Welcome to the February edition of the Cathedral Update. This will be the last time that I write this introduction as I will be moving to Cumbria after Easter to take up the role of Canon Precentor at Carlisle Cathedral. Whilst we are looking forward to all that God has in store for us there, we are also sad to be leaving the place that has been our home for the last six years. We recently attended the launch event – Rise – in City Park, a remarkable production that celebrated and drew together the creative gifts of the people of Bradford, and we are looking forward to attending more events in the City of Culture programme.
Bradford Cathedral is playing its part in the City of Culture through a series of themed events. During the spring, these events respond to the theme of “creativity under pressure”. You can find out more about our City of Culture programme on our dedicated webpage.
In February, this includes two “Ecclesiastical Textiles’ Tours” that will showcase the cathedral’s historically significant collection, including an altar frontal worked on by shell-shocked soldiers during World War One. On February 10th, Carlton Bolling school’s exhibition, “Beacon of Hope”, which will offer a glimpse of the resilience, strength, and hope of the city’s young people as they navigate paths toward creative futures.
Our prayer and worship events also resonate with the theme of “creativity under pressure”. This year, the Annual Legal Service will take place on at 11am Racial Justice Sunday 9th February, and we look forward to welcoming the Right Reverend Smitha Prasadam, the Bishop of Huddersfield, to speak to the assembled legal community who serve our community under constant pressure. That afternoon, we will be offering prayer for healing for all who come at a special 3:30pm Choral Healing Eucharist.
We also look forward to welcoming two visiting choirs, for whom the careful and creative regulation of air pressure makes beautiful music. Bowden Parish Church, who will sing a special Choral Evensong on Saturday 8th February at 5:30pm, and Great St Mary’s Cambridge who will sing at the Choral Eucharist on Sunday 16th February, directed by our former Organist and Director of Music, Alex Berry.
Bradford Cathedral is your cathedral. We hope that you will join us at some point in the coming month, either for worship, an event, or simply to enjoy the beauty of this ancient place of prayer.
The Revd Pete Gunstone
Minor Canon for Worship and Nurture