Lichfield Cathedral opens its doors for those struggling with Christmas
The doors of Lichfield Cathedral will be open on the evening of Wednesday 08 December for all those who will find Christmas difficult this year.
From 6pm to 9pm, space will be created for those who wish to light candles, listen to reflective music, write the name of a loved one on a bauble or lantern, or to simply ‘be’. The evening will end with the short but beautiful service of Compline, or Night Prayer which will begin at around 8.30pm.
A spokesperson for the Cathedral said, “There are many people who will be dreading Christmas this year as the result of bereavement or illness or loneliness or financial difficulties. Surrounded by Christmas advertisements showing the perfect family, or trying to negotiate the shops playing nostalgic music, it can be hard to find a space in which to be open about how we are really feeling. Lichfield Cathedral is a big, ancient building which has held the fears and sadness, as well as the joys, of its people for centuries. It’s a safe space in which to be quiet and to remember those we love, without having to force a smile.”