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13
Feb 2021

Some say it with flowers, others express it in verse and it is a central theme of popular music and hymns.
The theme of love will take centre stage today - and it's a special occasion for Ripon Cathedral, too.
Valentine's Day comes a week before the first Sunday of Lent and Ripon Cathedral will feature in a special edition of Songs of Praise on BBC One at 1.15pm today. The pre-recorded programme focuses on the theme of Love and Lent.
It includes a discussion between presenter Sean Fletcher and the Bishop of Ripon, the Rt Revd Dr Helen-Ann Hartley, who told the Stray Ferret:
Dr Hartley said she reflected on the connections between Lent and lockdown. Although the former lasts just 40 days, it recalls Jesus's 40 days in the wilderness.
Similarly, though lockdown leaves many people feeling isolated, Dr Hartley reflected that nobody is alone, even if it can feel that way.
Asked why Ripon Cathedral is so special, having been chosen as the venue for tomorrow's programme, Dr Hartley said:
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