Relatives remember loved ones in Cork at Console's Christmas Celebration of Light

Poignant photographs of happier times were placed under the Christmas tree in a Cork church yesterday as people bereaved by suicide gathered for the annual Console Christmas Celebration of Light.

Relatives of the deceased lit candles all around the altar prior to the emotional service at the Sacred Heart Church in Western Road, Cork, at 4pm yesterday. A minute’s silence was also observed to remember those who have lost their lives to suicide.

Celebrant Fr Alan Neville said people who are bereaved by suicide are often left completely broken and without hope.

“We lose not only our loved ones but our faith in the world and our faith in ourselves,” said Fr Neville.

“Our theme this afternoon is simply hope. We do hope we can rediscover our strength to bear our loss. And we do hope to move on to make that loss part but not all of our lives. And we do hope we can risk living and loving again.

"Because without that possibility, the life and love we give is lost forever. And our future is without hope. This is a place where nobody has easy answers or simple solutions.”

Gerard Rynn, counselling co-ordinator of Console Cork, said it was important for the suicide bereaved to have the opportunity to celebrate and remember their loved ones.

The ceremony involved poetry, reflections, and a rendition of Sarah McLachlan’s ‘Angel’, which was a very moving contribution to the service.

More than 500 people lost their lives to suicide in Ireland last year. The ceremony in Cork was one of nine Celebrations of Light being held nationally. More than 6,000 people attending nationwide.

“The Christmas Celebration of Light provides a gentle and understanding environment for families and friends to remember their loved ones and celebrate their lives,” said Console founder and CEO Paul Kelly, who founded the organisation after his sister Sharon took her own life at the age of 21.

“This special service is one of the most important events in the Console calendar as it gives families and friends the opportunity to come together in solidarity to honour the lives of their loved ones.”

Console offers counselling services and 24-hour helpline support to people in crisis and those bereaved by suicide.

The charity has full-time centres in Dublin, Galway, Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Wexford, Mayo, Kildare, and London.

Counselling is available for any individual, couples, families, or children who have been affected by suicide.

Console can be reached at any time on freephone 1800 247 247. Information can be found at www.console.ie.