Roman Catholic Pilgrimage.

In February 1889 a shrine was erected in the Roman Catholic chapel, St Thomas’.

An article in the Ilkeston Advertiser of 23rd May 1891 spoke of a re-awakening of interest in Dale Abbey under the priest Father McCarthy.

*A pilgrimage was first held in 1891, Whit Monday.  High Mass was celebrated by the Bishop of Nottingham with a temporary altar under the east window.  The chapter house was used as a reception room for clergy and choir.
Mr Gregory of Nottingham Cathedral was on the organ (WARD).
According to the Pioneer 22 May 1891 ‘A pilgrimage to Our Lady of Dale’:  there were pilgrims even from London;  Father P.J. McCarthy assisted, with priests from miles around, an organ and a large choir;  the sermon notes are extant.

*There were pilgrimages in 1889, 1894, and 1939 (C43).
Trueman and Marston History of Ilkeston, 1899 records Fri 18 May 1894 100 pilgrims from Stockport arriving in Ilkeston by train, processing to Dale led by a brass band, singing at the cave. (p. 344).  They held a Mass in the church.

According to the Pioneer 12 Jun 1908  the Whit pilgrimage occasioned the setting-up of sweet stalls in the village.

The Advertiser 21 Jun 1957 describes a pilgrimage of over 200 pilgrims, which began at the crossroads.  Father J. Murdock wasin charge at Ilkeston.  They used a PA system and there was a very Marian sermon by Father A. Parisotti.  This was held on the west side of the arch.

There was a service in the nave one summer Sunday in 1984 or 5, in torrential rain, which one local cleric said was a sign of God’s disapproval at the event!  (MY OWN MEMORY).