Weekly Notices | 9 March 2025
A reflection from Dean Anthony
This Saturday evening (8 March) I will be travelling to the Wessex Jamaat to join in the Iftar, the breaking of fast meal, with the same Islamic community who joined us in the Cathedral in January for our thirtieth annual gathering. This year Lent and Ramadan fall in the same period, and although their spiritual significance is substantially different, in a world that is terrifyingly divided it is worth reflecting also on what they have in common.
Both Lent and Ramadan are periods of spiritual reflection, self-discipline, and devotion, during which believers give up certain comforts to strengthen their faith. Despite their theological differences, these practices share a common purpose: fostering a deeper connection with God through sacrifice, self-restraint, and heightened spiritual awareness.
The forty days of Lent, echoing Jesus’s time of fasting and prayer in the wilderness, is a season of penitence and discipline, focusing on prayer, study and growing in holiness. Hence the invitation to participate in our Cathedral Lent course, utilising Nicholas Mynheer’s profound painted meditations on the Passion of Christ, currently on display in the ambulatory.
Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is a sacred time of prayer and fasting (from dawn until sunset) for Muslims worldwide. It is about drawing closer to God, developing patience, and practicing gratitude.
While Lent and Ramadan are distinct in their religious contexts, they share a sense of the transformative power of self-discipline and sacrifice in deepening our faith. Both serve as reminders that spiritual growth often comes through restraint, humility, and compassion for others. Here is but one example of commonality between different traditions; there are so many others. Something to reflect on, I suggest, as we move through Lent towards Holy Week and Easter, in the context of a troubled world desperately in need of resurrection hope.
With my prayers and best wishes,
The Very Reverend Dr Anthony Cane,
Dean of Portsmouth
Dates for your diary…
Solent Symphony Orchestra - Spring Classics Concert - 8 Mar 2025 at 7:30 pm – 10:00 pm
Lent Course: Picturing the Passion – starts 12 Mar at 6:30pm
13 Mar 2025 at 1:10 pm – 2:00 pm
Friends Evening Talk - Serving as Lord-Lieutenant: A Role of Duty, Honour and Community - 13 Mar 2025 at 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Lunch Club - 17 Mar 2025 at 12:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Specialist Tour Tuesdays – Architecture Tour - 18 Mar 2025 at 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Lent Course: Picturing the Passion - 19 Mar 2025 at 6:30 pm – 7:45 pm
'Space' by Luxmuralis - 25 Mar 2025 at 7:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Community News
Experience the magic of early music in the breathtaking Portsmouth Cathedral
Over four days from20–23 March 2025, the Festival of Early Music brings together world-class musicians for an inspiring programme of performances, celebrating the rich and expressive sounds of the past. Whether you are an early music enthusiast, a history lover, or simply curious to discover something new, this festival offers an extraordinary opportunity to hear timeless music performed in a truly unique venue.
A special edition of Lunchtime Live will feature outstanding musicians in an informal setting, showcasing the beauty and depth of early music in the cathedral’s remarkable acoustic. The internationally acclaimed Square Pianist will transport audiences back to the Portsmouth of the early 1800s in a performance celebrating the 250th birthday of Jane Austen. Featuring music from Austen’s personal collection, this evocative programme will explore the musical thread running through her life and works, complete with original Regency instruments and replica costume.
The spellbinding voices of The Gesualdo Six will fill the cathedral with soaring harmonies and intricate polyphony, bringing Renaissance and early choral music to life with breathtaking precision and emotion. Adding a fresh and playful twist to the festival, Messy Messiah presents a lively and engaging reimagining of Handel’s beloved masterpiece, offering an energetic and accessible take on one of the most celebrated works in early music. The festival will also weave early music into the cathedral’s Sunday services, creating an immersive and atmospheric experience that connects music with worship in a truly special way.
🎹 The Square Pianist (20 March, 8:00pm) — Book online
Step back in time with music from Jane Austen’s collection, performed on an original Regency instrument, complete with historical insights and period costume.
🎶 The Gesualdo Six (21 March, 8:00pm) — Book online
Experience Queen of Hearts, a programme dedicated to both spiritual and earthly queens, performed by this internationally renowned vocal ensemble.
✨ Handel’s ‘Messy’ Messiah (22 March, 6:00pm) — Book online
A fresh and lively reimagining of Handel’s masterpiece, featuring Portsmouth Cathedral Choir, soloists, and orchestra.
Learn more and book online →
Picturing the Passion: Lent Course 2025
This year our Lent course will be led by different members of the cathedral clergy as we explore Lenten themes through the work of artist Nicholas Mynheer, and in particular his Sarum Cycle of paintings. This cycle of 13 paintings will be on display in the Cathedral from Ash Wednesday though Lent and Holy Week, and forms an expressive depiction of the death and resurrection of Jesus. The Lent course will run for 5 weeks, beginning on Wednesday 12 March, 6:30pm - 7:45pm, in Bishop Kenneth Room (Andrewes Room on 26 March and 2 April) and will be followed by Compline in St Thomas's Chapel at 8:00pm.
