On November 1, Roman Catholics throughout Slovakia observe All Saints' Day. This day, on which people gather in churches and cemeteries to pray for relatives who have passed away, has been a bank holiday in the country since 1994. The history of the All Saints' holiday goes back to the beginning of the 7th century, when Pope Boniface IV converted the pagan Pantheon in Rome into a Christian church. In the 8th century Pope Gregory III declared November 1 to be All Saints Day. In the 10th and 11th centuries, All Souls Day, or the Commemoration of all the Faithful Departed, was introduced to follow one day after All Saints Day. It's based on the Catholic doctrine that the souls of those in purgatory can be helped by the prayers of the faithful and the Holy Mass. On November 2, priests usually appeal to people to repent and to strive to avoid sin.
Source: TASR
