The third annual Christmas Tree of Remembrance at Nana Bea’s Cafe in Castleisland will be celebrated with mass tomorrow, Saturday, January 11th at 3pm.
The tree has been a beacon of light and a valued source of funding for the Kerry Health Link Bus over the past few years.
Named Ribbons Added to Tree
“We set the tree up in November and from then people added ribbons with the names of their loved ones on them,” said organising group member, Rosaleen Wall.
“Both deceased and sick family members and friends have had ribbons attached to the tree by loved ones or well-wishers since November and they’ll all be remembered in the celebration of the mass here on Saturday,” said Rosaleen.
Blessed in November
“Ribbons are €2 each – and they’ll be still available up to mass time tomorrow afternoon. All the ‘ribbon money’ collected goes to the Kerry Health Link Bus as we think it’s a very worthy charity.
“We had the blessing of the tree done by Fr. Francis Nolan accompanied by the very talented Presentation Castleisland Secondary School Choir and the wonderful Ailish Walsh at the end of November.
“Christmas Carols were sung and there was a lovely atmosphere around the place and Christmas nibbles were enjoyed by all in the cafe on the day.
Special Mass in Cafe
“Over the last few years, once the new year arrives, we celebrate all those loved ones with ribbons on the tree in a very special mass in the cafe,
“The amazing Castleisland Parish Choir will be here for the occasion and afterwards we will be serving tea, coffee and nibbles.
Close to our Hearts
“We choose the Kerry Cancer Support Group and its Kerry Cork Health Link Bus as it’s a charity close to our hearts and an absolutely wonderful service to have in Kerry for cancer patients.
“We will have collection buckets here also tomorrow if anyone wishes to donate,” Rosaleen concluded.
For information of the Kerry Cancer Support Group and its Kerry /Cork bus service. just click on the link here: http://www.kerrycancersupport.com/
