Finally Given a Burial – 172 Years After Their Death

In July of 2019, the remains of 21 people were buried in Canada, 172 years after being lost in an 1847 shipwreck.

Those lost, were among the 180 emigrants fleeing Ireland at the height of the potato famine. Most of those buried were women and children. “Parks Canada said the location of the remains and analysis, which showed they had followed a rural diet based on potatoes and suffered diseases associated with malnutrition, confirmed the theory that they were from the [ship] Carricks.”

Thanks to ongoing DNA sophistication, I recently learned that a percentage of my own ancestry was based in County Sligo, as well as Dublin, Cork, and Kerry. Although the shipwreck ancestors were not in my direct lineage, I couldn’t help but feel a sadness upon reading their story.

I know that close to one million Irish died during the famine and another million left the country, hoping for a better future. Of the 180 emigrants on board this ship, 48 survived while 87 were found and buried on the beach, close to the time of the shipwreck.

Even without Irish heritage, the story of those who died within sight of Canada, is heartbreaking.

What is an Appropriate Blessing or Prayer for Those Who Were Finally Laid to Rest?

Using the Ancestral Path Tarot (original edition) I drew three cards, asking for what I most needed to know about the Irish Ancestors. The cards were:

Strength told me to bless their courage. They left home, got on a ship going to a place they’d never seen, trusting that their lives would be better.

Queen of Cups was a message to me that they were enfolded in the arms of Grace as they went into the water.

Three of Sacred Circles, a card that depicts a Native American lodge in winter, warm and cozy with protection from both Bear and Eagle. Their 1847 voyage across the bridge was quick and protected.

Using those three cards, how could I best express my appreciation for their courage and strength?

My final card was the Moon. According to information, the wreck took place on April 28, 1847, a Waxing Gibbous Moon. The next Waxing Gibbous Moon is five days from when this post was written. That, I’m told, is the best time to offer prayers and thanks. On that date, I will place three stones on my blessing cairn (21 laid to rest; 2+1=3) and do a prayer of Thanksgiving.