As Fr. Chris Alar explains, the evening we now call Halloween began not as a pagan ritual, but as a sacred Christian vigil—All Hallows’ Eve, the holy night before the solemnity of All Saints’ Day. This feast, instituted in the 700s, has always been a time to honor the saints and pray for the faithful departed. The Church’s ancient practice of vigils reflected the truth that holy days begin at sundown, anticipating the joy of what is to come.

Turn to any page of St. Faustina’s Diary, and you’ll find spiritual gems. Like this one.Jesus told St. Faustina, "Be not afraid of your Savior, O sinful soul. I make the first move to come to you, for I know that by yourself you are unable to lift yourself to Me. Child, do not run away from your Father; be willing to talk openly with your God of mercy who wants to speak words of pardon and lavish His graces on you. How dear your soul is to Me!” (1485)

Palm Sunday, the Sunday before Easter Sunday, begins Holy Week, the most sacred week of the year for Catholics. It commemorates Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem, when the people welcomed Him by waving palm branches and shouting “Hosanna.”Why was this done, and what does it mean for us today? Father Chris Alar, MIC, explains.