This was one of the first Catholic Cemeteries to allow miscarried, stillborn and infant babies (non baptized) to be buried on consecrated ground. There are over 50,000 babies buried in what is called "Angles Plot". Going here felt like a little pilgrimage on behalf of both of Luca and Elisa.
The plot is full of unmarked graves, but along side are the names and birth and death dates of each child burried there, and some with memorial messages from family members.
The plot is full of unmarked graves, but along side are the names and birth and death dates of each child burried there, and some with memorial messages from family members.
Information from the Cemetery's website
Up to 20 years ago, Mothers who delivered their stillborn babies in the Dublin Maternity Hospitals or Dublin Nursing Homes never saw their baby at birth. It was considered to be ‘better’ for them not to. Dads were totally excluded from the experience of childbirth anyway. The Hospital involved would see that the baby was buried in the Old Angels Plot in Glasnevin and for many parents the ‘bill’ for this is the only recognition they had for their baby
Because of babies being taken away after birth and buried without the parent present, some went unknown until years later. We even saw some memorial stones with messages such as "we are so glad we found you, love your brother and sister"
I cannot imagine going through the loss and grief of losing a child and not being allowed to see them. The 8 hours we had with Elisa in the hospital after her birth, although the hardest moments of my life, were also my most treasured.
Seeing the place where so many other mothers and fathers who have experience the loss of a child like Mark and I have visited made me feel as if I had an invisible bond with thousands of people I have never met.
One of the most moving moments of this was the inscription on the memorial
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| angels surrounding the memorial |
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