With today being the two-year anniversary of the first UK lockdown, Marie Curie is urging the nation to take part and mark the National Day of Reflection.
Fr Kieran has written the following to encourage us all to come together:
"It is beautiful to see the daffodils, a sign that Spring has arrived, and it can lift the spirits to see these bright yellow flowers swaying gently in the fresh breeze. It is of course the flower associated with Marie Curie and today they have invited us all to come together to pause and reflect as we mark two years since the first lockdown. It is a moment, whether we are people of faith or not, to remember those who have died during this pandemic, whether that is a member of our family, our friends, our colleagues or our neighbours, and to recognise those who bravely took care of our loved ones throughout their final journey.
Moments like this are very important because grief in ‘normal’ times is hard enough but during the pandemic many had to grieve alone because of lockdown restrictions and limited numbers who could attend funerals, and in some cases no one was able to be physically present at funerals and had to experience it through a screen. These were tough times, and this is our opportunity to come together, to remember those who lost their lives and to give comfort and support to one another. Today is a reminder that you are not alone, we can all stand together, holding each other in love and prayer.
When we lose someone we love the pain never really goes away but over time there can be a sense of peace which allows us to remember our loved one with love and affection, we can remember the joy shared and the love given. So I would like to end with some beautiful words by Ed Sheeran from his song ‘Supermarket flowers.’ It is a reminder that the grief and pain are real but that we can also be grateful for the love given and received. Let us hold each other in prayer today.
“Oh I’m in pieces, it’s tearing me up, but I know
A heart that’s broke is a heart that’s been loved...
I hope that I see the world as you did ‘cause I know
A life with love is a life that’s been lived.”
During this morning's Mass, Fr Philip offered a special prayer for those who have been affected by the Covid pandemic, you can listen to it here: http://ow.ly/4erP30sfalL