Christmas comfort with Lights of Love service

Clare held its first Lights of Love remembrance service recently. Bereaved parents from the county and surrounding counties joined together in the Cathedral to remember their children who passed away. The service was celebrated by Fr Fergal O’Neill.
As parents, families and friends entered the church, they were given a tag in which they wrote their baby’s name and heartbreaking messages of love.
They were then invited to place their tags on the Feileacáin Christmas tree, which stood at the top of the altar and altogether the prayer of remembrance was said.
There were symbols brought to the altar including the Féileacáin memory box, an angel, butterfly and blankets, which were knitted by bereaved parents.
Féileacáin sponsor the wool for these blankets and the patterns are available on its website.
Twelve candles were also lit and carried to the altar by parents and family members. These candles represent the 12 months of the year in which babies have passed.
There was singing by Caroline Kennedy, Sarah Griffin and Claudia Maher.
Also, as part of the service, a toy box appeal was held in aid of Barnados. Parents and families donated toys for all ages. Brian Roche of Féileacáin said he was amazed at all the toys that were donated in these difficult times.
Afterwards, families joined together at the Old Ground Hotel for refreshments, which gave them the opportunity to spend some time together and share their stories and experiences with each other.
The Lights of Love service will be annual service for parents to come together to support each other at this difficult time of year.