Tallahassee to Host 28th Annual Candle Lighting Ceremony in Memory of Lost Children

Tallahassee Holds Candle Lighting Ceremony to Remember Lost Children

TALLAHASSEE — Families grieving the loss of children and siblings are invited to a special gathering this Sunday, December 8, as the Compassionate Friends of Tallahassee hosts the 28th Annual Worldwide Candle Lighting ceremony. This poignant event aims to honor the memories of children, grandchildren, and siblings who have died too soon.

Details of the Ceremony

The ceremony will take place at St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church, located at 2198 N. Meridian Road, from 6:45 p.m. to 8 p.m., although families are encouraged to arrive by 6:30 p.m. to find their seats. With the heartfelt theme “…that their light may always shine,” the event will feature a range of emotional activities including responsive readings, poems, music, and a tribute video that honors the memories of the departed children.

Community Gathering

During the ceremony, the names of the children will be displayed and read aloud as families light their candles in remembrance. This collective act is a powerful moment of unity and hope, symbolizing that love for those lost remains enduring. Following the formal part of the ceremony, attendees will gather in the fellowship hall for refreshments and community connection.

Families are invited to bring and share photos of their loved ones, along with snacks, dishes, or desserts—preferably their loved one’s favorite treats—to contribute to the reception. Each attending family will also receive a small keepsake to commemorate this evening of tribute and reflection.

A Global Movement of Remembrance

The Worldwide Candle Lighting ceremony, part of an international initiative by the Compassionate Friends organization, will see candles lit across the globe starting at 7 p.m. local time, creating a continuous wave of light that moves across different time zones. Observed on the second Sunday of December each year, this event provides a space for families to symbolically display their love and memories of their children who are no longer physically present.

A Message of Love

When each candle is lit, it serves as a radiant reminder that love transcends both time and space. It reflects the notion that while these children may be gone, the love held in the hearts of their families is everlasting. The ceremony aims to foster a sense of belonging and shared experience among bereaved families, emphasizing that they are not alone in their grief.

How to Participate

Families wishing to learn more about the event, or who have questions regarding the Compassionate Friends of Tallahassee, can reach out to Chapter Leader Becky Barch at 850-296-8413. Additional information is available on the organization’s website.

This week’s ceremony offers a comforting opportunity for families in Tallahassee and its surrounding areas to connect, remember, and honor their loved ones together.