On Sunday 3 March, Marie Curie will be leading the nation in the annual Day of Reflection to remember the lives lost during the coronavirus pandemic and to show support for those bereaved. The event, supported by the Church of England, will be marked by a minute’s silence at midday across the UK, with many cathedrals and landmarks lighting up yellow.
Formerly held on 23 March on the anniversary of the first UK lockdown, the Day of Reflection has moved to 3 March in line with the UK Commission on Covid Commemoration’s recommendation that it be held annually on the first Sunday in March.
The Day of Reflection is one of the ten recommendations set out by the UK Commission on Covid Commemoration to the UK Government aiming to ensure that the events of the pandemic and our experiences of this time are not forgotten. Other recommendations include preserving existing memorials, such as the National Covid Memorial Wall in central London, establishing a funding scheme for local authorities to create commemorative spaces in parks and other green spaces, and the importance of teaching future generations in schools and colleges about the pandemic and individuals’ experiences.
The Church of England has provided printable church resources for display and has listed some of the ways in which your church can get involved, from sending and using a prayer postcard, to opening your church for private prayer on the day. There is also a short, downloadable Act of Prayer for individuals or households to use as part of their evening reflection which encourages a candle to be lit in memory of a loved one.
For supporting your community in the longer term, Loss and HOPE is an ecumenical project launched by the bereavement charity AtaLoss with the aim of equipping churches to deliver effective support to those grieving and prevent feelings of isolation and ill-health. The Bereavement Journey is their film and discussion series, developed by Holy Trinity Brompton, which covers a range of topics dealing with loss and grief and helps individuals to move forward healthily with bereavement.
From sharing the name of someone you will be remembering on one of Marie Curie’s yellow petals, to making time for prayer or reflection in your day and lighting a candle, there are many ways in which you can get involved. You can find events coordinated by Marie Curie in your local area here, including ‘Walls of Reflection’ and special memorial services.