Over the last number of weeks, like everywhere in the city, Portsmouth Cathedral have been making preparations to re-open. It will be open from Tuesday, 16 June 2020 for private prayer between 11am and 2pm each day for the first two weeks.
The text from the Dean’s Welcome from this week’s Notices is below.
“I am absolutely delighted, as well as relieved, that we are now able to re-open the Cathedral. It is true that for the time being this will only be possible for a certain number of hours each day, with some restrictions on numbers and distancing. Nonetheless I hope everyone will feel able to come and enjoy the sense of peace and prayer that infuses our building, and perhaps to light a candle and pray for those most seriously affected by COVID-19, and for an end to the pandemic. We know how important Portsmouth Cathedral is to many people, and the Government announcement allowing this first phase of re-opening was extremely welcome.
We will be open on Tuesday 16 June, from 11.00am – 2.00pm, and for the same period each day thereafter, including Sundays. This will be kept under review, not least in relation to further advice and announcements from the Government and the national church. We have been making careful plans over a number of weeks to ensure that the Cathedral is a safe environment for everyone, with staff always on hand, and a one-way system involving entry and exit through the south door.
I look forward to welcoming all who would like to take this opportunity to return to Portsmouth Cathedral, or indeed to come for the first time.
With my prayers and best wishes,
Anthony