All Saints Day for Kids

A collection of Loyola Press's best saint resources for kids. Find resources, activities, videos, and more about your favorite Catholic saints at LoyolaPress.com.

In the ninth century, Pope Gregory IV designated November 1, All Saints Day, as the day on which to remember all the saints living in God’s presence. Over time the practice of remembering saints grew to include remembering other outstanding Christians on the days on which they died. Christians have always believed that the prayers and good deeds of the living could help these departed in their purification.

In the eleventh century, the abbot of Cluny, the largest Benedictine monastery, designated November 2 as a special day to pray for all monks who had died and for all of the other departed who are not yet living fully in God’s presence. This day is still celebrated as All Souls Day.