The 80 ^th anniversary of D Day and the Normandy landings is to be commemorated in prayer and through special services across the Diocese of Carlisle.

A Diocesan D Day prayer has been prepared by the Ven Stewart Fyfe, the Archdeacon of West Cumberland, and is being offered up for use at services.

It reads: “Loving Father, whose son Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd, laid down his life that we might be free; We thank you for those who, on D-Day, offered their lives for our freedom. We pray today for all who still bear the wounds of war. As we honour the fallen,

we pray for those who love them in death as in life. We ask for the courage to contend today for all that is good, noble and true, And for the grace to live by your words,

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be children of God.” Through Jesus Christ, our Saviour. Amen.”

The Rt Rev Rob-Saner Haigh, Acting Bishop of Carlisle, said: “Like so many of us, I have listened to the recollections of D Day veterans and watched the black and white footage of soldiers preparing to storm the Normandy beaches from landing craft on D Day and over subsequent days. The courage and bravery shown by all those veterans who fought for our freedom is immeasurable. We owe each and every one of them our deepest thanks and recognise that so many paid the ultimate sacrifice in order that we might live free. My prayers are with all those who fought for our freedom, and I also remember in prayer and gratitude those veterans who have been able to travel to France to remember fallen comrades.”

Meanwhile, churches are to be involved in a series of special services and beacon lighting events across Cumbria. These include:

Carlisle Cathedral
A Choral Evensong at 5.45pm on 6 June will mark the 80th Anniversary, with music sung by the Girls and Lay Clerks. The Cathedral bells will be rung after Evensong, as part of a nationwide "Ring out for Peace" initiative, in honour of those who fought bravely for freedom.

Scotby and Cotehill with Cumwhinton
The High Sheriff of Cumbria, Christopher Holmes, will light a beacon at Cotehill Village Hall at 9pm on Thursday 6 June.

Keswick
Churches will lead an act of commemoration and thanksgiving at 9 pm before a beacon is lit at 9.15.

Wigton
An Evensong at St Mary’s Wigton at 6.30pm on Sunday 9 June will be a service for peace and a commemoration of the 80th anniversary of D-Day. The preacher will be the Rev Phil Jackson chaplain to the Wigton branch of the British Legion.

Ambleside
There is a service of commemoration at St Mary’s, Ambleside on Thursday 5 June at 2pm.

Brampton
At 9am on 6th June, the Official D-Day 80 ‘Flag of Peace’ will be flown from the Moot Hall for seven days. At 9.10pm The International Tribute will be read out at the Moot Hall by two members of the Brampton Detachment Cumbria Army Cadet Force. At 9.15pm the ‘Lamp of Peace’ will be lit at the Moot Hall and will be lit again at 11am on every Remembrance Sunday thereafter.

Kirkby Lonsdale
There is a short act of remembrance at 7am outside the Lunesdale Hall and another at 11am by the War Memorial in the churchyard. There will be bell ringing in the afternoon. As well as at Heversham and Cartmel Priory.

Dalton in Furness
A service will be held from 5.30pm on 6 June in the Market square outside of the Church with the town band, town crier and a peal of bells.

Crosby Garrett
A Service of Commemoration will be held at St Andrew's at 11am on Saturday 8 June.

Sedbergh
There will be a short act of remembrance and wreath laying by the war memorial in the grounds of St Andrew's Church, Sedbergh at 11am on Saturday 8 June.

Black Combe
A D Day Normandy Landings service will take place at 11am on 6 June and Bootle Church.

God bless

ENDS

For further information contact Dave Roberts, Diocesan Head of Communications, on 07469 153658 or at communications@carlislediocese.org.uk.