2024 Holding the Light service (a write up by Catholic Social Services)
Holding the Light is an annual ecumenical church service remembering victims and survivors of family violence. In this service, we name the dimensions and dynamics of violence; we name survivors and victims of family and domestic violence. We also name God who is present in and through all our efforts to create lives free from violence, seeking to hold the light for those who are in dark places and for those whose lives are emerging from darkness. This service trusts that truth, however painful, can set us free to respond with vigour and work for justice in the world that God so loves. And so, through silence, naming, prayer, singing, candle lighting and reflections we come together as a community to honour affected women and their families.
Holding the Light is held during the United Nations 16 Days of Activism against violence towards women (25 November – 10 December).
The 2024 was the ninth year the service has been held.
