Scottish Catholic Observer

The UCM’s Cumbernauld branch hosted its first Walk for Life, which saw them walk between the town’s three churches, St Joseph’s, Sacred Heart and St Lucy’s, with a short service and the unveiling of a plaque at each.

Respective priests Frs Joseph McAuley, John Campbell and Harry McKay and Deacon Kenny McGeachie met the walkers at their churches.

In total, around 70 people took part in the services, around 40 of whom joined the walk.

Solace

Mrs Marie Brady, UCM Cumbernauld president, said the walk ‘resonated with a lot of people’s personal experience’ in losing a child.

She added: “We’re a really new branch of the UCM, so it was inspired by the other branches who have had memorial plaques blessed in their churches. We decided to take that a step further by hosting a walk, too.”

With God

The day brought comfort to many bereaved families. Deacon Kenny McGeachie said: “It was very moving and good for the people to be able to reflect on something that can be very hard to talk about.

“We tend to get buried in these experiences and sometimes never resolve them, so it was nice to gently reflect on the fact that the children are still alive with God — those children can pray for their parents in heaven.”

‘Intrinsic value of human life’

Anthony Horan, director of the Catholic Parliamentary Office, attended the walk.

Sharing his personal story of loss, he said: “It was heartening and deeply moving to see so many people, young and old, witnessing to the sanctity and intrinsic value of human life here in Cumbernauld.

“We can never forget the littlest ones and the plaques unveiled in the three churches will be a reminder of the lives of those precious children we have entrusted to God.

“My wife and I suffered the loss of a child recently and, whilst our pain was considerable, it was soothed by the great love and support of our parish community.

“We are blessed to have a vibrant parish family here in Cumbernauld, and regular opportunities to witness to our Faith like this strengthen not only our commitment to God, but also our commitment to community.”

The Cumbernauld UCM is now considering hosting a Walk for Life annually, following the positive reaction to the debut.