Last Tuesday, November 1, the Jesuit community not only came together for their monthly liturgy service, but also as the first day of blazers. This Mass celebrated All Saints’ Day, a special occasion where the Church celebrates all of the holy men and women who have been recognized with the title of a Saint. In addition, All Saints Day is an important day to remember the Saints in the world and how they can be an inspiration in our lives.

Kevin Martinez ’25 said, “I thought it was a splendid celebration of all the beloved saints.”

The Mass

One unique thing that happened during the All Saints Mass was the reflection song after communion, praying to the saints. I also interviewed Father Tan, who led the mass, about why All Saints’ Day is important.

Can you tell me about your thoughts on how you develop a homily for mass?

Whenever I say homily, I am invited to share what I’ve received with the people that I’m with. When I give a homily, I make sure that I’m not standing on a soapbox and just saying something ordinary. Instead, I think about the people who I am giving a homily to. Then, I ask God to direct me what to say. As I’m giving the homily, I’ll actually look at the congregation. This gives me a good sense where the people’s spirits are moving in them. This allows me to effectively respond to that.

Why do you think it is important for the Jesuit students to know about the saints?

In my homily, you heard me discuss going in one direction and various things. It wasn’t until years later that I realized that the person’s prayers were involved [and] various things conspired to lead me to another direction. In the beginning, I felt very alone. However, as I grew into the reality, I realized that I was attracted to a community. This community included both visible and invisible people.

I have an aunt who is a type of nun. Saint Claire was a friend of Saint Francis. St. Francis is regarded highly in my family. As a result, I have a great affection for Saint Francis and Francis has been active in my life too. When I look at the saints who have been most active in my life, I noticed that they were many Jesuit saints. So, I started to realize well this is the team that got his calling me to. I felt the presence of both living and non-living Jesuits guiding me.

I do feel like I’m part of a ministry team and Apostolic team, but I don’t think I am one of the best players on that team. Of course, Jesus is the team captain. The non-living saints are invisible, but I have sense that they are out there doing wonderful things. Every once in a while, I feel that these saints are asking me to do small things. Then I do my little part and then I step out, but I know that the heart is a wondrous thing that God is doing through Jesus, through the Holy Spirit, and through all the people who share the Spirit.

Overall, I believe that having a good knowledge of the saints and their lives will provide students with a source of inspiration to be men for others.

Samuel Loh ’25 said, “During the mass the saints projected on the screen gave me people to strive to be.”