Remember our Child
The first Remember Our Child service at Truro Cathedral took place in 1995. It returns this year after a two-year gap because of Covid. So this is the 25th such service, even though it is now 27 years since that initial event. All are welcome, especially those who wish to remember a child, no matter how long ago they died or at what age. Every child will be remembered by name.
Back in 1995, there were several triggers that led to the creation of this well-loved service. A letter encouraging Cathedrals to take such an initiative helped, and several people locally who had experienced the loss of children wanted to do something. I was then Bishop of St Germans. My wife Julie and I lost our second daughter Victoria when she was six months old in 1984. We learned it was important to speak of her, and that when bereaved parents are not encouraged to do so, their grief is silenced.
Back in 1995, we were surprised that so many people came to the first service. One couple remembered a child who had died more than 40 years previously. They had never had an opportunity to acknowledge the depth of their loss, which their wider family and friends had always avoided speaking about.
The Cathedral is the right place for such a service. It serves everyone in Cornwall but it’s also where the death of Jesus Christ, God’s Son, is remembered day in, day out. A bereaved parent is close to the heart of God.
Losing a child is an experience shared by many more people in our society than is sometimes acknowledged. On May 8th we shall light candles, give thanks for the gift of our children, acknowledge our grief and pray together, trusting that the love of God and each other may strengthen and sustain us.
Bishop Graham James
To submit a name for the service, please complete the form on the event page.