Slideshow image

Christ Church Cathedral has hosted Overdose memorials for the last few years.  The memorials have been powerful and helpful for those who attended. Those who have had friends, loved ones and family members die of opioid poisoning brought their poems, stories and silent reflections to share in community. The participants have included outreach workers, addiction counsellors, substance users, supervised consumption site staff and allies. Each person would light a candle as an act of remembrance to those who have died.

Through the pandemic the opioid crisis has intensified. The need for support, safe places and recovery programs has grown exponentially. However, access to help, due to Covid, has become even more challenging. This has had the effect of creating further trauma for outreach workers, program staff, friends and family. People are tired. Many superb workers are burnt out and while the desire to participate in this memorial is strong there is little to no energy to do so. Thus, gathering the community while Covid is active on the island would be detrimental rather than helpful.

On November 2nd, All Souls Day, I would request that a time be set aside to remember all who have died through opioid poisoning. Let us continue to remember those who mourn. Please light a candle for those who have died in this challenging crisis.

Prayer:  Loving Creator, be with us this day as we honor the memories of all who have died through opioid poisoning. We pray that our memories and our lost ones will be transformed by your love. May the compassion of the Creator come to nurture and bless all enfolding each in peace. Amen 

-The Reverend Canon Nancy E. Ford