COMMUNITY members are invited to attend Broadford Cemetery Trust’s annual Blessing of Graves to honour the dead this weekend.
Held on All Souls’ Day, this year on Sunday, November 2, the people are encouraged to gather at 2pm at the Broadford Cemetery on Piper Street for the fourth-annual event.
“This is our fourth year of our remembering ritual, and attendance is growing each year,” Catholic priest Fr. Andrew Choi said.
“All are welcome, as it’s a lovely way of remembering our dead here in Broadford or wherever they are.”
Included in the short service, the Trust reads the names of those interred in the last year, and everyone present is invited to light a candle for those they are remembering, whether this year or in times past.
The blessing of the graves by pastors of the Christian churches concludes the ritual.
“Reading the names out aloud is a very meaningful way to remember people we have loved and lost as we light a candle for each,” Chairman of the Cemetery Trust, Paul Fleming, said.
“The blessing is a lovely opportunity for us to come together in our common grief, especially as we lead up to Christmas time,” Uniting Church Rev. Len Sherratt said.
All are welcome to attend the Blessing of Graves regardless of faith, tradition or none, with light refreshments to follow.
All Souls’ Day is also known in some cultures as The Day of the Dead.
