Trinity’s Act of Remembrance and Thanksgiving – 28 February

Posted on: 19 February 2019

Trinity’s Act of Remembrance & Thanksgiving will take place on 28 February. This biannual ceremony is a tribute to those who in death have served the living through donating their bodies to medical science, and in so doing becoming invaluable ‘silent teachers’ to the students.

This opportunity for students and staff to express their gratitude has been celebrated every second year since 1992. Speaking about the event, Chief Technical Officer in Anatomy, Philomena McAteer said “it gives the students and the families of the donor a chance to meet each other, say thank you and share stories.” A central part of the ceremony is calling out the name of each donor while lighting a candle in his or her memory –  this year we celebrate 65 donors. The ceremony lasts approx. 45 minutes during which the Chaplains, Chapel Choir, students, staff and donor families, contribute religious and secular readings, singing and music, creating a truly fitting acknowledgement to honour the life and the enduring contribution of the donor.

Human anatomy is taught to Trinity’s undergraduate students of Medicine, Dentistry, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Clinical Speech and Language Studies, Human Health and Disease and Radiation Therapy. A module in neuroanatomy is provided for third year neuroscience students while specific short courses for surgeons in training are facilitated by the discipline.

In 2014 the impact and benefits of this generous donation to the College and  to medical advancement and knowledge was marked by the Loosehorse documentary A Parting Gift which was aired on RTE1.

Everyone is welcome to attend, the ceremony which takes place on Thursday 28th February at 5.15 pm in the College Chapel.