Tuesday 2 November is All Souls’ Day in the Christian calendar and this year the Minster will mark the date with a special day to remember those who have died and in particular those who have died during the pandemic.

The grief of bereavement during 2020 and 2021 has been amplified by the impact of the pandemic, with many people prevented from being with their loved one in their last hours and then having to navigate restrictions on funerals and memorial services.

We will be closed for sightseeing but open with free entry to welcome people into the cathedral who have been recently bereaved so they can remember their loved ones.

A space will be created inside the Minster for people to sit quietly, to reflect, to pray and to light a candle for their dead. Minster Chaplains will be available throughout the day alongside members of the St Leonard’s Hospice Bereavement Support Team. The team provides bereavement support free of charge and you do not need a connection to the hospice – see its website for more information: stleonardshospice.org.uk/grief

Entry is free and no pre-booking is required.

Requiem Eucharist for All Souls’ Day, 5.30pm

The annual Requiem Eucharist for All Souls’ Day, at which we always remember loved ones who have died, will take place at 5.30pm. All are welcome to attend.

The day forms part of a season of remembering at the Minster which includes the return of the digital art installation People We Love, in partnership with York Mediale, the observation of the national two minutes’ silence on Thursday 11 November at 11am and the annual service of Thanksgiving and Commemoration for Remembrance Sunday on 14 November.