As part of the annual Remembrance/All Souls’ weekend, Saint Fin Barre’s Cathedral, Cork will open temporarily on Saturday 7th November, for personal prayer as permitted by current level 5 regulations,  to allow members of the public to come in to light a candle in memory of those who have died as a result of Covid-19.

A specially chosen globe-shaped candle stand has been commissioned and manufactured  in Sweden which will be the focal point for candle lighting and prayer.  

Bishop Paul Colton had originally sourced the stand for use in conjunction with a prayer area being developed in the Cathedral during the period of historic centenary commemorations.  However, with the onset of the pandemic, it was decided to bring it into use sooner to meet the more immediate need for Corkonians to remember those who have died from Covid-19 both here and across the world. 

Bishop Paul Colton and Bishop Fintan Gavin will dedicate the new candle stand in a private ceremony prior to the Cathedral opening to the public on Saturday morning.

Bishop Colton said,

In these troublesome times people really do need opportunities to remember loved ones and to pray.  Being globe-shaped, this candle stand reminds us that this pandemic has not only had a serious impact on us locally, but is a shared experience across the whole world. It also reminds us that Jesus Christ is the light of the world.

I hope those of all denominations, all faiths and none will find this small window of opportunity to remember and to pray helpful in the midst of grief, anxiety and uncertainty.

The Dean of Cork, the Very Revd Nigel Dunne said,

Who would have thought that something planned for marking commemoration of past sufferings would have been so badly needed for present times?  Our brief re-opening on Saturday during this important weekend is but a small but important opportunity for people to find somewhere to remember and pray, albeit briefly and in a controlled environment.

The Cathedral will be open on Saturday (7th November) from 11.00am to 1.00pm and from 2.00pm to 4.00pm.  Entrance will be via the main West Door. Those  entering will be asked to wear a mask and sanitise their hands, and will be guided (socially distanced) to the Crossing where they can light their candle and pause briefly for prayer.  Exit will be via the North aisle and the Southwest Door.