November 1 is the Solemnity of All Saints, honoring every saint in heaven, known and unknown, rather than a single individual. The feast grew from early Christian commemorations of the martyrs; Pope Gregory III dedicated a chapel to all the saints in St. Peter's Basilica in the eighth century, and Pope Gregory IV extended the November 1 celebration to the whole Church in the ninth century.
The saints show that holiness is possible for people of every age, culture, and state of life, from famous bishops and martyrs to countless hidden faithful. Their example invites us to live the Beatitudes and reminds us that we are called to the same communion with God.
Almighty God, who have surrounded us with a great cloud of witnesses, grant through the prayers of all your saints that we may follow them in holiness and one day share their joy in your presence. Amen.