In April 1951 it was announced that Father Laurence Gallon, parish priest at St Patrick’s, Sheffield, would be appointed parish priest at St Mary’s in succession to the late Father Peter McBride. Within months of arriving, Batley St Mary of the Angels held its first Torchlight Procession, an annual event for which the parish is still known today.
That first procession was held on Monday 15 October, and a brief account appeared in the Batley News on Saturday, 20 October 1951. I have re-produced the write-up below.
The Lighted Way to Peace
A crowd estimated at 20,000 lined the streets and Market Place of Batley on Monday evening to see a demonstration for peace by some 4,000 Catholics who formed a torchlight procession from St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, Cross Bank, to the Market Place by way of Cemetery Road, Clerk Green, Wellington Street and Commercial Street.
Police cars escorted the procession and Police controlled the crowd that had gathered in the Market Square where an altar was erected.
As the procession slowly made its way towards the illuminated altar, which was laden with flowers, the “Ave Maria” echoed through the air. The singing gradually increased to a tremendous volume and as the double file of figures, holding lighted candles, criss-crossed diagonally across the square, many people in the crowd joined in the hymn.
The idea of the diagonal movement of the procession came from Lourdes, where the pilgrims have to climb a hill, on which the paths meander across the slopes. The torches were also from Lourdes.
Intercession for peace
The purpose of the procession was to pray for the Virgin Mary to intercede for world peace. Roman Catholics from Dewsbury, Batley Carr, Birstall, Ossett and other surrounding districts were taking part.
Father L. Gallon, parish priest of St. Mary’s, who had directed them through the streets, climbed the steps to the altar dais and from there led the singers in their hymn.
The chorus of “Aves” in which the voices of men, women and children mingled together, went on until he began his address which was relayed so that those on the outer fringe of the crowd were able to hear.
Father Gallon said that the celebrations had been held in response to an appeal made by the Pope a few days ago, to pray for peace throughout the world. “The whole world is looking for peace. How strange it is that this peace seems to be receding further and further from us. It is well that we realise the fact that in the world to-day there are strange and evil forces working to prevent peace.”
“We are here to pray to Mary for peace for England, Europe and the whole world.”
Father W. Backhouse, parish priest of Dewsbury, was Celebrant at Benediction.
Other priests who assisted were: Father P. Creed, Father B. Monaghan,1 Father J. Molony of Birstall, Father W. Butler of Ossett, Father L. Cox and Father L. May of Batley Carr, and Father P. J. Bradley, of Middleton, Leeds.
Priest’s thanks
May I, through the courtesy of your columns, thank the good people of Batley for the respect shown during the torchlight procession on Monday. Their religious appreciation of the event was to me a source of great edification. To the Police, the St. John Ambulance and other civic officials I offer my most sincere thanks.
I would like to take this opportunity of stating that, with permission, the torchlight procession is to be an annual feature in the spiritual life of Batley. It is my sincere wish, that perhaps, in coming years, other Christians will join us in giving glory to God through His Most Holy Mother, Mary.
God bless you all, and may our Dear Lady pray for you.
Yours Sincerely in Christ.
Laurence Gallon
Parish Priest.
The address is as relevant today as it was back in October 1951.
Footnote:
1. The curates at St Mary’s, whose appointments were only announced at the end of July 1951.
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