March 23rd marks the second anniversary of the first Covid-19 lockdown. Two years which affected everyone in so many different ways across the region and the country.
Cathedrals and churches are taking part in a day of reflection inviting people to take part in a nationwide silence at 12 noon and using walls of reflection to honour those who have died.
Last year, the Bishop of Norwich, the Rt Revd Graham Usher dedicated a grove of nine Himalayan Birch trees in his garden as a symbol of hope amidst the pandemic. see the article here
Bishop Graham says;
The birches in the Bishop’s Garden, that I dedicated last year as a memorial to those impacted by the pandemic, continue to grow and flourish. Their buds are unfurling now, and to me that is such a strong symbol of hope, even as we acknowledge and mourn the sad loss of many lives to Covid. It’s a hope that we find in Jesus, who points us forward in hope to a future beyond the turmoil of this pandemic. The support that the communities of Norfolk and Waveney, including our churches, have provided over these past two difficult years has been inspirational.
This week, on Sunday 27th March, the Bishop of Lynn, the Rt Revd Dr Jane Steen will be preaching at the ‘Thanks and Hope Service’ at King’s Lynn Minster. At Norwich Cathedral there is still a special area in which to reflect and remember those who lost their lives to the pandemic in Norfolk.
The day of reflection has been coordinated by the charity Marie Curie, and you can find out ways to mark your own remembrance here: Day of Reflection