In the United States, 1 out of every 4 pregnancies ends in miscarriage and 1 out of every 160 pregnancies end in stillbirth. These numbers do not include infant death from preterm labor, diagnosis of life-limiting conditions, or SIDS. This reality has impacted many of us and those we love. These children will forever hold a place in our hearts!
With great hope, we entrust these children to the mercy of God. In the Catechism we hear “Indeed, the great mercy of God who desires that all… should be saved, and Jesus' tenderness toward children which caused him to say: ‘Let the children come to me, do not hinder them’” (1261).
For those suffering from the loss of a child, there are good resources available…
The Catholic Miscarriage Support website was created by a Twin Cities couple after they experienced the devastation of miscarriage. The site offers advice for physical, spiritual, emotional recovery following miscarriage. The site also provides suggested resources, and advice for family and friends as they support their loved ones through their loss (https://www.catholicmiscarriagesupport.com).
The Catholic Cemeteries in our Archdiocese offer a Service of Remembrance (https://catholic-cemeteries.org/service-of-remembrance).
Two highly rated books:
Nursery of Heaven – Miscarriage, Stillbirth, and Infant Loss in the Lives of the Saints and Today’s Parents by Cassie Everts and Patrick O’Hearn.
Grieving Together: A Couple's Journey Through Miscarriage by Laura Kelly Fanucci and Franco David Fanucci.
This month, as a community of faith, we pray for these beloved children and for those parents who have lost a child, that one day we will all live together with Jesus in heaven.