In Ireland, memorial cards – often called mass cards or in memoriam cards – are a cherished funeral tradition given to family and friends at the service to honor a loved one’s memory. They usually feature the deceased’s photo, name, dates, and a meaningful verse or prayer. This guide to Memorial Cards Ireland will explain the different types of memorial cards available and help you choose the right style based on personal preference and Irish funeral customs.
Types of Memorial Cards
There are several types of memorial cards to choose from, each with its own style and purpose:
- Folded Memorial Cards: A traditional choice in Ireland, folded cards open like a small greeting card and provide the most space for your tribute. The cover often shows a religious image, an Irish landscape, or the loved one’s photo, and inside you can include extra verses, prayers, or additional photos – ideal if you have a longer message to fit.
- Memorial Bookmarks: These slender, laminated cards double as bookmarks. Memorial bookmarks usually feature a photo of the loved one, along with their name, dates, and a short poem or prayer. Many families prefer bookmarks as practical keepsakes that can be used daily, keeping their loved one’s memory close.
- Memorial Wallet Cards: Small, credit-card-sized mementos that fit in a wallet or purse. Wallet cards typically have a photo on one side and a brief tribute or prayer on the other, often laminated for durability. This option lets people carry a personal reminder of their loved one.
- Mass Cards: The term “Mass card” often refers to a card from a church indicating a Mass will be offered for the deceased, but many people also use it to mean any memorial card given out at a funeral Mass. Either way, it’s a token of remembrance connected to faith and prayer.
Note: Families often send acknowledgement cards after the funeral to thank people for their support. While not memorial cards themselves, these thank-you notes are often coordinated in design with the memorial cards.
Personalizing Your Memorial Card
Personalization is key to making your card meaningful. Most memorial cards include a favorite photo of the departed and a special verse or prayer. You can choose a fitting text from our memorial verses – perhaps a Bible passage, an Irish blessing, or a poem. Design themes often reflect the person’s life or heritage, whether through religious symbols or personal motifs.
Conclusion
Choosing the right memorial card is an important step in commemorating your loved one. Consider which style best suits your needs and what design elements will resonate with your family’s traditions. In the end, whatever format you select – whether a folded card with an Irish prayer or a wallet card with a photo – the goal is the same: to share a heartfelt memento that celebrates a life and offers comfort to those who receive it.
