COLUMN: Grey Matters – Candlemas light and palliative volunteers

“Instead of cursing the darkness, light a candle.” – Benjamin Franklin

In the church calendar, Feb. 2 is known as ‘Candlemas’ or the ‘Feast of Presentation of Our Lord Jesus Christ in the Temple’. Candlemas is the finale of Christmas! For those that like a long Christmas this gives you a reason to keep your tree and nativity display up until now. Jesus’s arrival in the temple signifies the fulfillment of Advent anticipation. Feb. 2 is exactly 40 days after Christmas.

In the temple, elder Simeon publicly declared that the child in his arms was “a light to reveal God to the nations”. Candlemas is that time to celebrate light and to consecrate sacred candles while remembering that we too are called to be light in a dark world. If you to celebrate at home, maybe spend a day this week only using candles instead of electric lights to rekindle your appreciation of light in the darkness.

Here is a prayer for this season:

Loving God, who called forth light at the beginning of creation, bless these candles that they may faithfully give light to your people. Let the lights and minds of all who enter our home be illumined by the true light of the world. Grant that the light of Christ, once kindled in our hearts, may shine forth in our lives that your glory may be revealed to the ends of the earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen

With that in mind, this spring the Bethesda Regional Health Centre will be opening a whole new wing including palliative rooms. There is now a call for volunteer support. One of the ways to be a light in the darkness is to walk with someone as they prepare to move on from this world. Consider the appeal that follows if you are interested in dedicating yourself to being a light of encouragement and comfort for others. Palliative care is not just about our biology, but our biography. It is about helping people finish telling the story of their life well.

Volunteers are a valued part of Southern Health–Santé Sud, generously sharing their time, talents, and compassion to support others in the community. By joining Southern Health teams, volunteers help create a caring and supportive environment for those who need it most.

Within the palliative care program, volunteers support the palliative care team by helping make care more personal and meaningful. Through companionship and presence, they offer comfort to patients and families, helping to reduce feelings of fear and isolation while supporting quality of life.

As a volunteer with the regional palliative care program, you will receive training and preparation to provide companionship and support to individuals at end of life who have requested it. Volunteers are never alone in this work—the palliative care team is available as a resource and source of guidance throughout their experience.

The Steinbach area is currently seeking volunteers for palliative care. Your time, care, and dedication can make a meaningful difference for patients, families, and the palliative care team. If this opportunity interests you, please contact Melinda Priestley, palliative care administrative assistant, at 204-346-7034 for more information on how to get started. The palliative care team is hoping to offer volunteer training in March 2026.

Gary Dyck is a chaplain and spiritual care provider at a hospital and personal care home in the Southeast.