On Monday 2 November, York Minster’s Season of Remembrance, will continue with a Day to Remember people who have died during 2020. Family and friends will be welcomed to the cathedral to pray and to light a candle in memory of loved ones who have died.
Canon Michael Smith, Canon Pastor at York Minster, said people coping with bereavement this year have been severely challenged by the constraints of the Coronavirus pandemic.
“The death of a loved one – whenever it occurs – is one of life’s most difficult moments. In normal circumstances, we can comfort the dying, support each other in our grief and gather to share our memories and to say goodbye. Sitting with the dying, funerals, memorial services and the social gatherings that often follow, help us to navigate a way through grief when someone dies.
“The Coronavirus restrictions have made such activities impossible and any funerals that have taken place have been both small and short. Lockdown, social distancing and self-isolation prevented many people from being with their loved ones in their last days. Continuing limits on funerals and gatherings have made it all but impossible for individuals and communities to come together to remember and celebrate their dead. There is a great deal of unresolved grief as a result of these harrowing circumstances.
“We hope that this Day to Remember those who have died this year, on All Souls Day, will give some comfort to everyone who has recently faced the death of a loved one. We invite them to come to the cathedral, to pray, light a candle or just to sit quietly in the space, to remember and to reflect. We want them to leave knowing that they are not alone and that they are embraced in the love and care of God and the human family.”
The Day to Remember those who have died will start at 10.00am and continue until 3.30pm on Monday 2 November. A dedicated space will be provided for people to come, to remember, to pray and to light a candle. Prayers will be said on the hour and there will be a service of Holy Communion at midday. The Minster’s annual Requiem Eucharist for All Souls Day to remember loved ones who have died, will take place at 5.30pm. A special candle will be lit for all those who died so far during the pandemic. The candle will burn at major services throughout Advent and Christmas as a symbol for those who have died and who will be greatly missed through Advent and Christmas and beyond.
The Minster’s Clergy team and staff from St Leonard’s Hospice in York will be present to provide pastoral care throughout the day.
Access to York Minster for the day to remember
There is no admission charge for the day but pre-booked ticket slots will be required to help us safely manage numbers attending.
Access to York Minster for Annual Requiem Eucharist for All Souls Day
Attendance at this service will be by pre-booked free ticket to help us safely manage the numbers attending the service. The service starts at 5.30pm.