What is Allhallowtide?

“We must empty Purgatory with our prayers.”  

— St. Padre Pio

Everyone recognizes Halloween, and churchgoers know All Saints – maybe even All Souls. But these days are intrinsically connected. Our culture has taken hold of Halloween and twisted it with consumeristic candy appeal and occult imagery. It has become the number two commercial holiday, closing in on Christmas, another holy feast held hostage by culture.

But let’s break it down.

Halloween is not a standalone celebration of the macabre. It is the vigil for All Saints’ Day — when we honor those in Heaven, the Church Triumphant. That feast is followed by All Souls’ Day, a remembrance of the departed who may not be formally recognized as saints, but for whom we hope and pray. We call the souls in Purgatory the Church Suffering, as they undergo the temporary purification from sin before entering Heaven.

We don’t think too much about Purgatory these days, but this time of year invites us to remember that there are souls going through it right now. Scripture tells us, “Nothing unclean shall enter heaven” (Revelation 21:27). If we die still clinging to the gunk of this world, it must be cleansed before we can enter the presence of God.

“A purification, so as to achieve the holiness necessary to enter the joy of heaven… this final purification of the elect… is entirely different from the punishment of the damned.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church 1030–1031)

The Church Suffering cannot pray for themselves.. but we, the Church Militant, still engaged in spiritual battle, can pray for them. That is why the Church gives us seasons like Allhallowtide. We go to Mass, we offer prayers and sacrifices – we advocate for more souls to go home.

C.S. Lewis once wrote:

“I assume that the process of purification will normally involve suffering. Partly from tradition; partly because most real good that has been done me in this life has involved it.” (Letters to Malcolm, Letter XX)

We should also be cautious of the spiritual competitor that has crept into this time of year. The occult encourages us to contact the dead through mediums and Ouija boards, counterfeit shortcuts that open dangerous doors. Stay in what is holy. Pray for the dead; don’t attempt to summon them.

There is so much more to explore here. Honestly, this may deserve a follow-up before Halloween. For example: did you know there is a museum in Rome, the Museo delle Anime del Purgatorio, showcasing objects burned or marked by souls asking for prayer? These physical signs remind the faithful that our intercession matters.

It’s a fascinating subject worth staying sharp on — but don’t get lost in the darkness.

God is great — and His mercy is even greater.

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This article was written for the young adult email list by Adam Jarosz from Righteous Co.. Adam loves raising his family with his wife Ani and four kids, playing beach volleyball, and being in the deep outdoors.

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