In Loving Memory: Bottled Memories of Our Beloved Dead

CEBU, Philippines - How do we keep the memories of a departed loved one alive? There are actually different ways – keep the things they treasured the most when they were alive or share anecdotes, whether these are funny or sad.

At Sacred Heart Parish, Fr. Jason K. Dy, SJ thought of a more artistic, lasting and personal way to remember the dead. Fr. Jason thought of holding an activity entitled In Loving Memory: Bottled Memories of our Beloved Dead, which was held last month.

It all began with 300 empty recycled bottles which the parish gave to its parishioners for free. The parishioners, whether they are established artists or not, were made to decorate his or her bottle as a way to remember a departed loved one.

The decorated bottles were then displayed at the parish’s parking area. Each bottle had its own story.

One bottle had a picture of a woman and small angel figurines, representing a sister and her twins who died of complications during childbirth. Another bottle contained a letter written on yellow pad paper, addressed to a deceased loved one. Another bottle had baby mittens inside, another one was filled with water and had stones inside representing the memories of a father who jumped in a well with his child. There was even a bottle that contained water and mud from Marikina, in memory of the victims of Ondoy.

There are indeed different ways to remember our dearly departed. But the best way to keep their memories burning in our hearts is to share the lessons that we have learned from them.