The service is timed to coincide with the national Baby Loss Awareness Week, which runs from 9th to 15th October.

The short service will be a gentle time of reflection, remembrance and prayer during which those lost will be brought before God with music, prayer and the lighting of candles.

Anyone who is unable to attend in person but would like their baby remembered by name at the service is invited to email canon.precentor@peterborough-cathedral.org.uk or contact the Cathedral via social media. There will also be a prayer station near to Katharine of Aragon’s tomb during Baby Loss Awareness Week, where names or prayers can be added.

The Cathedral has held a Baby Loss Awareness service in October for the past two years, but this year it seems more important than ever, as Canon Rowan Williams who is leading the service explains:

“Peterborough Cathedral is famous for being home to the tomb of Katharine of Aragon, who herself lost several babies before or shortly after birth. So, in this place, we are not alone as we remember other losses.

“A friend of mine who lost a baby through miscarriage just before lockdown said recently that she had struggled to grieve for the baby during this time of pandemic. In the midst of so much other loss, people who have lived through baby loss nonetheless need to give a voice to their experience. We hope that this service will give people the opportunity to grieve in a way that is helpful for them, and also to hear a message of hope.”

Seating for those attending will be socially distanced in household bubbles, and all those entering the Cathedral are asked to wear a face covering and sanitise their hands on arrival. There is also a QR code to scan for NHS Test and Trace purposes. There is no need to register your attendance in advance.

If you would like to talk to someone to find out more please contact Canon Sarah Brown via canon.missioner@peterborough-cathedral.org.uk or Canon Rowan Williams via canon.precentor@peterborough-cathedral.org.uk, or call 01733 355315.