The majority of the month of November falls during the liturgical season known as Tempus per Annum or Ordinary Time which is represented by the liturgical color green. Green is a symbol of hope, as it is the color of the sprouting seed and arouses in the faithful the hope of reaping the eternal harvest of heaven, especially the hope of a glorious resurrection. As the liturgical year comes to an end, we are asked to consider the end times, our own as well as the world's. The culmination of the liturgical year is the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe. "This feast asserts the supreme authority of Christ over human beings and their institutions.” The last Sunday of November marks the beginning of Advent and the new liturgical year. The liturgical color changes to purple, representing a time of penance, preparation, and sacrifice.
The month of November is dedicated to the Holy Souls in Purgatory whose feast is celebrated on November 2. This month is also rich with memorials, feasts, and solemnities:
- 1st All Saints Day
- 2nd All Souls Day
- 3rd St. Martin de Porres
- 4th St. Charles Borromeo
- 9th Dedication of the Lateran Basilica
- 10th St. Leo the Great
- 11th St. Martin of Tours
- 12th St. Josaphat
- 13th St. Frances Xavier Cabrini
- 15th St. Albert the Great
- 16th Sts. Margaret of Scotland and Gertrude
- 17th St. Elizabeth of Hungary
- 18th St. Rose Duchesne, Dedication of Basilicas of Sts. Peter and Paul
- 21st Presentation of Mary
- 22nd St. Cecilia
- 24th St. Andrew Dung-Lac and companions
- 25th St. Catherine of Alexandria
- 30th St. Andrew
Here are some additional ways to celebrate the month of November in the Catholic home:
- Pray the Litany of the Saints
- Pray for the holy souls in purgatory each day
- Listen to Catholic music on the feast of St. Cecelia, the patron saint of music, on November 22nd
- Practice gratitude daily in preparation for Thanksgiving
- Prepare for Advent which begins on November 27th
- Pray the St. Andrew Christmas Novena which begins on November 30th and ends on Christmas Eve
