A prayer service for Callis Osaghae was held in the multi-faith oratory at Waterford Regional Hospital yesterday afternoon at which the boy's parents, Idehen and Mabel, were comforted by about 30 family and friends.Prayers at the Christian service of remembrance were led by hospital chaplain, Brother Isidore.
Callis was later laid to rest in an area of St Otteran's cemetery on the Waterford-Cork road that is set aside for deceased infants.
Gardaí are continuing their search for the man who carried out the home circumcision after which the four-week-old baby died.
The boy's parents did not attend the actual burial, apparently for fear of again becoming the focus of a media circus similar to that which surrounded them on Wednesday evening when the circumstances of the death became known. Gardaí had to maintain a uniformed presence at the family's home in Summerhill Mews after journalists and press photographers surrounded the property.
With the family consistently refusing to comment on the tragic death, neighbours reported hearing a reporter from one tabloid newspaper offering to pay for the infant's funeral in return for an exclusive interview.
A Garda spokesperson in Waterford yesterday criticised the behaviour of some of the reporters from outside the city who pursued the family as they grieved.
Meanwhile, the chief executive of the South Eastern Health Board, Mr Pat McLoughlin, said yesterday that the board is "examining the resources required to meet the particular needs which asylum seekers have for social and health services.
"This is a tragic case for the family involved and the board extends sympathy to the family for their terrible loss. Community care staff will continue to liaise with them to offer support and practical help."
Circumcision is only provided at Waterford Regional Hospital on the basis of clinical need. The operation is undertaken under a general anaesthetic and usually takes place after a child has reached two years of age.
The South Eastern Health Board does not have a paediatric surgical service for children under two and does not operate on such children except in life-threatening situations. All routine elective surgery for children under two from the region is referred to Dublin.