In an initiative that resonates with the universality of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis has called for a global celebration of local saints, blesseds, venerables, and servants of God. Starting in the Holy Year 2025, dioceses worldwide will dedicate November 9 each year to honoring the holy men and women who have shaped the faith of their communities. This new tradition seeks to remind Catholics that holiness is not far away but is woven into the fabric of everyday life and local history.

Pope Francis’ announcement, outlined in a letter released on November 16, emphasizes the importance of celebrating those figures who have walked alongside the faithful in their respective dioceses. While the Church already commemorates saints on specific liturgical dates, this new initiative highlights those whose holiness reflects the unique spiritual character of their local communities.

“It seems important to me that all particular churches commemorate their saints and blesseds on a single date, as well as the venerables and servants of God of their respective territories,” the Pope wrote. This remembrance, he explained, will not only inspire the faithful but also deepen the connection between the global and local dimensions of the Church.

Central to this initiative is the idea of “everyday holiness,” which Pope Francis explored in his 2018 apostolic exhortation Gaudete et Exsultate. Holiness, the pope insists, is not an unattainable ideal but is found in the lives of ordinary people who live their faith with love and perseverance. This includes couples who nurture their families in faith, workers who bring Christian virtues into their professions, young people pursuing their vocations with joy, and religious who dedicate themselves to service and prayer.

The pope’s letter also highlighted the often-overlooked holiness of the poor, the sick, and the suffering. “In their weakness, they have found support in the divine Master,” he wrote, reminding us that these individuals often embody the Gospel in profound and inspiring ways.

November 9, the feast of the Dedication of St. John Lateran, was chosen for this annual commemoration. While not an addition to the universal liturgical calendar, the day provides an opportunity for dioceses to honor their local holy figures through initiatives both within and outside the liturgy. Homilies, educational programs, and community events could explore the lives of these saints-next-door, whose lives continue to be examples for people today.

The lives of these local saints, blesseds, venerables, and servants of God are not just historical footnotes; they are living witnesses to the transformative power of faith. From martyrs who gave their lives for Christ to men and women who quietly radiated virtue, these individuals “help us realize our baptismal vocation to the full and show us the most beautiful face of the Church,” Pope Francis wrote.

The letter also acknowledges the many ongoing beatification and canonization processes, underscoring how holiness continues to shine brightly in our time. These witnesses of faith, the pope said, are “friends and companions on the road,” guiding the Church toward deeper communion with Christ.

The inaugural celebration in 2025 coincides with the Jubilee Year, a time of renewal, conversion, and grace. This special year is expected to draw millions of pilgrims to Rome, but its spiritual impact will ripple across the globe. By highlighting the saints of each diocese, this initiative invites the faithful to encounter holiness in their own communities, fostering a sense of shared mission and identity within the Body of Christ.

Pope Francis’ joyful call to honor local saints is a reminder that holiness is for everyone. It invites each of us to recognize and celebrate the “saints next door” in our own lives—those who, in their quiet fidelity and love, reveal the beauty of God’s grace. This annual celebration offers an opportunity to deepen our understanding of holiness, to be inspired by these remarkable witnesses, and to recommit ourselves to living the Gospel in our daily lives.

As we prepare for the Jubilee Year and the first commemoration of local saints, let us take to heart Pope Francis’ words: “We are called to allow ourselves to be inspired by these models of holiness.” May their example encourage us to embrace our own baptismal vocation and to shine as lights in the world, revealing the love of Christ wherever we go.