Recently I visited Coventry Cathedral. It is an iconic building, created in the 1950’s after the original cathedral was destroyed by bombing in the Second World War. The modern cathedral is very much of its own time – a fine example of 1960’s architecture with beautiful stained glass and the largest tapestry in the world, on the main wall behind the altar. Coventry Cathedral is renowned for its ministry of peace and reconciliation - hope arising from the ashes of destruction. Its symbol is a cross made from three mediaeval nails found in the rubble of the old cathedral. The whole of Coventry city was severely damaged in the bombing raids. At first, the City Council refused planning permission for the new Cathedral, stating that new homes and schools needed to be the priority. This is understandable, isn’t it? Why build a church when people have nowhere to live or learn or to work? It was a brave decision to say ‘No’ and an equally brave decision to have a change of heart and allow the work to go ahead.
During Christmas 1942, a group of German soldiers were trapped outside the Russian city of Stalingrad. One of the soldiers, Kurt Reuber, was a clergyman and a doctor. Using charcoal, he drew a tender picture of Mary holding Jesus, on the back of a Russian map. Reuber died in a Soviet concentration camp, but his sketch survived and was taken back to Germany. A copy of this drawing, which includes the words, “Light. Life. Love” was sent as a gift to Coventry Cathedral, in recognition of its ministry of reconciliation. It is on display in a chapel dedicated to the Madonna of Stalingrad.
When life is difficult and ugly, things like art and beauty can seem frivolous, pointless even. Yet, in the midst of such terrible times, beauty can bring hope. Every year, thousands of visitors from all over the world come to Coventry Cathedral and also spend time in the ruins of the old Cathedral. There are joint projects with other countries encouraging dialogue and understanding between different groups of people, especially engaging young people. Some people in Coventry may still see the Cathedral as a waste of money or may still be angry at the personal losses that they and their family suffered during the war. For many more though, the stark reminders of how terrible war can be, alongside the healing power of a sacred place, filled with light and colour, is a way of reminding us that hope may arise, even in the darkest times. I invite you to take time to see the beauty around you this week.
God bless
Cecilia
During Christmas 1942, a group of German soldiers were trapped outside the Russian city of Stalingrad. One of the soldiers, Kurt Reuber, was a clergyman and a doctor. Using charcoal, he drew a tender picture of Mary holding Jesus, on the back of a Russian map. Reuber died in a Soviet concentration camp, but his sketch survived and was taken back to Germany. A copy of this drawing, which includes the words, “Light. Life. Love” was sent as a gift to Coventry Cathedral, in recognition of its ministry of reconciliation. It is on display in a chapel dedicated to the Madonna of Stalingrad.
When life is difficult and ugly, things like art and beauty can seem frivolous, pointless even. Yet, in the midst of such terrible times, beauty can bring hope. Every year, thousands of visitors from all over the world come to Coventry Cathedral and also spend time in the ruins of the old Cathedral. There are joint projects with other countries encouraging dialogue and understanding between different groups of people, especially engaging young people. Some people in Coventry may still see the Cathedral as a waste of money or may still be angry at the personal losses that they and their family suffered during the war. For many more though, the stark reminders of how terrible war can be, alongside the healing power of a sacred place, filled with light and colour, is a way of reminding us that hope may arise, even in the darkest times. I invite you to take time to see the beauty around you this week.
God bless
Cecilia
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