National Day of Reflection 2022

Wednesday 23 March 2022 marks the second annual National Day of Reflection, organised by Marie Curie as a day to come together to support the millions of people who are grieving, and remembering the family, friends, neighbours, and colleagues we’ve lost over the last two years.

Wakefield Cathedral will fall silent for one minute at 12:00, joining the minutes of silence taking place across the country.

A prayer station will also be set up for the day featuring a candle and a prayer, with prayer cards available for all visitors to use or takeaway with them.

The Very Revd Simon Cowling, Dean of Wakefield, commented: “Over the past two years every single person has been affected in one way or another by the Covid-19 pandemic and its many repercussions.

“We have lived through a time of many challenges: the challenge of isolation, the challenge of new ways of working, the challenge of finding new ways to communicate with one another and, tragically, the challenge of dealing with grief and loss.

“And yet despite the enormity of these challenges, we have seen the flourishing of an extraordinary sense of togetherness, of camaraderie and defiance to overcome every challenge put in front of us. As I reflect on the past two years, I feel an enormous sense of pride and gratitude to all who played their part, whether as a key worker, a volunteer or simply as someone who reached out to offer support at a time it was needed.

“In the bible God says to the people of Israel as they are about to enter the promised land: “Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (31:6-8). I hope these words can provide comfort to you on this National Day of Reflection and help guide you through the challenges in the weeks, months, and years ahead.”

Visitors are also invited to light a candle to remember those who have died and show support to people living with the trauma or loss, coinciding with the National Day of Reflection’s ‘Shine a Light’ initiative – inviting people across the country to light a candle at home at 20:00.

To find out more about the National Day of Reflection please visit www.mariecurie.org.uk

 

Prayer for National Day of Reflection

Our God of love and mercy, hear our prayers as we reflect on the passing of time and the distress of recent years.

We hold before you the fear, isolation and misery; the suffering and the grief experienced by so many and we remember those who have died or whose lives changed forever.

We thank you for the unstinting service and unflinching courage of key workers.

As we are borne onwards by tides of uncertainty, give us grace to look back with love, to journey in faith and live in hope, for the sake of the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ.

Amen.