Great Cloud of Witnesses

In January 2025, the Archdiocesan Office of Communications began a new series of social media posts dedicated to the lives of the saints with spiritual applications for our lives. The title of the series, The Great Cloud of Witnesses, comes from Hebrews 12:1-3, in which the author describes the saints and the faithful who have gone before us as "such a great cloud of witnesses." 

These witnesses, having run their race with endurance, encourage believers to cast off sin by showing through their lives that holiness is attainable and that reliance on God’s grace can overcome even the greatest struggles. Their examples of virtue, sacrifice, and steadfastness demonstrate the freedom and joy that come from turning away from sin and fully embracing Christ. As Catholics, we believe that the saints intercede for us, offering spiritual support as we strive to remove the obstacles that hinder our relationship with God. 

By fixing our eyes on Jesus, the "leader and perfecter of faith," and drawing strength from the communion of saints, we are encouraged to persevere in our faith journey with hope and trust in God's ultimate plan for salvation. 

The Archdiocese of Dubuque Communications Office has prioritized liturgical social media graphics and corresponding text for Solemnities, Feasts, and many Obligatory Memorials of the Saints. 

---

The Church punctuates the liturgical year by celebrating various events important to the mystery of our salvation.  During the course of the liturgical year, we celebrate the whole mystery of Christ, from His incarnation and birth to His ascension, to Pentecost and the founding of the Church, and finally to the second coming of Christ in judgment on the Solemnity of Christ the King.  On Sundays, in particular, we commemorate the Resurrection, when our Lord triumphed over sin and death.  In a special way, the Church also honors our Blessed Mother, marking those special events of her participation in the mystery of salvation.  Finally, the Church also commemorates the memorial days of saints, who, through their lives, bring to the minds of the faithful the call to holiness.  Summary by: CatholicStraightAnswers.com

---