| On
9th November 2002, St Joseph's Home & Hospice held a memorial
service for its deceased residents after a time interval of about
four years. A memorial service is a precious and sacred moment
for the loved ones of the deceased, a time to celebrate the rich
memories of the lives of those they had shared with.
The families
of the deceased residents were asked to bring a photograph of their
loved ones who had died and to write a message to him/her, both of
which would be displayed on the day of the service. Excerpts,
written in gratitude and in loving memory include the following:
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Dear
Sharon,
You have fought a
fought a good fight. You have finished the race.
Jesus loves you. And you are with Him now. Amen.
From your brothers,
sisters and family, love always. |
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To
our dearest Mum,
Your legacy of love
lives on in your sons, daughters-in-laws and in your
grandchildren. We know that even now you're still looking out
for us.
Love,
Sydney, Peter and Paul. |
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Dearest
grandpa Wilson,
Today we still think
of you and remember you and the many good times we
share. You must be happy in heaven with grandma and
great grandma.
Love,
your three grandchildren. |
In his homily
during the celebration of the Eucharist, Father Charles Sim, SJ,
spoke positively on Christians emerging as resurrected and
joyful. Reverend Chau Ter, a Buddhist nun spoke on the
Buddhist perspective towards pain, suffering and death. How we
approach death will be according to the life we had lived.
The Christian
perspective of water symbolizes new life, everlasting life in
God. A representative from each family was invited to place a
lighted candle in basins of water at the front of the altar.
It was a moving moment as the name of the deceased was called and a
lighted candle was brought forward in memory of him/her.
Family members
of the deceased expressed their gratitude for such a service where
they could celebrate the memory of their loved ones.
Sr Margaret
Goh
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