Love and harmony were broadcast from one of our cathedrals this Valentine’s Day, with Songs of Praise coming from Ripon Cathedral.
The programme featured Sean Fletcher hearing reflections on Lent at the cathedral, while Katie Piper met a Leeds Christian who donated a kidney to a stranger.
The Dean of Ripon Cathedral, the Very Revd John Dobson DL said: “It was a pleasure to welcome Songs of Praise to Ripon Cathedra for their Valentine’s Day programme.
“Thoughts of love connect with the ways in which this beautiful building has spoken for over 1,300 years of God’s love for all his children, and of how its community seeks to serve the people of the region today.
“The installation of 10,000 origami angels, created during the first lockdown, speak inspiringly of how this has been so in the challenging days of the pandemic.
“Presenter Sean Fletcher (pictured with Dean John) was keen to explore the cathedral’s long history and the influence our founder, St Wilfrid, had on the date Easter is celebrated in these parts. 
“He also asked about our links with Lewis Carroll.”
The Rt Revd Dr Helen-Ann Hartley, Bishop of Ripon, said: “The Songs of Praise crew did a magnificent job of filming in a COVID-secure way, and it was good to do something in-person rather than on Zoom for a change.
“In my conversation with presenter Sean Fletcher, reflecting on the theme of Love and Lent was a positive way of reminding us that Lent isn’t just a season of giving up.
“Perhaps this year more than any, when we have lost so much, there’s an opportunity to put on the mantle of love: of neighbour, friends, and one another.
“A sure reminder of God’s abiding love for us in all our joys and sorrows.”
The programme was broadcast on BBC One on Sunday February 14 at 1:15pm, and is viewable here