Some say it with flowers, others express it in verse and it is a central theme of popular music and hymns.
The theme of love will take centre stage today – and it’s a special occasion for Ripon Cathedral, too.
Valentine’s Day comes a week before the first Sunday of Lent and Ripon Cathedral will feature in a special edition of Songs of Praise on BBC One at 1.15pm today. The pre-recorded programme focuses on the theme of Love and Lent.
Love and Lent will be in focus at Ripon Cathedral in a special edition of Songs of Praise
It includes a discussion between presenter Sean Fletcher and the Bishop of Ripon, the Rt Revd Dr Helen-Ann Hartley, who told the Stray Ferret:
“I reflected that often in Lent it’s popular to give something up.
“This Lent, because we have all lost so much in the past year, it’s an opportunity to take something up, to put on, as it were, the mantle of love
“We can be mindful of our neighbours and loved ones near and far.”
Dr Hartley said she reflected on the connections between Lent and lockdown. Although the former lasts just 40 days, it recalls Jesus’s 40 days in the wilderness.
Similarly, though lockdown leaves many people feeling isolated, Dr Hartley reflected that nobody is alone, even if it can feel that way.
Asked why Ripon Cathedral is so special, having been chosen as the venue for tomorrow’s programme, Dr Hartley said:
“Cathedrals have a profound sense of place and identity and are buildings where people can come and find God and be found by God.
“What makes Ripon special is its 7th century crypt, and that sense of people over hundreds of years coming to this place, making pilgrimage and praying.
“There’s a real strength in that for us today.”
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On a personal Valentine’s Day note, Dr Hartley is anticipating the continuation of a much-loved tradition with her husband Myles.
She said:
“He always declares Valentine’s Day ‘a season’!
“We will exchange home-made cards and enjoy a meal at home.”
