Statement from the Archbishop about the death of Queen Elizabeth
I am deeply saddened to hear the news about the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. I pray for the repose of her soul and for all the members of the Royal Family at this time of sorrow. On 21 April 1947, her 21st birthday, in a speech broadcast on the radio from Cape Town, the then Princess Elizabeth dedicated her life to the service of the Commonwealth saying, “I declare before you all that my whole life whether it be long or short shall be devoted to your service and the service of our great imperial family to which we all belong”.
Today we give thanks for that lifetime of service to our country and for her leadership of the Church of England during her 70 year reign. The celebrations we witnessed earlier this year for her Platinum Jubilee show how much respect and love people had for her. She will be remembered for her dedication, strength, warmth and her pride in our country.
Education Sunday
For well over one hundred years there has been annual recognition of Education Sunday in England and Wales. It is a national day of prayer and celebration for everyone in the world of education.
The theme is devised by an ecumenical steering group representing different Christian denominations and organisations. Since 2016 it has been celebrated on the second Sunday in September, coinciding with the start of the school year. The resources are intended to be used as a springboard for a variety of events on or around Education Sunday.
Mass for the sick
During the St Bernadette’s relics tour, the cathedral will be celebrating Mass with anointing of the sick on Sunday 18 September at 3pm. We expect this Mass to be popular so we ask any sick person wanting to be anointed to let us know in advance that they will be attending by emailing Claire Hanlon on c.hanlon@metcathedral.org.uk or ring 0151 709 9222 ext. 201 by Monday 12 September. Please make yourself known at the welcome desk when you arrive at the cathedral and you will be directed to your seat.