November in the church commences with All Saints’ Day on 1November. The church usually celebrates it on the first Sunday in November, which this year will be Sunday, 3 November.
All Saints’ Day has origins dating back to the 4th century in Antioch (now Antakya, in Turkey). It was a significant city in the ancient world, particularly during the Roman Empire, and played a crucial role in the early spread of Christianity. The day was originally a feast day (celebration/commemoration) for Christian martyrs but has (certainly in the Anglican tradition of the church) since become a day where we give thanks for all those who have gone before us as examples of having led a ‘good’ Christian life.
But what many might not realise is that those so-called saints often had interesting and not-so-saintly pasts! In fact, many of them had quite colourful pasts. Saint Augustine of Hippo was once a notorious sinner known for his hedonistic lifestyle, promiscuity and pursuit of worldly pleasures.
Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
St Paul himself, who we owe much of our bible writing to, was a persecutor of Christians and was present at the stoning to death of St Stephen, the first Christian Martyr.
When St Francis of Assisi decided to renounce his worldly goods and take a vow of poverty, he had a difficult time following the strict rules of the monastic order he joined. He often challenged authority and sought greater freedom in his spiritual practices.
These stories remind us that being ‘good’ or ‘bad’ isn’t fixed. Saints weren’t born perfect, and I would strongly argue that despite their canonisation, they never became perfect – they struggled, stumbled and made mistakes, just like the rest of us. It’s a reminder that no matter where we start, there’s always room to grow and evolve.
When we look around at people in our communities, it’s easy to see examples of those we might call modern-day saints – those who volunteer in the various charities here, for example. Feeding those in need and lifting them up through their acts of kindness. Every day, ordinary people perform extraordinary acts of kindness and generosity – often quietly, without recognition. Whether it’s a neighbour who checks in on the elderly, someone who volunteers at a food bank, or a friend who simply listens when life gets tough, these are the unsung saints of our time. What makes someone a saint today isn’t necessarily grand gestures but the small, consistent acts of love and service that ripple through our community, lifting others up. We may not call them saints, but their actions reflect the very heart of what it means to live with compassion.
For me personally, All Saints’ Day is also a time to reflect on the people who have profoundly shaped our lives – those who have taught us, guided us and encouraged us along the way. It’s not just about the saints we read about in history books but the everyday mentors who leave a lasting impact. Teachers, both in and out of the classroom, often come to mind. Their wisdom and patience shape who we are, often in ways we don’t fully appreciate until much later. I think of the people who showed us kindness when we least deserved it, or those who challenged us to grow when it felt uncomfortable. These are the quiet saints, the ones who shape our character and help us become better versions of ourselves.
So, when I come to celebrate All Saints’ Sunday on 4 November, I will certainly remember the many people who have really influenced me and shaped my life as I sing ‘When [All] The Saints Go Marching In’.
Fr Rob Kean is the chaplain of St Vincent’s Chaplaincy Algarve and Area Dean of Portugal
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Main photo: St. Francis of Assisi © Philip Fruytiers, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
