Scottish Catholic Observer

The coffin was custom-built by the monks, from the Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance, from red oak and was designed specifically for Christina to avoid her being buried in an adult casket.

The coffin lid was marked with her name, dates of birth and death and a simple cross. Five crosses hewn from the same wood were also given to the family.

The manager of the monks’ casket making business said that the monks do not like to sell children’s coffins since they are so upset by the death of any child, and try to provide them instead from a fund started to cover the costs of children’s coffins.

A statement by the monks states: “Along with prayer and study, our casket ministry is an extension of our sacred work. We labour quietly with our hands in support of our life of simplicity.”