Annual memorial Service for children lost to abortion held in Dungarvan

Since it was made legal in Ireland in 2018, abortion has killed more than 30,000 babies nationwide. This figure has likely increased in the last year. 

The White Crosses Memorial service has been held on each new years day since 2019 in Dungarvan, Waterford to honour all of the children whose lives were taken much too early by abortion. The international Pro Life flag is flown next to the white crosses. The flag consists of two baby feet to represent the humanity of the unborn child, and two hands to represent the mother, holding and protecting her child. 

Reports show that there is a clear upward trend in abortion rates within Ireland. In 2019, there were 6,666 abortions that year alone. There were then 8,876 abortions conducted in 2022—that is more than 2,000 abortions annually. However, there's been an astonishing lack of discussion regarding these numbers in media or politics. Where they should be discussing solutions to this issue and how to potentially lower these numbers, those who made this tragic reality possible would rather discuss ways in which abortion can be made even more accessible, raising the numbers even higher than they are already. 

This year’s Memorial Service was held in cold and wet conditions. With the rain, the grey stormy sea in the background and the gaunt bare branches of the trees, it seemed like Nature was mourning all these aborted babies with us. A decade of the Rosary was recited, followed by a prayer to Our Lady for the aborted babies, for the parents of these babies, and for the conversion of those who carried out the abortions. Silent Night was sung.

A short, simple, solemn Service. It is surely the least we owe these babies, who had the same right to life as the rest of us. May they rest in peace.

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Join us in having your own local memorial

Deise for Life have organised this powerful pro-life witness in their county since 2019. They are hoping that other local groups will now also host the same or similar in their own areas. They are willing help with the organisation. They hold their event on New Years Day every year and also repeat it on the 25th May, but say its up to each local group if they would like to do both days or either one! Here is their email if you would like to follow their lead: Deise4life@protonmail.com

Dungarvan Observer