ST PAUL’S Cathedral has created a national online book of remembrance to commemorate people who have died from Covid-19.
Remember Me is a virtual book where people, religious or non-religious, are invited to leave messages and tributes to their loved ones. From Friday (22 May), they can submit a name, a photo, and short message to the official Remember Me website. Submissions will remain for as long as needed, but the deceased person should have been living in the UK.
The Prince of Wales has spoken in support of the project. He said in a video message: “This virtual book of remembrance is here to help us remember; not just to recall our loss and sorrow, but also to be thankful for everything good that those we have loved brought into our lives, and all that they have given to others.”
Others who are supporting Remember Me include Sir Lloyd Dorfman, the businessman and philanthropist, whose organisation the Dorfman Foundation has helped to set up the project, and the Lord Mayor of London.
The choristers of St Paul’s Cathedral have recorded a special anthem for the book, Mendelssohn’s “Lift Thine Eyes”, which is based on Psalm 121. It is intended that the memorial will become a permanent fixture, in the form of a new inner porch in the cathedral’s North transept, although this is subject to funding.
The Dean of St Paul’s, the Very Reverend Dr David Ison, said: “’For centuries, St Paul’s Cathedral has been a place to remember the personal and national impact of great tragedies, from the losses of war to the devastation of the Grenfell Tower fire. We have heard so many sad stories of those affected by the pandemic, and all our thoughts and prayers are with them. Every person is valued and worthy of remembrance.
“We are all experiencing the devastating impacts of Covid-19 across the country and beyond. Remember Me is an opportunity to mourn every person we have lost to the effects of this terrible disease, an encouragement to offer compassion and support to those left behind, and an ongoing recognition of the impact of the pandemic on the UK.”