York Minster will welcome visitors for remembrance, prayer and hope on Wednesday 23 March for the Covid-19 National Day of Reflection, the second anniversary of the first Covid-19 lockdown.

The Minster will open for people to come and remember loved ones who have died and those living with physical and mental health challenges as a result of the virus. There will be prayers and thanks for those working in caring professions and all emergency and key workers who worked tirelessly throughout the darkest days of the pandemic.  The day will also provide opportunities to reflect on the lessons learned during the pandemic.

A space will be created inside the Minster for people to sit quietly, to reflect, to pray and to light a candle. The Minster’s clergy team and chaplains will be available throughout the day to welcome and support visitors.

Entry is free and no pre-booking is required.

Choral Evensong – 5.30pm

A special service of Choral Evensong will take place with music and readings chosen for the day. As part of the service, the Poet Laureate, Simon Armitage, will give the first reading of ‘Only Human’ – a poem specially commissioned by the Chapter of York to mark the National Day of Reflection.

All are welcome to attend.