The parishioners of Donaghmore in Donegal will be lighting candles together at a special time this Christmas Day to remember loved ones who have passed away.
The new initiative invites families to unite and share a prayer together from their own homes at 3pm on December 25th, while the church bells have been set to ring at St Patrick’s Church and at St Mary’s Sessiaghoneill at the same time.
Remembrance candles are currently on sale in local shops, with proceeds going towards church funds.
The thoughtful project is being headed up by Niall Gallen, who said: “Christmas is a tough time on most families who have lost loved ones, and I thought how poignant it would be if all households united and shared in a special prayer at a certain time on Christmas day.
“The idea of the church bells was suggested by a friend of mine when I told him about the candle. Church bells echoing out over our graveyard sounds so lonely but also so powerful as a community is united at that particular time of day
“This year in our parish there has been, like so many parishes, so many tragic deaths, and I think everyone will be thinking how tough for their families as they face their first Christmas without them. The candle and prayer is also a small gesture to let these families know that people are thinking on them at this difficult time.
“Also candles could be sent to families members outside the parish or abroad to allow them to share and join also at the special time of 3 o clock.”
Details on where to purchase remembrance candles are provided in the poster below:
