The North Belfast community showed immense solidarity and support on Wednesday as hundreds gathered at St Vincent de Paul Church in Ligoniel for the funeral of Ralph Anthony Singco, Cathrene Kith Quinones Singco, and their unborn baby daughter, Kate. The young family tragically died earlier this month following a two-car collision near Nutts Corner in Crumlin.
Ralph and Kith, who were both dedicated health service workers, had been cherished members of the North Belfast area for the past four or five years, building strong connections within the community. Mr. Singco’s wider family had been settled locally for two decades.
The service was marked by deeply emotional scenes. A small white coffin for baby Kate was placed reverently at the altar between the coffins of her parents. During the service, Mr. Singco’s brother, Antonio, gave a reading. In a poignant display of shared grief and comfort, many mourners were seen hugging during the sign of peace.
Fr. Vincent Cushnahan delivered a touching homily, telling mourners that the couple radiated love for each other and for everyone around them. He spoke of their dreams and future plans, emphasizing that they were a “normal couple and yet extraordinary in their love.” Fr. Cushnahan recounted their struggle to conceive and the “overwhelming joy” Kith and Ralph felt upon discovering she was seven months pregnant with their long-awaited first child. He noted the deep tragedy of losing their little baby Kate, who was “so sadly taken from us.”
Following the Requiem Mass, uniformed medical workers formed a powerful and respectful guard of honour as the three coffins were carried from the church. This tribute underscored their commitment to the health service and the deep impact they had on their colleagues and the wider community they served.