All invited to join Our Lady of Grace Ipswich pilgrimage

All are invited to join the Ecumenical Guild of Our Lady of Grace of Ipswich annual pilgrimage walk through the town on Sunday September 8, which Bishop Peter Collins is due to attend.

Starting outside St Peter’s at the Quay, IP4 1BF, it will process via the site of the mediaeval Shrine in Lady Lane, ending at St Mary-at-the-Elms, IP1 2AA.

All are welcome at this ecumenical event from 3pm to 4.15pm. One of the organisers, Jean Johnson, said: “The route was planned by Cardinal Wolsey, and it traces the paths once walked by numerous pilgrims. Historically, the Shrine of Our Lady of Grace was a major religious site in England, second only to Walsingham.

“Wolsey planned a procession from his college to the shrine, set to take place in September 1528. Our pilgrimage walk, which follows his route, first occurred in September 1978, exactly 450 years to the day later. It has taken place every year since, and  includes hymns, prayers, and recitation of the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary. Born in 1473, Ipswich’s renowned figure, Cardinal Wolsey, overcame early criticisms due to his humble background to become an influential figure in the King’s Court.

“Between 1526 and 1528, Wolsey returned to Ipswich to establish the Cardinal’s College of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Although his college was eventually dismantled, Wolsey’s influence on Ipswich remains strong. Our Lady of Grace of Ipswich is the patron of our town.”

The event is organised by the Guild of Our Lady of Grace of Ipswich.

Read a report on last year’s walk here.

Pictured above is last year’s Our Lady of Grace of Ipswich annual pilgrimage walk.

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