Although All Saints Day, Nov. 1, is not a holy day of obligation this year, the Diocese of Cleveland is planning a special liturgy at 10 a.m. in the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist. Bishop Edward Malesic will be the celebrant and Father Damian Ference, diocesan vicar for evangelization and cathedral parochial vicar, will be the homilist.
Children are invited to attend the Nov. 1 Mass dressed as their favorite saint, Father Ference said.
There also will be a candlelight Mass at 5:30 p.m. Nov. 2, All Souls Day, in the cathedral with Father Ference as the celebrant and homilist. Father Ference invites the faithful to experience the liturgy by candlelight, a rare occurrence.
He said a reception in the cathedral courtyard will follow each liturgy – weather permitting.
After Mass on Nov. 1, the relics of St. Christina, which were gifted to the diocese a century ago and are housed in the cathedral’s Resurrection Chapel, will be venerated. The skeletal remains are of a 3rd century young woman who was martyred and laid to rest in the catacombs of St. Pontianus outside of Rome. Pope Pius XI gifted the relics to Cleveland Bishop Joseph Schrembs in 1925.
As the diocese continues to celebrate the centenary of St. Christina’s relics, submissions are being accepted for a new hymn in her honor. The contest begins on Nov. 1, and entries must be received by May 1, 2026. The winning work will premiere on June 30, 2026, the Memorial of the First Martyrs of the Holy Roman Church.
Click here for contest rules. Learn more about St. Christina by visiting the digital museum.