To book click here →
Specialist Tour Tuesdays
Join us for a range of hour-long tours led by one of our knowledge Guides throughout 2025 to learn more about Portsmouth Cathedral!
Architecture Tour - 18 March 1:00pm
An in-depth hour-long guided tour, that delves into the Cathedral's 800-year history and architectural features.
Book in our shop or online →
Out and About
This Sunday at 9:00am, Dean Anthony will be attending the COVID Day of Reflection Ceremony hosted by the City Council at the Rose Gardens in Southsea. This annual gathering is a time to pause, remember, and reflect on those we lost during the pandemic, as well as to recognise the resilience of our communities.
All are welcome to attend.
INEQE Safeguarding Audit – Tell us your views!
INEQE Safeguarding Group have been asked to carry out Safeguarding Audits of the Church of England to make sure dioceses, cathedrals and palaces are doing all they can to create environments where everyone feels safe, valued and respected.
INEQE will be visiting the Diocese of Portsmouth and Portsmouth Cathedral in the week beginning 2nd June 2025. In the meantime, and as part of the audit process, INEQE hope to engage with those who work, visit or worship at the Cathedral through an online survey to gain feedback and information relevant to the audit.
The survey is anonymous and confidential. INEQE would therefore ask you to be open and honest with your responses. The survey results are received directly by INEQE’s Audit Team and not by the Church of England.
Please note that if you are part of the cathedral worshipping community, you should complete the survey for “The Cathedral Worshipping Community” (and not the “Parish Community”).
The survey is now live and will close at 11:30pm on 2 April 2025.
You can complete the survey here →
Cathedral Placement
Last week we welcomed Mary Hearn with us on a discernment placement. She will be here two days this week, plus two Sundays. Mary lives in Gosport and is involved at Holy Trinity, Gosport, and is currently one of the candidates on the Diocese's rapid discernment process, testing whether she feels called to ordained ministry. She will be gaining a wide variety of experience and taking part in various services and activities in her time with us.
Baptism and Confirmation Preparation
The next confirmation will take place at the Easter Vigil on Saturday 19 April. If you have not yet been confirmed (or baptised) and would like to consider doing so please contact Canon Harriet or Canon Jo. They will be pleased to have an informal chat with you and arrange preparation.
Chapter
The Cathedral’s governing body, Chapter met last Monday. Pippa Bostock, who was appointed as a Trustee in December was welcomed at this first meeting of 2025. Chapter received updates on the Cathedral’s finances and operations including preparations for the INEQE Safeguarding Audit, Chapter reviewed and agreed a new Cathedral Safeguarding Handbook, which will be published and made available on Sunday 16 March, and which draws together into one document all our safeguarding related policies and guidance.
Road Closures affecting traffic in Old Portsmouth
Please note due to a number of road works around the Old Portsmouth area, travel times to the Cathedral may take longer than usual. Please plan accordingly and visit the SGN website to learn more about the closures affecting the immediate Cathedral vicinity:
More info here →
Career Opportunity - Chief Operating Officer
Join the team leading the iconic Cathedral of the Sea. As Portsmouth Cathedral’s COO, you will deliver the Chapter’s strategy, oversee day-to-day operations, and ensure the Cathedral thrives as a centre of ministry, mission, heritage and events.
Closing date 9:00am, Monday 10 March.
Details and how to apply here →
Worship & Visiting
Every day, Portsmouth Cathedral is open for worship, prayer, and visiting. Unless otherwise specified, services do not require booking. Our website contains orders of service, as well as information about visiting the Cathedral.
Services this Sunday
Sunday 9 March – First Sunday of Lent
8:00am - Holy Communion
9:30am - #PompeySundays
11:00am - Choral Eucharist sung by the Cathedral Choir (Girls)
5:45pm - Choral Evensong sung by the Cathedral Choir (Boys)
Prayers & Intercessions
We pray for: the new Bishop of Richborough, +Luke Irvine-Capel (one of our choir dads!) who was consecrated last week.
We remember the following for whom prayer has been asked by members of the Cathedral Community: Gerald, Phoebe, Peter, Elizabeth, Chris, Tom, Pauline, Paul, Marion, Ian, Richard, baby Lottie and baby Etta.
We continue to pray for the long-term sick, including: Suzy, Jill, Alison, Alistair, Richard, Graeme, Rosy, Spencer, Mathai, Philip and all in need.
We remember those who have died recently, including: Margaret Wilson (widow of Roy - burial of ashes here on Sunday, 9 March at 12:15pm), Barbara Sykes (funeral on Monday, 17 March 11:15am at Portchester crematorium), Dorothy Hewett (funeral on Wednesday, 19 March at 1:30pm), Dave Yates (funeral mass Tuesday, 25 March 12:15pm at St John's Catholic Cathedral), Michael Brotherton, David Carpenter, Veronica Shuttleworth, Erling Lindskog and Toby RIP.
Upcoming Services & Events
Getting in touch
Please feel free to get in touch if we can help in any way, or if you just want to hear another voice!
Get in touch with us by email to info@portsmouthcathedral.org.uk or leave a message via phone on 023 9282 3300.
Have news or story you’d like to share? Submit a notice 📰