The Angel of Hope was inspired by Richard Paul Evans’ national bestseller, “The Christmas Box” – the story of a woman who mourns the loss of her child at the base of an angel monument. There are over 120 Angel of Hope statues throughout the United States. A listing of their locations can be found on the Richard Paul Evans website.
River View Cemetery is the permanent home for Portland, Oregon’s Angel of Hope and is the first Oregon site to be chosen for this unique sculpture. The Angel of Hope is a beautiful, four-foot bronze sculpture with outstretched arms, created to honor children who are gone from our sight and always in our hearts. The Angel serves as the focal point in River View Cemetery’s Garden of Reflection area. This open hillside Garden overlooks the Willamette River, the Cascade Mountain range, Mount Hood and Mount St. Helens.
For some, the Angel of Hope is both the message and the messenger. As the message, it brings hope to all families who have lost a child of any age. As the messenger, it offers support and comfort as we grieve our loss. Year-round, families are invited to visit the Angel statue. There is the opportunity to remember, to cherish, and to heal.
Annually in December, a candle lighting vigil is held at the Angel of Hope sites around the world. This commemorates and honors the memory of all children who have died. This wave of light, across the globe, offers hope to all families for our children loved, missed, and remembered. In some locations a candlelight vigil is held each year on December 6.
This year, as was true in 2020, the vigil at River View Cemetery, Portland, will be held virtually. You may participate at 7:00 PM (PST) on December 12, 2021, via the following link: River View Cemetery Angel of Hope
If you are unable to join on December 12, the vigil will be available to view online also at this link, and on the River View Cemetery YouTube channel.
