Vigils
What is a vigil?
A vigil is a time where the family and community can come together to see their person one more time and say their personal farewells.
This may include being able to wash and dress their person if they want to with the guidance and support of a funeral director.
A vigil takes place between a person’s death, and their funeral, burial or cremation.
Vigils can be held at home or in either of our sanctuaries located in Melbourne or the Macedon Ranges.
Natural Grace Offerings
You may choose to have the body of your person transferred to one of our Sanctuaries, either in the beautiful and peaceful Macedon Ranges, or our centrally located Melbourne home, in Fairfield.
We will naturally and gently care for your person’s body during their time with us. You may choose to participate in the preparation of the body if you wish.
Please talk with us about holding a vigil. Our Sanctuaries are comfortable and fully equipped for you to make a home away from home as you begin the planning of saying goodbye.
Our Macedon Ranges Sanctuary is located at 65 Urquhart Street, Woodend and our Melbourne Sanctuary is conveniently located at 291 Arthur Street, Fairfield.
In both locations we offer sacred shelter for the dead, and gentle guidance for the living.
Vigil including ritual wash and/or dressing.
Whether your person is being cremated or buried, they can be dressed in an outfit of their choosing – or their family’s – from a favourite dress or sporting outfit, to a kilt, or jeans and t-shirt, or their birthday suit. And unless specified otherwise, every person in our care has a gentle ritual wash which may include a hair wash, and dry; a shave; or even nails trimmed and painted.
If you would like to be involved in the ritual washing and/or dressing of your person, we would be honoured to welcome you at one of our Sanctuaries.
Locations
We have two different spaces where you can be with your person for vigil.
- The Sanctuary at Woodend in the Macedon Ranges – This is best for a small, intimate group of up to 12 people.
- Your home – did you know you can hold a vigil at your home?
Macedon Ranges (Woodend) Sanctuary & Vigil
Talk to us
If you would like to know more about vigils at our Sanctuary or your home we would welcome your questions.
Phone us for a discussion, or to organise an appointment at our Macedon Ranges (Woodend) Sanctuary.