On Nov. 1, Regina Dominican held their  All Saints’ Day mass. This holy day of obligation is a solemn celebration of all the saints, known or unknown, who who have attained a place in heaven. The holiday has its roots from the Fourth Century Rome. The holiday is celebrated the evening of Halloween and comes the day before All Souls Day, which celebrates those loved ones, people have lost.

Ms. Boris, Campus Minister at Regina Dominican said, “To me, All Saints Day is a reminder to continue leading a life of holiness. When it is used in the New Testament, the word saints means “holy ones” so to me All Saints Day is a day to remember and honor all those who have lead lives of holiness and are striving for holiness-often in ways I am not sure I am strong enough to do.”

St. Catherine of Siena and St. Dominic are the patron saints honored  at Regina Dominican. Catherine of Siena was canonized into the church in 1461. Her feast day is April 29. St. Dominic was canonized in 1234, and his feast day is August 8.

Both Catherine and Dominic have fascinating stories that date back centuries. St. Catherine of Siena was the youngest of 25 children. She was born in Siena, Italy, in 1347. She nursed those who were sick and helped cancer patients, along with lepers. She died April 29, 1380. She is the patron saint of nursing.

St. Dominic was born in Castile, Spain, 1170. He was ordained at the Cathedral of Orma. He died on Aug, 6, 1221 in Bologna. He’s the patron saint of astronomers.

There are a few saints who you don’t hear about everyday, and also are the patron saint’s of some unique things. Saint Barbara is the Patron saint of fireworks, or things that go BOOM. Her father killed her because she refused to do what he said, and soon after she died, he was struck by lightning. Her feast day is December 4, and she died in 306 AD.

Saint Friard is the patron saint of those afraid of wasps. He was accused of teaching false lessons and  was tormented by wasps. His feast day is August 1, and he died in 577 AD.

All saints are the patron saints of something, and each and every one of them are celebrated on All Saints Day.