While most people celebrate the season with joy, that joy may be dulled for some who have empty chairs around the Christmas table.

There will be three empty chairs at my brother’s table in Culdaff this year. [I usually go there for my Christmas dinner].

Two empty chairs, because my niece and nephew have emigrated, the third empty chair because, for the first time, my father is not well enough to leave the nursing home.   

For others the empty chair is because someone has died.

This year I am starting something new by offering to visit such homes and asking God to comfort those who grieve.

I will bring the Blessed Sacrament in a small monstrance and together with the family we will pray for the absent loved one and also that the Prince of Peace will heal their pain.

It will include a Scripture reading, prayers for the dead and a Eucharistic blessing on the family.

I hope this pastoral outreach will bring some ease to hearts that are sore with loss.

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