A Living Cloud of Witnesses: All Saints’ Day Parade Unites Past and Present at All Saints’ Church
On November 1st, the sacred halls of All Saints’ Church were filled with an extraordinary vibrancy as our community gathered to celebrate All Saints’ Day during the 6:00 PM Mass. More than just a commemoration, it was a living testament to the enduring communion of saints, beautifully brought to life by our very own parishioners in an unforgettable All Saints’ Parade.
Imagine the sight: 31 enthusiastic children and one dedicated adult, each meticulously dressed as their favorite saint, processing with reverence and joy towards the altar. From the quiet devotion of St. Mary to the courageous spirit of St. George, and perhaps even the gentle presence of St. Francis, the diversity of holiness was on full display. It was particularly heartwarming to witness the children of Good Shepherd so actively involved, their preparations and their earnest march towards the altar truly embodying the spirit of the day. Remarkably, among our young saints, one child came dressed as St. Devasahayam Pillai, complete with chains on his hands and feet, a powerful and moving depiction of this courageous martyr.
This spectacular event would not have been possible without the incredible dedication of our parents. A heartfelt thank you extends to each family who invested their time, effort, and resources to help their children embody these holy figures. Your commitment created a truly memorable experience for the entire congregation.
The Mass culminated in a deeply moving moment, orchestrated by our beloved Rev. Fr. Mitchel Joseph. Elevating the parade beyond a mere procession, Fr. Mitchel engaged the entire congregation in the Litany of the Saints, with our “dressed-up saints” leading the calls, and the resounding response of “Pray for us!” echoing throughout the church. It was a powerful reminder that we are not alone on our journey of faith, but surrounded by a vast “cloud of witnesses” who intercede for us and inspire us.
Echoes of Holiness: Introducing St. Devasahayam Pillai
As we reflect on this celebration of holiness, and especially after witnessing his representation in our parade, it’s a perfect opportunity to introduce a powerful example of sanctity, perhaps lesser known to some but deeply significant: St. Devasahayam Pillai. His story is a compelling testament to unwavering faith and courage in the face of immense adversity.
Born Neelakandan Pillai in 1712 in what is now Tamil Nadu, India, he was a high-ranking official in the royal court of Travancore. His life took a profound turn when he encountered the Catholic faith and, in 1745, converted, taking the name Devasahayam, meaning “God is my help.”
Devasahayam Pillai’s conversion, particularly as an upper-caste Hindu, and his subsequent active preaching of social equality and the dignity of all people—regardless of caste—sparked fierce opposition from the ruling class. For three grueling years, he endured unimaginable torture, imprisonment, and public humiliation. Despite these brutal trials, he remained steadfast, never renouncing his faith. On January 14, 1752, he was finally martyred, shot dead for his convictions.
St. Devasahayam Pillai holds a unique place as the first Indian layman and martyr to be canonized by the Catholic Church in 2022. His life stands as a beacon for all of us, reminding us that the call to radical holiness, to stand up for justice, and to bear witness to Christ’s love is for everyone, regardless of their background or position in society. His feast day is celebrated on January 14th.
Just as our children, dressed as saints, brought the stories of holiness into our present moment—and especially through the poignant portrayal of St. Devasahayam Pillai among them—he bridges centuries to remind us that sainthood is not a distant ideal but a vibrant, attainable reality, especially for those who courageously live out their faith in the world.
May the inspiration of our All Saints’ Day parade and the powerful witness of St. Devasahayam Pillai encourage us all to strive for greater holiness and to be living examples of Christ’s love in our own lives.
More Images are here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/hK9BR8gpoaz1QW6k7