By Joe Pisani
GREENWICH — It was “a celebration of light and life” for 200 people who gathered at St. Mary-Putnam Cemetery to place ornaments in memory of their loved ones on a 12-foot-tall Tree of Remembrance that will stay lit throughout the Christmas season.
“We had returning faces and new faces, which was wonderful,” said Jenine Berardesca, Family Services Director of Catholic Cemeteries, who organized the event for the second year with her colleagues in Greenwich. “We had families from many different denominations. It was a time for people to come together, and it transcended many things and showed us that our common belief in Christ and the Resurrection can bring everyone together. It was more of a celebration of light and life than of loss.”
Fr. Michael Jones, pastor of St. Mary Church in Greenwich, blessed the tree and shared his thoughts about Christ, the Light of the World, and as the tree was lit, a father-son duo of trumpeters played “Joy to the World.”
Berardesca said many people were touched by the ceremony, which gave them an opportunity to remember their deceased family members and friends, no matter where they are buried.
After the event had ended and they were leaving, a young mother pulled up with her three small children.
“We invited them to come and put ornaments on the tree. Each child made an ornament for their sister, who they said was in Heaven,” Berardesca said. “It truly touched me. You never know who you are impacting and how important it can be. Grief affects all ages, and this was a wonderful opportunity for people to come and honor their loved ones at Christmas.”
She said the event wouldn’t have been possible without the efforts of many volunteers, the staff of Catholic Cemeteries, Castiglione Funeral Home and Coxe and Graziano Funeral Home, which partnered with the cemetery to sponsor complimentary refreshments from Cafe Bon.
“We enjoyed having the support of the funeral homes,” she said. “It was great to partner with them and provide something for families that will help them get through the season. It was a group effort that brought the community and out staff together because it is with joy that we hold these events, which are about good will toward men and people supporting one another.”
Jen Graziano, co-owner of Coxe & Graziano & Fred D. Knapp Funeral Homes, said she hoped the event would continue each year because it “provided an opportunity for those who grieve to find comfort at the start of the Christmas season.”
“In the darkness of night, symbolic of the darkness of grief, there was light,” she said. “As families gathered to place the ornaments commemorating their loved ones, they were reminded of their presence among us. Father Jones also offered comforting words and prayers.”
Joseph A. Murray, manager of the Castiglione Funeral Home, said, “We are very honored that we get to be a part of this amazing event that St Mary-Putnam Cemetery puts on every year, coordinated by the wonderful family counselor, Jenine.”
He praised her work “helping these families through a difficult process and the continued caring they receive long after the services are concluded, as evident in this holiday event that started with her at the helm….We are looking forward to being a part of it for years to come, and possibly planning future events to continue showing our support to this great community.”
Next year, Catholic Cemeteries plans to bring the Tree of Remembrance to other cemeteries and locations throughout the Diocese of Bridgeport. This year, a ceremony was also held at St. Joseph’s Center in Trumbull.
The tree, which is in the chapel, was blessed by Father Nick Pavia, chaplain of the nursing care facility and of the Bereavement Ministry of Catholic Cemeteries, during a ceremony November 29.
Carolyn Killian, Director of Bereavement and organizer of that event, said, “Hanging an ornament with the name of a person you love who has died can be so healing. It can take a hard time and transform it into a healing moment, not just for you but for other members of your family.”
