All Invited to Join in
Compassionate Friends Worldwide Candle Lighting to Honor
Memories of Children
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Contact: Wayne Loder, The Compassionate Friends, 866-964-4000
OAK BROOK, Ill., Oct. 2 /Christian
Newswire/ -- Everyone is invited by The Compassionate Friends to
participate in the twelfth annual Worldwide Candle Lighting® Sunday, December 14
in remembrance of all children who have died, regardless of age or cause of
death. The candle lighting, which lasts for one hour, begins officially at 7
p.m. local time and hundreds of events open to the public are planned throughout
the day.
Churches, synagogues, hospices, funeral homes, civic organizations, and all
formal and informal groups are invited to participate in what today is believed
to be the world’s largest mass candle lighting.
The Compassionate Friends self-help bereavement organization has more than 600
chapters in the United States and a presence in at least 30 countries around the
world.
"During the holidays, it's important for families that have lost a child to have
at least one day when they can unite with others to remember that child and all
children who have died," says Patricia Loder, executive director of The
Compassionate Friends.
Last year nearly 500 Worldwide Candle Lighting remembrance services were
submitted and listed on TCF's website, which included services in all 50 states
plus Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico. Information was submitted on events held
in 24 countries globally.
In addition to formal services, anyone who is unable or does not wish to attend
a service is invited to light a candle at 7 p.m. whether alone or with family
and friends.
"We have watched this event grow every year since it started as a small Internet
observance twelve years ago," adds Mrs. Loder. "Now people are contacting us
from around the world to get details."
Last year The Compassionate Friends was joined in observance of the Worldwide
Candle Lighting by chapters from several national organizations including
Twinless Twins, MADD, Parents of Murdered Children, MISS, and BPUSA.
Full information on the Worldwide Candle Lighting is available on The
Compassionate Friends national website at
www.compassionatefriends.org
including a downloadable brochure designed to help those interested in planning
a Worldwide Candle Lighting memorial service. No matter what time you hold your
service, you are welcome to submit your event details to be posted on the
website.
Everyone is also welcome on the day of the Worldwide Candle Lighting to post a
message in TCF's Remembrance Book. Last year several thousand postings were
received.
For more information, call The Compassionate Friends at 877-969-0010 or visit
www.compassionatefriends.org.