International Wave of Light 2026 – a memorial remembering precious lives, forever loved
On 15 October 2026, Catholic Cemeteries + Crematoria (CCC) welcomed families and friends to Rookwood Catholic Cemetery for a deeply moving Wave of Light Memorial Service, honouring the precious lives of babies and children who have died.
Held on International Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day, the service brought together approximately 40 people in a shared moment of prayer, remembrance, reflection and connection.
The opening reflection captured the spirit of the evening perfectly:
Our babies were created in the image and likeness of God and are unique individuals. We pray for them by name if we are able. If our baby was never named God knows the child’s “true name” which is written in Heaven’s Book of Life.
October 15th is the annual day globally to remember Pregnancy, Infant and Child Loss. Tonight, we are all part of the International Wave of Light, a living memorial, a special time on a special day when, as a community, we remember.
We gather as families and friends who have experienced one of life’s hardest tragedies, the loss of a baby or child during pregnancy, stillbirth, or in those first few hours, days, months, or years of their lives.
Whether it was a recent death or a long time ago, care, empathy, compassion, and unconditional love can make the unbearable, bearable. It can transform our grief into deeper love.
The unbearable is bearable with others.
You are not alone.
Your pain is our pain.
We believe in speaking the truth in your heart, both the darkness and the light, both the joy and the sorrow.
We believe grief lasts forever, just as love lasts forever.
Just as it takes a village to raise a child, it also takes a village to support grieving parents and families and friends through the lifelong grief of the death of a baby or child.
In this place feel safe, understood, held – loved. Here you can reflect upon the truth about what your life now is really like.
Here you can be silent.
Here you can cry and feel emotions freely.
Here you can find hope.
Here the name of your precious baby or child will be remembered, honoured, cherished and spoken.
Held in the Mausoleum of the Resurrection, and presided over by Fr Peter Guy MSC, the service included heartfelt prayers, readings, personal reflections and a poignant candlelit procession, as attendees lit and carried candles in memory of their children.
Outside, the St Gerard Majella Lawn, a sacred resting place for babies and children at Rookwood Catholic Cemetery, had been illuminated with hundreds of small lights, creating a beautiful and peaceful tribute.
The lawn is lovingly maintained by CCC’s grounds team, whose thoughtful care helps create a welcoming and comforting space for families. Colourful benches and a topiary inspired by The Very Hungry Caterpillar, which has grown alongside the annual Wave of Light services, bring a gentle sense of childhood and playfulness to this special area.
Although wet weather prevented the planned walk to the lawn, the candlelit procession continued indoors, creating a moving tribute.
CCC’s Grief Care team accompanied families, offering an opportunity for quiet conversation and connection, with hospitality provided at the conclusion of the service.
The Wave of Light service was a reminder that every life, however brief, is precious, and that the love families hold for their children endures.
Honouring every life forever.
