It was a somber evening as the souls of 193 homeless individuals who in 2016 passed away on the streets of Orange County due to illness, exposure or violence were remembered at a pray service. Most of them did not receive a proper memorial at their passing. The Dec. 21 Homeless Persons’ Interfaith Memorial Service, held in the Arboretum at Christ Cathedral, was held on the first day of winter – the longest night of the year – and was part of the National Day of Remembrance. Representatives from a number of faith communities participated in the evening.

The event was organized by the Diocese of Orange Office of Pastoral Care for Families in All Stages, the Sisters of St. Joseph, HomeAid Orange County and Our Father’s Table.

“This is the first time in Orange County that we’ve been able to do this service,” said Gina Marie Seriel, foundress and executive director of Our Father’s Table. “This is a national service that’s been going on for years, but this is the first time in Orange County that we’ve been able to come together … and we are committed to doing it next year.”

Full story at Orange County Catholic.