3,000 rose petals to fall at St Paul's today

Three thousand white rose petals will be released from the dome of St Paul's Cathedral in London today, in a symbolic gesture to commemorate the victims of the 11 September terrorist attacks. They will fall onto the altar moments before the precise anniversary of the impact on the World Trade Center's second tower at 2.03pm. About 2,000 people are expected to take part in the National Service of Remembrance. Prince Charles, Prince Harry, the Prime Minister and friends and relatives of the victims will attend. Canon-in-residence Philip Buckler will open the service. A Lesson will be read by US Ambassador William S Parish; Lieutenant Frank Dwyer of the New York Police Department will light a candle;Prayers will be lead by Cardinal Cormac Murphy O-Connor, Archbishop of Westminster and Commissioner Gisele Gowans, Salvation Army World President of Women's Ministries. The service at St Paul's is one of many hundreds taking place across the UK and Ireland today. At 5.30 pm there will be a Mass for peace and victims of terrorism at Westminster Cathedral. Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O'Connor will give the homily. In Birmingham, Archbishop Vincent Nichols will be celebrating a Memorial Mass at St Chad's Cathedral at 6.00pm. For details of other services check the listings page, and diocesan and parish links.