About 50 people attended the Season of Light Remembrance Tree Lighting Ceremony Tuesday evening at St. Benedict’s Senior Community in Monticello.

 

The event is an opportunity for friends and family to gather during the Holiday season and remember loved ones who have passed away. 

 

The tradition goes back about 20 years. It was originally held at the Monticello-Big Lake Hospital/CentraCare but relocated last year during construction at the hospital.

 

Tuesday’s ceremony began with a reflection song, “I Remember You” by Alan Padersen, which was the theme of the gathering.

 

The song was followed by the candle lighting ceremony.  The four candles represented the feelings each who have a lost one share - grief, memories, courage and love.

 

Before each candle was lit, Nola Varilek of CentraCare read a passage.

 

You filled my life wonder, touched me with surprise, always saw that something special deep within your eyes. And through the good times and bad, we carry on with pride, all the special memories we hold deep inside.”

 

“The flame will burn bright light like a beacon in the night, to shelter all the darkness we may find on our way. Fill us with courage and hope, not fears and despair.”

 

“And so I light a candle for you, shatter all the darkness and bless the times we knew. I hold on to the life we had. Today I light a candle for you.”

 

“Thank you for the gift of you. You gave us hope just by being you. After the hurting and healing are through. We’ll treasure most of all, the gift of you.”

 

Each guest had been given angel ornaments when they entered the room. In the next part of the ceremony, a bell was rung and their loved one’s name was called out. While the tone lingered, family and friends each hung their ornament on the tree and were given a candle to keep in memory of their loved ones.

 

After another Padersen song, “Tonight I Hold This Candle,”  Anika Athman of CentraCare Health Home Care and Hospice spoke about the gift loved ones leave behind.

 

“In a time of sorrow, it can be consoling to reflect on how our lives have been enriched by the love we have given and the love we have received.”

 

“Those who we care about leave treasures behind that can never be taken away. How much sweeter it is to have known and loved a dear one than never to have had this experience at all.” 

 

 “Many lovely things are destined to be with us for only a certain period of time. We know the beauties of nature have their time and their season. We cannot hold them even if we would. Flowers come into new bud and reach their glorious bloom, but they must pass out of our lives in the season of frost. Yet we are richer for having seen them, touched them and enjoyed their fragrance. 

 

“How much more rewarding then, is the life of a loved one who leaves a heritage of loving memories with us that can never die. And how truly wisely it has been said, God gave us memories so we might have roses in December.”

 

Then the tree was lit for all to see.

 

Athman concluded the ceremony with another passage about how loved ones have affected our lives.

 

“Today we pause to reflect upon those who have shaped our character, molded our spirits and touched our hearts. May the lighting of this tree be a reminder of the memories you have all shared, a representation of everlasting impact they each have made upon your lives.”