Today is All Saints Day, November 1. It is that day every year we commemorate and celebrate the holy men and women who have gone before us, especially those holy ones (hallows) who remain obscure, or even completely unknown. All Christians recognize that God hears the prayers of his people, and we find comfort in the prayers of those who are close to Christ. This is why we pray to the saints.
Matthew 5:1-12
5 Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2 and he began to teach them.
The Beatitudes
He said:
3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted. 5 Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth. 6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled. 7 Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy. 8 Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God. 9 Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God. 10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
14 This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. 15 And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.
John 16:23-24
23 In that day you will no longer ask me anything. Very truly I tell you, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. 24 Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.
Mark 11:24
24 Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.
Rosary rallies on the Capital steps in Madison, Wisconsin are held Thursdays at 7 p.m. The hour-long public prayer was initiated on June 21 in reply to a call from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops for a “Fortnight for Freedom.” In reference to Obama’s contraception mandate, 14 days of prayer dedicated to remind people all throughout the United States about the importance of preserving the fundamental right of religious freedom.
Until our election in November the prayers will be continued due to Americans plight for spiritual liberty, life and family in the United States.
Rev. Rick Heilman, pastor of St. Ignatius Catholic Church stated,
With elections come a lot of issues that maybe sometimes we tend to ignore because our lives are busy. In an election year, people are more sensitized to these issues, and there is a great need to call upon God.”
Amazing things are happening right here in this very place,” including the failure of “this whole nonsense of recalling this strong governor” (referring to Republican Scott Walker) and “now tapping our own Paul Ryan” as a vice presidential candidate.
No matter what his politics are, no matter whether you agree with them or disagree with them, he’s a Catholic son in the diocese of Madison who was tapped to be vice president,” Heilman told the crowd. “And he’s a good dad, he’s a good husband, and he needs our prayers.”
Sidewalks Chalk 