All Saints Day

Today we celebrated the feast of all saints. We seek the friendship and intercession of the saints who are formally recognized by the church as having reached heaven immediately after their death. This includes those who have given their lives for their faith, the martyrs. 
Twentieth century has more martyrs than all the previous centuries put together. Our faith is being tested and we need the saints to pray for us to remain faithful. 
Some people wonder why Catholics seek the intercession of saints. It is because we believe there is life after death and the saints are alive and in the presence of God. So we ask them to pray for us just like we ask our friends and faith community members who are on earth to pray for us. 
We see the power of the prayer of the Apostles of Jesus in the New Testament Scripture especially in the Acts of the Apostles. Even the handkerchief of Peter and his shadow brought many healing and miracles to those who have faith. It is the same with the saints who are eager to do good for us from heaven. 
May we seek the intercession of these holy men and women for us and our families!