Every year, at 7 p.m. on Dec. 11, candlelight spreads across the world in memory of children who have died.
Organized by The Compassionate Friends, this Worldwide Candle Lighting event has grown since its start in 1997.
“This is considered to be the world’s largest mass candle lighting,” said Charlotte Moyler, site organizer for Williamsburg.
Moyler described the local event as reverent, quiet. There will be a reflective reading and guitar music. Participants are asked to bring a photo of the child for a memorial table.
“It’s really a beautiful event to remember children, grandchildren, even siblings, that have been lost,” she said.
Founded more than 40 years ago, The Compassionate Friends is a nonprofit organization with nearly 700 chapters across the U.S. and presence in more than 30 other countries.
Compassionate Friends of Williamsburg, the local chapter, meets from 7-8:30 p.m. on the second Monday of each month at Hospice House and Support Care of Williamsburg.
Bridges can be reached by phone at 757-345-2342.
Candle Lighting Ceremony
When: 6:30 p.m., Dec. 11
Where: St Martin’s Episcopal Church, 1333 Jamestown Road
No RSVP required. For more information, contact Charlotte Moyler at wmsburgcompassionatefriends@gmail.com.
