A Montreal-based organization - Dard, acronym for Dynamique d'accompagnement et de rituel de deuil - proposes lighting a star for a loved one who passed away within the last year in connection with the pandemic by burning a candle in the window. Synchronized to occur at 7 p.m., the ritual represents one of the possible ways to participate in the national day of commemoration in memory of the victims of COVID-19 declared by Quebec Premier François Legault.

Louise Royer, Director, Social Action Ministry Office, Montreal

During the day, a star may also be displayed in the name of the loved one(s). If you live in a residence or apartment building, you can display these stars at the entrance. If desired, stencils can be found here.

Why did Quebec choose March 11? Because on that day in 2020, the World Health Organization declared the outbreak of a world pandemic. Since then, more than 10,000 people have died from COVID 19 in Quebec alone. The Premier's office states that this will also be an opportunity to pay tribute "to all the workers and members of the population who are on the front lines in the fight against the pandemic.’’

Through our faith and our Christian communities, what more can we do?

• Renew our hope in Jesus Christ, who died and rose again to open the doors to eternal life. Participating together in the Eucharist is a beautiful way of remembering Him. Archbishop Christian Lépine will preside at a 5 p.m. Mass for the occasion at Mary Queen of the World Cathedral. The Mass will be broadcast on the diocese's YouTube channel.
   
• Participate in a memorial in front of our parish churches, where possible.
   
• Participate in the civic ceremony, from noon to 1 p.m. This may be done by radio, TV or internet. Why not offer our prayers to accompany the ceremony?
   
• Participate in the minute of silence at 1 p.m. Schools and health facilities will be doing this as institutions, but wherever we are, we can do it as well.
   
• Pray, either alone or in small groups. 
   
• Participate in a family event held at the cemetery or funeral home, if applicable;
   
• Participate in the interfaith commemoration on March 11th at 8:00 p.m. which is being organized by the Canadian Centre for Ecumenism, (registration required).
   
• Invoke Saint Joseph for the healing of hearts following all these losses, many of which involved considerable suffering. March 11th is part of the traditional novena to Saint Joseph - celebrated on the 19th and honoured by a year dedicated to him. Among other things, he is the patron saint of the dying. His servant, St. Frère André, is the patron saint of carers. They can help us!
   
• Inspired by him and guided by charity, show our solidarity with one or more people who are on the front line in the fight against the pandemic;
   
• Lend an ear to a bereaved person or to a person active in the fight against the pandemic;
   
• Those in mourning who feel the urge to do so can seek out a sympathetic ear close by, share the name of the departed person with their parish or with a group to which they belong or call a crisis line .
   
• Join with others to advocate for better living conditions in CHSLDs, seniors' residences and intermediate resources. - for instance, consider signing this petition for standards in effect in long-term care facilities.

To learn more about the organization Dard, please click here.

Yes, let us all light a star to invite the grace of healing and peace!