The visitors at St Albans cathedral this summer have the chance to see the medieval shrine of St Amphibalus restored to its former glory. 

The restoration began prior to coronavirus in 2019. But if you enter the shrine as it is now open for visitors, get ready to see the memory of coronavirus curved in stone!

Yes, the cathedral now features a figure wearing a facemask to acknowledge Covi-19.

A spokesman of the cathedral said that the figure “reminds us the history of St Albans stretches forwards as well as backwards.”

More than a thousand donors contributed to the restoration of the shrine. It was due to be unveiled in June last year but an escalating coronavirus crisis delayed the inauguration.

The diocese said that it is the first time in centuries that two medieval shrines can be appreciated together.

“The preservation of the surviving 14th Century carvings, the setting-out to allow restoration of missing sections and the interpretation and carving of these missing bits in the original spirit and style all presented unique challenges,” said Dr David Carrington, the director of Skillington Workshop that carried out the work.

The cathedral said in a statement that, “Amongst the range of carvings, visitors will be able to spot a modern addition of a face wearing a face-mask to commemorate the shrine’s restoration project taking place during the pandemic.”

“The newly restored Shrine of St Amphibalus creates a fresh focus for prayer, and is a beautiful way to tell part of the story of this extraordinary place to visitors.

“The masked figure reminds us that the history of St Albans stretches forwards as well as backwards, and pilgrims will be able to mark the latest chapter in the history of this cathedral alongside Amphibalus and Alban, who were there at the very beginning, said the Reverend Canon Abi Thompson, Acting Dean of the cathedral.

Mask up. Saint Alban is watching you.