The National Day of Reflection – which takes place on the third anniversary of the first COVID lockdown – will be marked at the Cathedral through ‘trees of remembrance’ and the chance to light candles.
Thursday 23rd March 2023 marks three years since the first national lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic and, as part of a wider national remembrance, Bradford Cathedral will be holding a day of reflection.
From 10am – 4pm on that Thursday, visitors to the Cathedral will be able to come to the West End to light a candle, and to leave thoughts, reflections, memories or prayers on one of the ‘trees of remembrance’.
The Revd Ned Lunn, Canon for Intercultural Mission and the Arts, says:
“The 23rd March 2023 marks three years since the first national lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The impact of this on all our lives is still being felt and, although it can sometimes feel as though we have regained some normalcy, many remain scarred by it.
“Bradford Cathedral is a space for all the people of our city and district to come and reflect on the significant moments of our lives: joys and sorrows. So on 23rd March you’re invited to come, acknowledge and remember all that we lost over 2020-2022 because of COVID-19.
“We will have candles to light and ‘trees of remembrance’ to write down those people/things that we still grieve.”
Marie Curie, who oversee the national day of reflection, says of it:
“On the 23rd March 2023, let’s all come together for the third UK National Day of Reflection – an opportunity to remember our loved ones who’ve died, support people who are grieving, and connect with each other.
“Please join us once again to mark the day with a minute’s silence at noon.”
Bradford Cathedral will be open from 10am – 4pm on Thursday 23rd March to mark the Third National Day of Reflection. For more information, please visit bradfordcathedral.org.uk/whats-on or mariecurie.org.uk/get-involved/day-of-reflection.