Memorial bench for Covid victims to be blessed in Oxford

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 18 Oct, 13:31 · Archive

A bench commemorating those who died during the Covid-19 pandemic will be blessed at St Andrew's Church in Headington, Oxford, on 18 October.

A bench in memory of those who died during the Covid-19 pandemic will be blessed at St Andrew's Church in Headington, Oxford, on Sunday, 18 October, following a 10am Eucharist marking St Luke's Day.

The Rev'd Emma Hopegood Jones, vicar of St Andrew's, said many hospital staff are still processing the pandemic's impact and regularly use the churchyard to rest. She described it as 'a privilege to be able to offer a space of sanctuary for prayer'. During the pandemic, the church's tower was illuminated as 'a beacon of hope and light, clearly visible from the John Radcliffe Hospital windows'.

The Rev'd Ruth Fitter, lead chaplain at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, will preach. The bench is inscribed: 'In sacred memory of those who died during the COVID-19 Pandemic, 2020 - 2022. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted' (Psalm 34:18). The service will include prayers for all who work in healthcare, as St Luke is the patron saint of doctors.

How it is being reported

• Memorial bench to honour Covid victims to be blessed at Oxford churchA bench in memory of those who died during the Covid-19 pandemic will be blessed at a special church service.Oxfordshire Guardian · 18 Oct, 13:00
• Memorial bench to honour Covid victims to be blessed at Oxford churchA bench in memory of those who died during the Covid-19 pandemic will be blessed at a special church service.Oxford Mail · 18 Oct, 13:00

In this story: St Andrew's Church · Headington · Oxford · Emma Hopegood Jones · Ruth Fitter · Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust · John Radcliffe Hospital

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