A CATHEDRAL is to hold a seven-day retreat to mark Holy Week.

Durham Cathedral will host its annual retreat week starting on Palm Sunday, April 13 and culminating in the celebration of Easter Sunday on April 20.

The retreat centres on the Cathedral’s observation of Holy Week and involves a special programme of retreat addresses, pilgrimage, art, quiet times and guided reflection.

The week culminates in the three-day Triduum period of prayer from Maundy Thursday to Easter Day, which includes Durham’s unique medieval Judas Cup ceremony, stripping of the altar and vigil, and the Dawn Eucharist with baptism and confirmation.

Members of the Cathedral clergy will be available at certain times for personal conversation should that be helpful.

The Reverend Canon Rosalind Brown, Nave Canon at Durham Cathedral, said: "This retreat offers people from further afield the chance to join us at the Cathedral as we follow in the way of the cross, including some who return to participate for a second or third time.

"We especially look forward to sharing our observance of Holy Week with the new Bishop of Durham, the Right Reverend Paul Butler, who will lead the programme along with members of the Cathedral Chapter."

The full week’s retreat costs £310 per person, including meals at St Chad’s College, Durham, which provides bed and breakfast for those who need it.