Fr. Chris reminds us that today — the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed — is one of the most important days of the Church year. Though it’s not a solemnity or feast, its spiritual weight is immense. Following the glory of All Saints Day, we now turn to the souls who still await their full union with God — the holy souls in Purgatory. Together, these three days — All Hallows Eve, All Saints, and All Souls — form what the Church calls Allhallowtide, or the “Triduum of Death.” It is not dark, but deeply merciful, because it reveals God’s justice and His love.

On this feast of St. Padre Pio, the Church reminds us of one of the most beloved saints of modern times, a humble Capuchin friar marked by extraordinary gifts, suffering, and faith. Fr. Chris Alar reflects on today’s Gospel (Luke 8:19–21), where Jesus tells us that His true family are those who “hear the word of God and act on it.” Few lived this more radically than Padre Pio.

The readings for this homily: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/022726.cfm Father Chris Alar, MIC, begins by reminding us that forgiveness is often misunderstood. He explains that we are called to let go of resentment, not to forge a friendship with the one who harms us. Forgiveness, he says, releases the heart from hatred while leaving space for justice.