Parents and families who have lost children are invited to a special Mass of Remembrance on Sunday May 20 next.
This mass will take place in St John the Apostle church in Knocknacarra. Families and parents who have experienced the death of child before birth, shortly after birth or at a later stage are welcome to attend to remember their loved ones.
The Mass is organised by the Children’s Remembrance Day Committee at University Hospital Galway. This organisation was formed 16 years ago and every year a special Mass takes place in memory of those who have died. A Book of Remembrance is displayed in the chapel of the hospital.
Margaret Duignan, chairperson of the committee, encouraged parents and families to attend.
"There is a need for a special day for parents and families to share their grief. I would encourage anybody that 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,” she said.
During the Mass a Book of Remembrance, containing the names of those who have died, will be presented to the altar.
Readings and reflections will be chosen with special consideration towards the congregation. Committee member Susan Massey said the Mass was an aid to the grieving process.
“Any death, especially that of a child, upsets a family. Parents are robbed of the joys and expectations that go with parenthood and siblings also feel cheated of the chance to get to know their little brother or sister. This Mass of Remembrance offers family members the opportunity to come together and share their grief in an understanding and empathetic environment,” she said.
For further information on the Children's Remembrance Day Mass, contact Margaret Duignan on 091 523206 or Susan Massey on 091 635302.
