Catholic Cemeteries + Crematoria (CCC) together with Grief Care were honoured to hold their annual Interfaith Christmas Remembrance Service on 15 December 2024, in the heart of the city with the largest attendance filling St Mary’s Cathedral in several years.
The poignant service commemorates family and friends no longer with us and features beautiful hymns sung by a choir. The service offers the opportunity for attendees to light a remembrance candle to celebrate the life of their loved ones.
Lighting a candle is something humans have done for centuries to remember the special people in their lives. The tribute continued as the lights were dimmed, and Silent Night was sung in the cathedral. Attendees lit the LED candles they received and recited the names of those they had come to remember.
The service was led by Bishop Terry Brady with readings from CCC staff and members of the public. At the conclusion of the service, the attendees moved outside to Cathedral Square to view the stunning light show that is a part of Christmas at the Cathedral.
The service is one of the unique events CCC holds that brings together the multi-cultural communities it serves. In the spirit of interfaith collaboration, CCC has created strong alliances with faith groups including the Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist and indigenous communities.
The moving and hope-filled event brings together people from diverse backgrounds, beliefs and traditions, providing solace to those who may be struggling during the Christmas and holiday period without their loved ones.
The Grief Care team handed out carved wooden hearts that had been made in Jerusalem to attendees to take home as a memento. They were also available post-service for those that required pastoral care.
This annual service of remembrance, love and hope is an integral part of the organisation’s spiritual heart of compassion for all in the wider community.
Lauren Hardgrove, CEO said “The Remembrance Service continues to grow and is well received by those who attend, who appreciate being able to honour those who hold a place in their hearts, from whatever background they may come from.”
