Lutherans join Catholics in marking All Saints’ Day

Lutherans observe All Saints’ Day even though their church does not recognise saints, ERR reported. The day falls on Sunday according to the church calendar.

The Catholic Church has about 10,000 officially canonised saints. Its register of saints began in the eighth century, and the first saint was from Germany, said Marge Paas, a postulator for the Diocese of Tallinn.

“Saints are not people who do extraordinary things, but people who do ordinary things in an extraordinary way,” said Catholic Angelo Maiuri, adding that he sees them as examples to follow.

The best-known saint to have visited Estonia is Pope John Paul II. The Diocese of Tallinn has a relic of him: a drop of his blood. Relics are divided into three categories and can include clothing worn by a saint and objects they used. “We use relics to help us pray, and through relics we also communicate with the saints,” Paas said.

It is unclear when Pope Francis might declare Eduard Profittlich a saint. Profittlich, who lived and worked in Estonia, has already been beatified, a major step towards canonisation.

Lutherans also mark All Saints’ Day. Jaak Aus, provost of the EELK Tallinn deanery, said the lives of saints offer guidance and lessons in faith to Protestants, Orthodox Christians and Catholics alike.