PRAYERS were said for Madeleine McCann in her grandparents’ church last night, on the third anniversary of her disappearance.
It was standing room only in Our Lady of the Annunciation, Bishop Eton, in Childwall, last night for a special Mass.
It was attended by Madeleine’s grandparents Sue and Brian Healy, of Mossley Hill, who sat on the front row as those who came to pray and offer support filled the benches behind. (A new video has been launched to mark the third anniversary of Madeleine's disappearance - watch it below)
Father Desmond Keegan, the parish priest, who took the service, said there was little that he could say because “in the face of the unimaginable suffering of Brian, Sue, Kate, Gerry and all the family, words are very inadequate”.
He told the congregation he had recently been re-reading a book he first read in school, the children’s classic Moonfleet by J Meade Faulkner, in which the hero, John Trenchard, set out for adventures on the high seas.
In it, Trenchard’s love at home, Grace Maskew, keeps a candle burning in her window to guide him home safely from his journeys.
Fr Desmond said that the candle was symbolic of the hope in the parish for Madeleine’s safe return.
Fr. Desmond said: “In the windows of our hearts, we will keep a candle burning for little Madeleine.
“It is very important that in this parish community for the last years we have prayed for little Madeleine and all missing children.
“By your presence here, your support over the past three years and your kindness and your love and your devotion, you have kept a candle burning for Madeleine.
