"The educational presence of the Catholic Church is an expression of a generative and passionate faith in humanity.”
By Julia Rose
In November, in addition to celebrating All Saints’ Day (Nov. 1) and All Souls’ Day (Nov. 2), we also recognize three particular Jubilees: Jubilee of the World of Education (Oct. 27-Nov. 2); Jubilee of the Poor (Nov. 16); and Jubilee of Choirs (Nov. 22-23).
All Saints’ Day
We begin November by honoring all the Catholic saints on the first day of the month, recognizing how their virtuous lives powerfully serve as inspiration for Catholics around the world, encouraging us to be devout and live holy lives.
In a special way, we celebrate the canonizations of St. Carlo Acutis, St. Pier Giorgio Frassati, and St. Bartolo Longo, among our newest saints.
All Souls’ Day
On the second day of November, we especially remember our deceased love ones. The Marian Congregation in particular is called to pray for all souls in Purgatory in imitation of St. Stanislaus Papczyński.
If you are looking for additional assistance on how to pray for souls, our Marian website, PrayForSouls.org, provides information on the many practices and devotions that you can take part in to help the Holy Souls in Purgatory.
Jubilee of the World of Education
One of the longest celebrations of the Jubilee Year of Hope, this first jubilee of the month highlights the importance of Catholic education. As the Church eloquently stated in the Invitation to the Jubilee of the World of Education, “The educational presence of the Catholic Church is an expression of a generative and passionate faith in humanity.”
According to the National Catholic Educational Association, as of 2024-2025, there are almost 6,000 Catholic elementary, middle, and high schools in the U.S. We celebrate the effort that so many educators and parents make to give children a foundation of education grounded in the Catholic tradition, with Jesus at the center.
Without getting into any college rivalries, we also recognize and celebrate the many prestigious Catholic colleges and universities who maintain such a strong presence in higher education in the U.S., including The Catholic University of America, Franciscan University of Steubenville, and Boston College (of which I am a proud alumna!).
This celebration will also include two big announcements. Pope Leo XIV will name St. John Henry Newman a patron saint of Catholic education on Oct. 28 to mark the 60th anniversary of Gravissimum Educationis, Vatican II's declaration on Christian education. And, on Nov. 1, the saint will be declared the 38th Doctor of the Church by Pope Leo at the jubilee’s closing Mass.
Jubilee of the Poor
We are all called to assist the poor as Jesus once did. Pope Leo XIV's first Apostolic Exhortation, Dilexit Te, focuses on love for the poor. Of special note, two of the Marian Congregation’s patron saints, St. Francis of Assisi and St. Vincent de Paul, are especially remembered for their care for the poor, and in their image, we strive to act charitably.
While families might not always have the funds to donate money to the poor, there are limitless ways Catholics can support communities in need, whether by donating food and clothes, assisting with rides, or connecting them with organizations who have the means to provide more substantial support. Every effort means something and is deeply important.
As always, praying for the poor is something we can strive to do consistently:
God of Justice, open our eyes to see you
in the face of the poor.
Open our ears to hear you in the cries
of the exploited.
Open our mouths to defend you in
the public squares as well as in
private deeds.
Remind us that what we do to the least
ones, we do to you. Amen.
(Prayer for the Poor, U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops)
Jubilee of Choirs
Singing is a crucial piece of the Mass, and can often provide another element to our spiritual life, praising God through more than just the spoken word. In particular, there is a special beauty in the music choirs are able to produce with a diverse range of voices. Here at the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy, we are blessed to have Br. Ken Galisa, MIC, enhance our Masses through song.
This two-day celebration fittingly begins on the Feast of St. Cecilia (Nov. 22). In his article from last year, “A Harmonious Heart: St. Cecilia, patroness of Music,” Br. Stephen Camara, MIC, beautifully writes about music, saying, “Our ultimate desire for God, which lies at the root of all the others, is what sacred music is intended to arouse.”
So this November, take extra care to sing with all your heart at Mass!
Learn more on our Jubilee Year of Hope page.
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