Derby Cathedral

Click here to read about Derby Cathedral – 001 Derby pr 21-09-24

Fr. Derek writes…

In February 2023 I started a series of reflections on England’s Cathedrals with the reflection  ‘Stairway to Heaven’ where I invite you to begin a journey, a pilgrimage, to some of our ancient places of worship, studying and breathing in the beauty of our cathedrals. These sacred spaces, places that still can touch the hearts of people today and places that can take our breath away. It was my hope that these reflections would be a pilgrimage, albeit a virtual one, to be taken slowly and not rushed. We started in Carlisle, and travelled to the northeast of England and journeyed around the country ending at Chester in July 2023. There was a break from the theme of cathedrals, but I returned to explore cathedral’s in the Northern Province of the Church of England. We now are going to complete our virtual journey to cathedrals by visiting  the remaining cathedrals in the Southern Province of the Church of England.

My constant companion on this journey around the cathedrals has been ‘England’s Cathedrals’ by Sir Simon Jenkins, who coined the phrase  ‘Stairway to Heaven’ . I have valued his comments and learn much from his book. Since starting the reflections in February 2023 I have got more familiar and confident in using the resources available on the internet. Also, I have taken advantage of cathedrals putting more on their websites including YouTube video’s.

There are some down sides, websites can be updated so the link  may change and using YouTube for music often has advertising and I have no control over the contents. They become a constant reminder of the world in which we live, I hope they do not interfere, too much, with your time of reflection.

I hope you find time, space to soak in the part of our heritage.

Kindest regards, Fr. Derek