Moving consecration of the grave site for star children in Mecklenbeck

Moving consecration of the grave site for star children in Mecklenbeck

This Friday, November 9th, 2025, representatives of the Alexians and the parish of St. Liudger gathered at the grave of the “Star Children” in the cemetery in Mecklenbeck. In front of the light-flooded chapel room, which offers a picturesque view of the yellow autumn leaves, a moving children's song was sung: “Do you know how many little stars there are” to pay final respects to the deceased children who did not see the light of day before birth. These “star children” have found their final resting place there for over 20 years, a place that offers great emotional support for many parents.

The parish has provided a separate burial site for these children. The newly designed grave was ceremoniously inaugurated as part of a festive service. This redesign includes five impressive basalt columns, created by the artist and theologian Winfried Häder, which carry symbolic meaning. The support of the Alexian Brothers Foundation, represented by Dr. Hartmut Beiker, illustrates the important role that this institution plays in the memory of the star children and the mourning work of their families.

Review and community

The initiative to set up the grave goes to Prof. Dr. Christian Witting, the former head of the Institute of Pathology at the Clemens Hospital, returns. In order to address parents' frequent questions about funerals, we work with Capuchin Father Dr. Edilbert Schülli and the Sisters of Clement were particularly emphasized. It is a community project that aims to provide comfort to the affected families.

The gravesite itself is cared for on a voluntary basis by committed people such as Monika Schulte-Ludwig, Annemete Hein and Reiner Marx, which is of inestimable value for the parents and relatives. A wooden cross, decorated with colorful glass stones, bears the comforting inscription: “Heaven rises above all” and invites you to quiet contemplation.

The celebration was led by pastoral officer Mechthild Döbbe and pastors Arndt Menze and Timo Holtmann, who offered consolation and hope to those present. In moments like these it becomes clear how important solidarity and support are in difficult times. The renovation of the grave is not only a structural but also a spiritual upgrade of this special place, which serves many families as a kind of contact point in their grief, which was particularly highlighted by the reporting by allesmuenster.de.

A place for mourning and remembrance

The gravesite for the “Star Children” is more than just a place of burial. She represents the hope, the pain and the immortality of the memories that families associate with their lost children. The constant renovation and maintenance of this site shows that the memory of these children is kept alive. A place that for many represents a light of hope in dark times.

If you would like to find out more about the work and importance of these initiatives, visit their website allesmuenster.de. It offers deeper insights into the tragic yet hopeful matter that surrounds the life and death of the so-called “star children”.