To jump straight to a slideshow, click here.
Last night I stopped down for the Luminaria ceremony of the Relay for Life at Gloucester High School in the Newell Stadium. On one hand, I wanted to be there in memory of friend and family members who have died from cancer (including my maternal grandmother and a high school classmate). On the other, I knew it would be a great opportunity for some inspirational photography…
Here’s an explanation from the Relay for Life website (with my photos from yesterday):
“Simple white luminaria bags are transformed and illuminated after dark at every local Relay For Life event. Each one is personalized with the name, photo, message or drawing in memory or honor of a friend or loved one who has been affected by cancer. Each luminaria candle represents a person. They are our mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, friends, coworkers and so much more!
As the sun sets at a Relay For Life event, luminaria lining the track illuminate the night and a hush falls over the event that had been filled with the sounds of celebration. Relay For Life participants, survivors and caregivers then gather together for the Luminaria Ceremony to remember loved ones lost to cancer and to honor those who have battled the disease.
As participants walk the track lined with luminara bags in reflection, a caregiver who has lost a loved one may find comfort from a fellow caregiver who has faced a similar loss. Meanwhile, a survivor gains hope and strength from others who have followed the same journey and survived. All resolve to keep fighting to save more lives so no more luminaria bear the names of those lost to the disease.”
I don’t know the details of how the relay works, but there are clearly different teams who are camping out. They set up campsites with different themes and decorations. Here are a couple:
Click here for the full-size slideshow. There are a few pics not included elsewhere this post.
-Fr. Matthew Green
Good Morning Gloucester 
Relay for Life
10th.Lumination of Faith & Love
By Peter A. Todd 06/15/ 2012
We join once more in Faith and Love
For the cause of seeking an end to pain
In loving memory of those in Jesus promise above
To celebrate the survival of those gathered have gained
Hand to Hand and hearts and souls
We unite within this circle of Hope and devotion
That a cure will be found that we may reach the goal
Through this time of gathered faith and emotions
For each candle is illuminated by memories of love
That will be treasured through our nights and days
We give praise to God in Heaven above
As it is our Faith that guides the way
Within this relay we know Cancer will be beat
For we have come a long way in the past ten years
For each step we take and new friends to meet
We will put an end to all suffering and fear
In loving memory of my mother Ida M. Putaansuu
1917 1954
LikeLike