Offer a prayer for the National Day of Reflection
Portsmouth Cathedral are inviting bereaved families, friends and loved ones to remember all those whom we have lost due to Covid-19 over the past year. A National Day of Reflection on 23 March will be held one year on from the first Covid-19 lockdown, coordinated by the charity Marie Curie and officially supported by the Church of England.
Behind the statistics and whatever the cause, every death over the last year has been devastating for the people left behind. Many have been unable to properly say goodbye to their loved ones, comfort or even hug each other. We’re calling on everyone to take time on the 23 March to reflect on our collective loss, support those who’ve been bereaved, and share hope for a brighter future.
Alongside other cathedrals across the country including Rochester and St. Paul’s, Portsmouth Cathedral will encourage people to offer a prayer and light a candle in memory of those lost. Prayers can be sent in advance online or written at the Cathedral on the day and will be combined into a cascade of remembrance above our altar.
We are also joining with Portsmouth City Council to broadcast an Online Memorial Service to remember all the lives lost during the pandemic. This special service will be led by the Dean of Portsmouth, the Very Revd Dr. Anthony Cane, and the Lord Mayor of Portsmouth, Cllr. Rob Wood. It will be broadcast at 11:45 am on 23 March and will include readings from local Portsmouth students, a musical reflection, and the lighting of candles on Portsmouth Cathedral’s Peace Globe.
Dean Anthony reflected on the past year saying “It is hard to express the extent of the grief involved with the loss of so many lives as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. Each person leaves behind a gap in their network of family and friends that can never be filled. Over the past year, many have come to Portsmouth Cathedral to light a candle in memory of a departed loved one, and our pastoral support team has offered solace and support to those who have been bereaved. This National Day of Reflection, all are welcome to offer a prayer and light a candle at the Cathedral during our extended opening hours, as we pause, reflect and remember.”
The Portsmouth News, media partners for this commemoration, are asking for photos of loved ones to be sent to them, and these will then be shared publicly as part of the National Dao of Reflection in Portsmouth.
The Cathedral will be extending our opening hours on 23 March from 10:00am – 9:00pm for those wanting to come in, offer a prayer, reflect or light a candle. The Online Memorial Service will be available to stream from 11.45 am on 23 March via the Cathedral’s live channels on Facebook and YouTube, as well as the website https://www.portsmouthcathedral.org.uk/live or via https://www.facebook.com/Portsmouthcitycouncil. Other public services at Portsmouth Cathedral on 23 March are Holy Communion (12noon), Evensong (5:30pm) and Compline (8:30pm).