Salisbury’s Digital Holy Week

08th April 2020

Salisbury Cathedral has opened its doors online and invited people to join them (virtually) on a unique Holy Week journey.

The Salisbury Holy Week Pilgrimage is a digital experience created by Patrick Price, the son of a former bishop.

Patrick scanned the entire Cathedral, making it available in virtual form to worshippers whilst the real building is closed, and from Palm Sunday onwards, those wishing to pray, listen or reflect can virtually enter the Cathedral and activate a window of music, reading and prayer.

A new window will be added each day of Holy Week for individuals to explore.

Other cathedrals across the country are going Online for Easter, find out about what they are doing.

For centuries Morning Prayer and Evensong have been said or sung daily at Salisbury Cathedral, as have regular Sunday services and weekday Eucharists. Last week all that changed and the ancient rhythm of prayer, song and reflection had to be re-imagined – especially for Holy Week, the most important week of the Christian calendar.

Canon Anna Macham, Canon Precentor said:

“The events of Holy Week and Easter are a turning point in our faith, and a turning point in human history.

“In ordinary times we relive those events through our worship but, while it is still not possible to meet in person, we hope to share the experience virtually, through streamed services offering the opportunity to embark on a life-changing journey together, even though we are apart.

“From Palm Sunday through to Holy Wednesday, we are streaming our Daily Reflection at 17.00. The Reflections will be given by the members of the Bishop’s senior staff team, preparing us for the Easter Triduum, the Great Three Days that stretch form the evening of Maundy Thursday to the eve of Easter Day.

“Alongside that we are also offering the opportunity to undertake a virtual Holy Week Pilgrimage of your own, a digital experience that can be used as part of personal prayer and reflection.”