Clémence is a midwife. Through her job, she attends parents who have lost their babies at birth and she know what a devastating experience it can be. This has convinced her that she should take care of deceased infants. She shared her testimony with us.
Attending the parents
As a midwife; Clémence plays an essential part helping parents through what is supposed to be the most wonderful time in their lives. However, sometimes, the moment of birth turns to tragedy. Clémence understands that then “all in all, what is required from us is just to be there and have the right kind of presence. Our role is to attend them and do our job.”
At that moment, “the thing that parents find most comforting is to be looked after like any other couple. They expect us to be just as caring and careful to greet their child, no matter in what condition the child may be.” Just like in life, in the delivery room, “life and death go hand in hand”, she remarks. This is that simple and obvious.
Living in communion with the departed
“Here we are welcomed by a celestial court!” exclaims Clemence, who is very fond of the Shrine of Montligeon. She tells us in confidence: “My connection to this place started a long time ago, through deceased infants”. And next she adds: “I got a nice nod from the Lord, who led me here on Nov. 2, 2024, on the Day of the Dead. This allowed me to bathe into this atmosphere of light, peace and joy uniting heaven and earth.” The young woman actively prays for deceased infants who never saw the day by reciting the rosary. As she likes calling it, “it is the ‘rosary of the holy innocents’. I pray for their salvation first, asking that they be surrounded by the Light.”
Very early on, she got convinced that they need our prayers and that they rest “like little stars on God’s heart.”
“The interceding power of deceased infants is phenomenal. The best way to keep them alive where they are is to allow them to take their place completely, by praying them and asking them to intercede for us.”
In this place of peace and prayer for the dead, she feels a living communion with “those little ones who shine in heaven”, as well as the strength of hope in divine mercy. Speaking from her own experience, Clémence declares confidently: “There is indeed a communion. Those little departed children hold our hand in a joyful manner, full of light and life.”
“Those little ones do exist and they matter.”
“No matter how short their life has been, those children are regarded as very precious by God.” Any life, regardless of its duration, does exist and deserves our prayers.” As a midwife, she regards the ability for parents nowadays to officially give a name to their child as a positive development. It allows them to get a civil registration and appear on the family civil status booklet, meaning that they won’t be forgotten. “Those little ones do exist and they matter.”
Loosing a child generates immense suffering for the parents. Prayer becomes a way to endure the pain and deposit it before the Lord.
“No matter how simple, humble or helpless our prayer is, it does help those souls to access the Father’s heart. In turn it helps them to radiate in joy.”
The Church encourages the faithful to pray for all the deceased whatever their age or the circumstances of their death, reminds Clémence. And she claims with a bright smile: “Praying for the souls is an offering of love and a deed of trust in divine mercy!”
Praying for deceased infants – What you can do
The Shrine of Montligeon suggests five steps to help supporting the prayer of those who wish to entrust a deceased infant to the Lord’s mercy:
1. Name the child
This helps recognizing the existence of your child, giving thanks for her and asking the Lord to initiate a process of forgiveness. You may register your child on the book placed in the basilica, next to the chapel dedicated to deceased infants [Chapelle des Tout-Petits Défunts].
2. Contemplate Mary
The Blessed Mother, who was acquainted with grief when she lost her Son, is a source of comfort for all families affected by the loss of a child.
She is the mother of all men. She cares for you and your child, “now and at the hour of our death.”
“Holy Mother of God, you who wept at the foot of the Cross, please bear this sorrow with us. Introduce this child to your Son and surround her with your motherly love. Obtain for us the grace of hope and the certainty that we will meet again in eternal life.”
3. The Path of Solace
At the foot of the basilica, your can follow a prayer path dedicated to unborn children. This path is a door into mercy and peace.
At the desk in the entrance hall you will find a booklet to help you pray.
4. Have someone listen to you
Going through the mourning of an unborn child with the ability to express your suffering , to ask questions, or to share your guilt may really help. Please go the reception desk and request a meeting with a nun or a priest.
5. Register your child for perpetual mass
By enrolling your child in the Fraternité de Montligeon, he or she benefits from the perpetual mass celebrated daily at the shrine.
Every 1st Tuesday of the month, a mass is said for these little ones.
Pray at home
Families can also dedicate a special moment to their child’s memory, such as lighting a candle or creating a prayer corner in their home. This time can include a Scripture reading, a spontaneous prayer or a comforting song.
