Mercy Medical Center to Host Annual Tree-lighting Ceremony on Dec. 18

SPRINGFIELD — The annual Gift of Light event at Mercy Medical Center will begin with a blessing and Christmas tree-lighting ceremony on Friday, Dec. 18 beginning at 11 a.m. The Gift of Light ceremony is held every year to remember those who have been touched by cancer, honoring them with special lights on the Christmas tree in Mercy’s main lobby.

Members of Mercy’s leadership team will be on hand for the event, which will feature a blessing by the Most Rev. William Byrne, bishop of the Diocese of Springfield.

“The holidays can be difficult for those who have experienced the loss of a loved one, a sense of loss that may be exacerbated during the pandemic,” Byrne said. “The Gift of Light ceremony provides an opportunity to not only pause and put our grief aside for a few moments, it also prompts us to consider the beauty and blessings we have around us every day.”

Because of the need to limit participation due to the pandemic, this year’s Gift of Light ceremony will be a virtual event. To join this virtual celebration, visit Mercy’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/mercymedicalma.