Liverpool Cathedral to mark the National Day of Reflection

On the anniversary of the first lockdown, Liverpool Cathedral will be open for private prayer and worship; with candles lit in memory of the thousands who have died in the last year. 

The Cathedral will join other cathedrals and churches across the country on Tuesday 23 March, to support the National Day of Reflection coordinated by Marie Curie. The day marks a year since the first UK COVID-19 lockdown began. 

Over the past year, millions of people have been bereaved. On National Day of Reflection, the Cathedral will be open from 11:00am until 3:00pm for private prayer, candle lighting, worship and reflection. 

The Cathedral is inviting people to come in, take time to pray, reflect, light a candle or join in observing the national one minute’s silence at noon as part of a National Day of Reflection. At around 11:50am, one of the Cathedral bells will toll in the lead up to the one minute’s silence. Eucharist will follow at 12:05pm. 

During the day, three candle installations will be on display. One in the shape of the cathedral cross, another will surround the Sir Giles Gilbert Scott floor memorial. A third will be in the shape of a dove. 

At 2:00pm, Cathedral clergy will be praying for those who are bereaved or have lost their lives during the past year. If you’d like a name readout, you can fill in the form on the Prayer for Liverpool website. Prayer requests for need to be submitted by 1:30pm on 23 March. 

The Dean of Liverpool, The Very Revd Dr Sue Jones said: “This has been an incredibly difficult year for so many people. The National Day of Reflection is time to take a moment to remember. To remember all that we have lost. The loss of loved ones and all who have died. The loss of ‘normal’ life. 

“This day gives us the opportunity to pause and reflect on our shared experience of this pandemic, while giving thanks to all those working on the frontline and who’ve given their time, care and compassion to support us throughout the past year. 

“As we’re still under lockdown restrictions, we are asking people to come along only if they feel safe. You can be assured that the Cathedral is a safe place and that we abide by COVID regulations.  So, we ask that you wear a face-covering and keep your distance. We’ll be live-streaming parts of the day, so those who aren’t able to come, are able to be part of this National Day of Reflection.”