“Monks make, donate casket for youngest victim in Arizona shootingBy Eric Marrapodi and Kara Devlin
A group of Trappist monks in Iowa have donated a handmade casket to bury 9-year-old Christina Green, the youngest victim in the Saturday attack that killed six and wounded 13 others in Arizona.
Sam Mulgrew, the general manager of Trappist Caskets in Peosta, Iowa, told CNN a family representative of the Greens reached out to the monks at New Melleray Abbey near Dubuque after her death. The custom-made casket arrived in Tucson, Arizona, Wednesday morning.
"We didn't want to send an adult coffin that would be too big, we wanted something just for her," said Mulgrew, who is not a monk but who manages the 11-year-old casket business that is part of the abbey.
The casket, crafted from red oak, was made especially for 9-year-old Christina, Mulgrew said. She died after a gunman opened fire at a constituents event held by U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, who was critically wounded in the shooting.
Christina's funeral is scheduled for Thursday in Tucson…”
The Casket Blessing “Merciful Father, by your Son’s suffering, death, and rising from the dead, we are freed from death and promised a share in your divine life. By the hands of monks each day raised in praise of your goodness, this casket was fashioned for your child who died in faith. We ask you now to bless this casket. Receive the soul of our departed brother or sister who is laid in this humble bed as in a cradle, safe in your care until the day of resurrection, when we will all be reunited in the vision of your glory who are Father, Son, and Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.”
Child Casket Fund
“The purpose of the Child Casket Fund is to reduce or eliminate the financial burden to families who are in need of a child’s casket.
At our discretion, we frequently donate or discount child caskets to families. The Child Casket Fund is a way for benefactors to contribute financially to this cause. When we discount or donate a casket, the Child Casket Fund provides a financial reserve to help cover the cost.
If you would like to assist a family who is purchasing a child casket and who may be in financial need, you may do so by making a tax-deductible donation. Please address your check to Trappist Caskets or New Melleray Abbey and mail to:
Trappist Caskets
16632 Monastery Road
Peosta, IA 52068
We thank you for your generosity.”
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