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Berger Hospice invites the community to the third annual Butterfly Remembrance Ceremony beginning at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 13, in the butterfly garden at Mary Virginia Crites-Hannan Park.
The symbolic release of butterflies honors and commemorates loved ones who have passed away.
“All community members who have lost a loved one are invited to attend the inspirational ceremony, whether or not their loved one received Berger Hospice care,” said Sister Monica Justinger, executive director, Berger Hospice.
The butterfly is a fitting symbol of the cycle of life – birth, transition, healing and renewal. As the butterflies float skyward, so too will the good wishes and prayers of those who watch them fly.
“We have people come back to the remembrance ceremony each year because it is a special time to reflect and pay tribute to their family and friends who have passed away, recently or longer ago,” Sister Monica said.
The Butterfly Remembrance Ceremony will include a welcome by Sister Monica, an opening prayer by Chaplain Jim Ferrell, followed by special butterfly poems and music. After a special blessing, the butterflies will be released by the participating families. It is a unique and moving ceremony.
Loss of a loved one is deeply personal, and the butterfly release ceremony creates special memories for those in attendance. Hospice is a special kind of care for individuals and their families with a life-limiting illness. Emotional, spiritual and social support is extended to family and friends both in illness and bereavement.
Berger Hospice provides bereavement resources and groups are available to provide support and encouragement to family and friends. If you would like more information on any of the services Berger Hospice provides to the residents of Pickaway County, please contact Cynthia Baum at [email protected] or call 740-420-7950.
This article originally appeared on The Pickaway News Journal
