An inter-faith act of remembrance will be held in the College Chapel on Thursday, March 23, in memory of those who donated their remains to Medical Science.
The ceremony, which will last approximately 45 minutes, is an opportunity for staff and students to express their gratitude. Each donor’s name will be read aloud, and a candle will also be lit in their memory. This ceremony is held every three years.
A statement by College regarding the event said: “This ceremony is a tribute to those who in death have served the living.”
Music alongside religious and secular readings will be read out by the donors’ families, the Chaplains, the Chapel Choir, staff and students to create “a truly fitting acknowledgement to the donor community.” There will be a reception afterwards in the Atrium.
The 1832 Anatomy Act regulates Medical Donation and the Inspector of Anatomy oversees the donation of human remains. The donation of remains to Medical Science must be made by the person themselves, and donors may withdraw their donation at any time. The remains are held for up to three years after receiving them and are interred according to the donor’s wishes and in consultation with the family.
January 2000 saw the commission of the Book of Remembrance to honour those who have chosen to donate their bodies to this cause. The first Act of Remembrance and Thanksgiving ceremony was held on 10 May 2000. The ceremony has been held every three years since its conception.
A Relatives Room was created in June of 2011 to allow family and friends of those who chose to donate their bodies to the medical science and teaching at the Anatomy department at the Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute.
College’s School of Medicine established this in order to allow “the bereaved family with some consolation as they have the opportunity to say goodbye to their loved one.” The Book of Remembrance is available to view in this room by appointment.
