The Night the Saints Saved Halloween

Gracie Jagla’s new Halloween book is making Alex Resch so excited about celebrating the upcoming Hallowtide season with her family.

The Night the Saints Saved Halloween 

By Gracie Jaga; illustrated by Willliam Meany

Published by Our Sunday Visitor

How should Catholics celebrate Halloween? More importantly, should we celebrate Halloween at all? There is sometimes confusion around how (or, if) we should celebrate Halloween with our children. (It is true that the secular world makes Halloween truly dark and scary.) Think of it like this: what would you say if someone questioned whether or not Catholics should celebrate Christmas Eve? Well, I say what a silly question! The Eve of the Nativity of Our Lord certainly belongs to Catholics, so the Eve of All Saints belongs to us too! Gracie Jagla’s new book, The Night the Saints Saved Halloween, provides answers, insights, and even Church teaching related to all of our Halloween-related questions and concerns.

Delightful Rhymes and Enjoyable Illustrations 

If you have ever read any of Gracie Jagla’s books, you know that she has a gift with rhymes and words. Kids and adults, alike, in our home love them. She even reads them aloud on her adorable podcast. The rhymes in The Night the Saints Saved Halloween are clever, beautiful, and fun. 

The book begins with the saints in heaven traveling on a mission to earth to redeem Halloween. They see all of the scary sights and frights, and decide that it is time to remind people what Halloween is really all about. I smiled so widely when St. Rose of Lima and St. Carlo Acutis arrived at the door of some unsuspecting Trick or Treaters. 

The illustrations by William Meany are as sweet and whimsical as Gracie Jagla’s words. My favorites are the ones of the saints helping the children with their Halloween costumes.

The True Meaning of Halloween 

Not only does this book joyfully teach children about different saints, but it also reveals the true meaning of Halloween and its place within Hallowtide. Kids will learn about Soul Cakes, praying for the dead, and, most importantly, the hope of Heaven and the triumph of Christ. I loved this line in particular: “‘Remember your death’ might seem scary, you see? But new life is waiting in eternity!” 

Another message in this book that I think will help parents navigate Halloween is this: We must make sure we are giving glory to God in all things. We can consider this when making Halloween plans and make sure our actions will please God. The book does a great job illustrating how we can do that during Halloween and the days that follow.

What Does the Church Teach about Halloween? 

The final pages of this book have awesome bonus information about exactly what the Church teaches about Halloween, specifically within the season of Hallowtide. The traditions of Halloween, All Saints Day, and All Souls Day are clearly explained. There are even fun, holy, and practical ideas to celebrate and observe each of these days including prayers, activities, and a plenary indulgence. 

We love Hallowtide, and look forward to it every year. The Night the Saints Saved Halloween will now become part of our Halloween traditions.

Is this a book you'd like to read? Share your thoughts with the Catholic Mom community! You'll find the comment box below the author's bio and list of recommended articles.

Copyright 2026 Alex Resch
Images: (top) detail from cover