The first of November is the yearly celebration of all saints, known and unknown, in the Catholic church. While the tradition was created as early as 731 AD, Pope Gregory IV (827-844) extended the celebration on November 1st to the entire Church. Prior to that date, Christians would solemnize the anniversary of a martyr's death. Over time, it got to be too many "celebrations" and so a common day for all martyrs to be recognized was chosen.

The word "saint" refers to a holy person. The word "holy" is related to the word "whole". Therefore, through spiritual discipline saints have overcome the brokenness often associated with our human nature and have transformed themseles. A saint is a holy person but saints are not perfect -- they simply have an ability to do everything they do with love. I think we have a lot to learn from the saints who have gone before us and the saints in our midst. I also don't think it's a coincidence that Thanksgiving -- a day of giving thanks -- and All Saint's Day occur in the same month. Shouldn't we all do what we do in business and in life with love and gratitude...lots and lots of love and gratitude?