Lincoln Cathedral has confirmed that it will continue to be lit blue every Thursday in support of NHS staff and frontline workers.

The Very Revd Christine Wilson, Dean of Lincoln said, “While our dedicated NHS staff and frontline workers continue to care for the ill, the vulnerable and the isolated, we continue to remember them in our prayers and do all that we can to support them. The weekly blue lights remain a symbol of our thanks, our prayers and our support.”

“Everyone at Lincoln Cathedral wants to re-iterate the advice that the most important thing anyone can do at the moment is to stay at home to limit the speed at which the virus can spread. Stay safe – stay at home.”

The blue lights will continue each week until worship resumes in the Cathedral. The exception to the weekly blue lights will be during the week beginning Sunday 5 April, as there will be a special lighting scheme in place to signify that the church has entered Holy Week – the days running up to Easter Sunday.

From Palm Sunday on 5 April to Wednesday 8 April the Cathedral will be lit in purple – the liturgical colour associated with Holy Week.

On Maundy Thursday (9 April) the Cathedral will be white as Christians across the country and around the world remember the Last Supper, at which Jesus washed the feet of his disciples and established the central Christian ceremony of the Eucharist.

The Revd Canon John Patrick, Subdean of Lincoln explained, “The word Maundy comes from the command – or mandate – given by Christ at the Last Supper, that we should love one another. And there can’t be any more appropriate sentiment in the current climate; when people are anxious and vulnerable, sick or bereaved demonstrating our love for them in any way we can gives great comfort and hope.”

On Good Friday (10 April) and Easter Eve (11 April) the Cathedral lights will be switched off completely as the church enters a period of mourning and Christians reflect on the Passion – the execution of Jesus by crucifixion.

Usually on Easter Eve, there would be a vigil in the Cathedral when the congregation waits and watches, hopeful and confident that Christ will return at midnight. During this service the Paschal or Easter candle is lit.

Easter is the most important celebration in the Christian church, and on Easter Sunday (12 April) the Cathedral lights will turn gold as we celebrate the joy of the resurrection of Christ.

The Dean said “By making these changes to the lights at the Cathedral we can remind people that while we are not able to worship together, we are still marking the most important time in the Christian calendar and hope that it will encourage others to join us as we reflect on the Passion of Christ and share our joy in his resurrection.”

For those wishing to worship at home, you can use our home worship resources.