The Children’s Remembrance Day Committee at University Hospital Galway is inviting parents and their families who have experienced the death of a child before birth, shortly after birth or at a later stage to remember their loved ones in a special Mass of Remembrance next weekend.
The Mass will take place on Sunday, 11 June at 2.30pm in Church of Mary Immaculate Queen in Barna.
The theme for this year’s mass is ‘Remembered with love’ and the guest speaker John Kelly, a beavered father, will reflect on this theme.
During the Mass, Books of Remembrance with the names of those who have died will be presented to the Altar. The readings and reflections for the Mass are chosen specially with the congregation in mind.
The Chairperson of the Children’s Remembrance Day Committee, Maura Mannion, said that there is a need for a special day for parents and families to share their grief in an understanding and empathetic environment.
“I would encourage anybody who would like their loved one to be included in this special Mass to contact us in advance. Support lets the bereaved person know that there are people there that they can call on,” said Maura.
“Following the Mass, light refreshments will be served in the Cillin attached to the church and the committee look forward to meeting with families to listen to their stories as they share their memories.”
The Children’s Remembrance Day Committee was formed 27 years ago. Every year a special Mass takes place for those who have died and the Books of Remembrance will be available for viewing after Mass.
