CATHOLIC BISHOPS’ CONFERENCE OF ENGLAND AND WALES
Statement from the Presidency of the Bishops’ Conference
on the National Day of Reflection for COVID-19
Tuesday 23rd March 2021
We welcome the designation of Tuesday 23rd March as a National Day of Reflection to
mark the anniversary of the first national lockdown with a minute’s silence at midday
and doorstep vigils of light at 8pm.
We ask you all to make this not only a Day of Reflection but also a Day of Prayer. In
reflection we ponder on all that has taken place; in prayer we bring this to our Heavenly
Father. For all who live by faith in God, reflection and prayer always go hand in hand.
Prayer completes reflection. Reflection informs prayer. Prayer opens our life to its true
horizon. Without prayer we live in a foreshortened world and are more easily swamped
by its clamour and tragedy. Throughout this difficult year, so many have been inspired
by prayer, so much effort sustained in prayer, in every place. So let us make the 23rd
March truly a day of prayer.
Statement on National Day of Reflection