The Pandemics Stone

04-18-2021Pastor's CornerRev. Robert J. Deehan, V.F.

Our parish has been given a unique opportunity to help people in our community grieve the many losses experienced during the Covid-19 Pandemic as well as recall the many millions of people who have either lost their lives or have been tragically affected by other pandemics in our world through the centuries. It’s made possible through the visit to our church by the Global Pandemics Bereavement Stone. The Global Pandemics Bereavement Stone was created by The Peace Abbey Foundation specifically to be moved so as to move grieving hearts on the long and difficult road of bereavement.

The Pandemics Stone is where grief, sympathy, healing and compassion intersect. The 2½ ton granite bereavement stone and carriage will be pulled down Tremont Street by hand from First Parish Church to Holy Family Church by clergy and residents this Sunday afternoon, April 18 after a blessing ceremony at noon at First Parish Church. It will remain on display in front of Holy Family Church this week until it is pulled again to another place of worship in town next Sunday afternoon. All are welcome to come, touch the stone, offer a prayer and commemorate lives lost to Covid-19 and past pandemics. “If one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.” (1 Corinthians 12:26)