All Souls’ Day

26 October 2020

26 Oct 2020

If you would like to learn more about our Pastoral Care support, click here.

Honouring loved ones and friends who’ve passed away during this pandemic has been heartbreakingly difficult for many. Restrictions on funerals have meant some people have missed out on saying goodbye, and worshippers have missed the ability to attend services at their respective faith communities.

For people within VMCH residential aged care, the pandemic has been particularly challenging. The fear of contracting COVID-19, missing visits from loved ones, and the general negative stigma around aged care has been difficult for many.

With this in mind, our Pastoral Care teams have worked incredibly hard to ensure people are able to stay connected to their faith and have found innovative ways for residents, loved ones and staff members to remember and honour loved ones passed.

November 2 is All Souls’ Day – an important holy date set aside for honouring the deceased.

Across VMCH aged care residences, Masses and funerals have been streamed online with residents participating individually in their rooms, and Pastoral Care practitioners have prepared prayers and reflections for quiet times of worship.

At Bundoora Aged Care Residence, a memorial wall has been created in lieu of the traditional, annual memorial service. Families were invited to send photos and some words about their loved ones, and staff and residents also encouraged to take some time to remember residents who had touched their lives.

“I was delighted by the responses I got back and encouraged by families grateful for the acknowledgment and also the opportunity to contribute,” said Pastoral Care Practitioner Sr. Kate Mannes. “Residents have really loved it and a number of the staff have also spoken to me of the value. There is also a book for residents and staff to add someone’s name they would like to remember, perhaps a family member or friend.”

VMCH General Manager of Mission Bridget O’Shannassy described honouring the life of those who had lived in our care as “special and sacred”.

“I am very grateful for the many ways our aged care residential teams acknowledge the lives of those who have been part of our VMCH community. This year our volunteers have also made beautiful felt hearts that remind us that little by little we let go of the loss, but never the love in our heart.”

Felt hearts handmade by our volunteers for people who've lost loved ones — Felt hearts handmade by our volunteers for people who’ve lost loved ones

If you would like to learn more about our support within aged care residences, click here.

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Acknowledgement of Country

We here at VMCH respectfully acknowledge the traditional owners of the lands on which we gather, and we would like to take a moment to honour the fact that we live on the lands of the oldest civilisation in the world. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and wisdom of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and pay our respects to their elders past, present and emerging.