Cathedrals will help mark poignant crisis milestone
Two of the region’s cathedrals will be inviting their communities to mark the anniversary of the first national lockdown.
Lichfield Cathedral and Worcester Cathedral will both be holding services aimed at marking the one-year anniversary of the start of lockdown and remembering those who have suffered and died over the last year.
The National Day of Reflection has been called to "reflect on our collective loss, support those who have been bereaved, and hope for a brighter future".
On Monday and Tuesday evenings, the words “Reflect, Support, Hope” will be illuminated in yellow on the side of Lichfield Cathedral.
On Tuesday, the cathedral’s doors will also be open from 11.45am and people will be able to gather to observe together the national silence at 12pm.
There will be a Requiem Eucharist said at 12.30pm, praying for all those who grieve the loss of a loved one in this past year and remembering those who have died.
The Reverend Adrian Dorber, Dean of Lichfield, said: “There will be time enough for us to come together to reflect, to remember, to grieve, and to give thanks as well.
“But for now, on the anniversary of the first national lockdown while the country is still under lockdown restrictions, we invite you to take a moment to remember all those who have died.
“There will be tough times still to come, but know that whatever matters to us, matters to God."
Worcester Cathedral will be marking the National Day of Reflection with a short online service of reflection, which will include the minute’s silence at midday.
The cathedral’s online service will start at 11.55am and will include local nurse and cathedral congregation member, Rachael Ienzi alongside Bishop John and Canon Stephen Edwards.
Bishop John Inge said: “The National Day of Reflection provides an opportunity for us all to reflect on the past year and the many losses we’ve all suffered as a result.
“Do join us in prayer and silence around midday and during the day, take both a minute to reflect as well as a moment to connect with anyone who is finding life particularly hard at the moment.”
