery, he considered such to be his holy calling. Homemakers, teachers, workers of every trade — all are called to holiness or sainthood.

As we all realize, All Saints Day follows one day after Halloween (the eve of all saints). In one of my church parishes in North Carolina, we had a banner, displayed on November 1. Made by one of our members, it was covered with masks of all shapes and colors with the inscription: “Halloween is over. Take off your Masks and Be (a Saint).” While some masks serve a very important purpose, especially in this time of a pandemic, there are others masks that we all need to shed, at times, to manifest who we are truly called to be — a holy and wholesome people. In a few days, hopefully, all the people of America’s United States will reflect such. Happy Feast Day!

Rev Leo McIlrath

Ecumenical Chaplain, the Lutheran Home of Southbury

Sugarloaf Road, Sandy Hook October 28, 2020