The arrival of Lent is marked with various significant events, showcasing the depth of the religious observance across cathedrals, particularly evident this year as Lent begins on March 5, 2025, with Ash Wednesday. The spectacular Lent Cross at York Minster, standing six meters tall, will be elevated from the Central Tower on Shrove Tuesday, symbolically beginning the Lenten season and remaining until The Day of Pentecost. The Very Reverend Dominic Barrington, Dean of York, states, “The cross reminds us of the certain promise of God’s enduring and undying love for the world.”
Preparations for Lent typically involve intense activities of prayer, service, fasting, and reflection within the Christian community, all aimed at renewing one’s commitment to faith. Historically, the Lenten period consists of 40 days echoing biblical accounts such as the great flood and Jesus’s time of trial and temptation. Acknowledging these traditions, various cathedrals have scheduled activities to support congregants during this special time.
Winchester Cathedral will offer ashes to attendees located outside the cathedral precinct, bridging the traditional connection to Ash Wednesday. This theme of renewal through healing, humanity, and holiness is woven throughout the observances at the cathedral, with all principal services streamed online to cultivate attendance. Meanwhile, the Durham Cathedral has arranged for Lent Talks to take place every Sunday starting March 9 at 4:30 pm, promoting deep reflection through varied speakers.
At Guildford Cathedral, the community is invited to participate in the Stations of the Cross every Sunday after Evensong, enhancing their experience of the Lenten narrative. The Dean, the Very Reverend Bob Cooper, emphasized, “This simple service which has been part of the Church’s liturgy for over 900 years is loaded with meaning and is beautiful.”
Salisbury Cathedral is also set to engage congregations with its Easter Garden, crafted by award-winning designer Andy McIndoe, along with the Sarum Tenebrae: Service of Shadows occurring on April 14. The Canon Precentor, Revd Anna Macham, emphasized the importance of participating fully during Holy Week, stating, “The events of Holy Week and Easter are a turning point in our faith and human history.”
Special observances will abound at Bradford Cathedral as well, with preparations for the World Day of Prayer and scheduled Lent retreats. Liverpool Cathedral is hosting special events for Shrove Tuesday, with pancakes and discussions led by the Friends group, focusing on prayer's significance, particularly through the reflection on prayer shawls as shared narratives of faith.
This year’s Lent Course at Liverpool, entitled 'Pilgrims of Hope' and rooted deeply within themes articulated by Pope Francis, will convene Wednesday evenings via Zoom starting on Ash Wednesday. These include discussions rooted heavily within the restorative themes reflected throughout Biblical scripture—issues of justice, liberty, and fasting practices, which unify participants across various backgrounds.
Likewise, the iconic Truro Cathedral Choir will record their Choral Evensong on Shrove Tuesday to be aired on BBC Radio 3 for Ash Wednesday, showcasing the engagement of music and reflection as bands of community unification.
St Edmundsbury Cathedral is delving deep this year within its Lent Course as it explores forgiveness, beginning with its Eucharist and Ashing service on Ash Wednesday. The engaging program will include various guest speakers highlighting stories around restorative justice, aiming to provoke reflection on challenging topics relevant within modern society.
Another highlight is the Lent exhibition located at St Edmundsbury, titled 'The F Word: Stories of Forgiveness,' which runs from March 28 to April 13, offering narratives and artworks questioning the humanity of forgiveness. The reflections and discussions garnered through artistic engagements will serve as one avenue for starting broader dialogues during this holy period.
Chichester Cathedral also prepares commemoration ceremonies within its chapel dedicated to Easter Lilies, inviting the community to pray and participate throughout the season. This year marks the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, fostering dialogues around the foundational documents of Christian belief.
Overall, this Lenten season serves as both time of physical abstinence and deeply introspective reflection, from fasting—from meats to other indulgences—to increased prayer practices. “Lent is traditionally a time when Christians prepare to celebrate Easter by giving special attention to our growth in faith,” the Dean of Durham, Philip Plyming, reflected, underscoring the season's purpose of deepening one's relationship with God.
Wherever it may be observed, churches and cathedrals encourage congregants to embrace the notion of returning to faith, community, and the core messages inherent to the Christian tradition. With numerous offerings throughout the season, from thoughtful sermons to community-driven events, Lent 2025 invites believers to reflect deeply upon their faith journeys right through to the joyous celebration of Easter Sunday on April 20.