Organisers of a solidarity march for victims of abuse in religious-run institutions have asked people attending the procession to wear a white ribbon and bring a child’s shoe.
Survivors of child abuse in 216 institutions managed by 18 religious congregations have issued an open invitation to the public to attend a “march of solidarity” with them in Dublin tomorrow.
It will leave the Garden of Remembrance, Parnell Square, at noon. Participants are requested to wear a white ribbon and to march silently to the Dáil via O’Connell Street.
One banner, reading “Cherishing all the children of the nation equally”, will be carried.
At the Dáil, march leaders Christine Buckley, John Kelly, Noel Barry and Michael O’Brien will present a “petition of solidarity” to Sr Marianne O’Connor of Cori and Br Kevin Mullan of the Christian Brothers.
It will read: “We the people of Ireland join in solidarity and call for justice, accountability, restitution and repatriation for the unimaginable crimes committed against the children of our country by religious orders in 216 institutions.”
Ms Buckley said: “We think it very symbolic as we were very young children when we entered these hell-holes and now we are for the most part broken adults”.
The petition is available at www.irishsolidarity.com and people are requested to bring a signed copy on the march with them.
Those who cannot join the march are asked to post signed copies to PO Box 11618, Swords, Co Dublin.