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Mechernich/Blankenheim –Two houses, two church services – yet one shared spirit: gratitude, solidarity and the comforting certainty that love and light are stronger than death. Both at the long-term care facility run by Sozialwerk Communio in Christo e.V. in Mechernich and at its Haus Effata senior care facility in Blankenheim, relatives, residents and staff came together to commemorate those who had passed away in the past year.

At the long-term care facility, the service was held under the touching theme of "The magic of love overcomes death". Many of the residents had lost close friends during the year – people with whom they had shared their everyday lives, memories and affection. The service was deliberately prepared together with the residents to give them, the staff and, above all, the relatives space to share their grief and gratitude with one another.

"Through the affection and love we feel for the deceased, they will remain unforgettable to us," was the message of the service. Particularly impressive was the image that former employee Natalja Ackermann had created especially for this occasion: a trail of stars with the names of all the deceased written on it – a symbolic bridge of memories connecting the earthly with the eternal. The facility's music group contributed to a warm, solemn atmosphere before many visitors ended the afternoon with coffee, cake and quiet conversations in the therapy room.

New leaves on the tree of remembrance

At Haus Effata, this year's memorial service was dominated by the word "light". A light that stands for humanity – for the warmth that suddenly creates a family atmosphere in a randomly assembled community. "Some of these lights have gone out, but the warmth in our hearts remains," was emphasised during the service. This thought was a recurring theme throughout the ceremony and visibly touched many of those present.

The traditional farewell ritual, which has been a source of comfort at Haus Effata for years, was once again observed: a leaf hung on the memorial tree for each deceased resident, and relatives were able to light a candle for their loved ones. It was a tender, atmospheric moment in which grief and gratitude flowed together. As in Mechernich, the subsequent get-together over coffee and cake provided an opportunity for encounters, memories and a comforting word at the right time.

As different as the two celebrations were, they were united by the deep conviction that no one is forgotten: in appreciation, in shared memories and in the firm belief that the dignity of every human being transcends death.

pp/Agentur ProfiPress