A new sculpture in honour of past pupils who suffered abuse at the hands of the Jesuits, has been unveiled at St Francis Xavier Church on Gardiner Street in Dublin.
The sculpture, symbolising betrayal and sorrow, was created by artist Jon Coll and sits on a plinth on the church steps.
It is inscribed with the words: “In tribute to all the victims of abuse by those who should have protected and nurtured you. The Irish Jesuits 2024.”
Replicas of the sculpture, titled Heart Wheel, will be displayed in Jesuit schools across the country, including Belvedere, Gonzaga, Clongowes Wood, Crescent College, and Coláiste Iognáid.
“As children, we learn to trust our parents to provide us with food and protection,” Mr Coll said.
“We learn to trust our siblings, and from that familial trust, we gradually learn how to interact with and trust others as we grow and develop.
“Abuse of a child breaks that sacred trust. Breach of trust has a profound effect on the emotional and physical development of the survivor.
“It affects how they see themselves, how they interact with others, and how they view the world.
“As part of the restorative process initiated by the Jesuits for those affected by the abuse of Joseph Marmion SJ, the Jesuit Order felt there should be some public gesture of atonement.
“I was approached by the Provincial of the Jesuits to take on this project. I agreed with some trepidation, as this was an area I was not familiar with,” he added.
The final design focuses on a heart-shaped wheel symbolising the emotional lives of survivors, fractured by trauma yet still able to move forward, embodying hope and the possibility of repair.
A quote from T.S. Eliot's Murder in the Cathedral was also included: “Forgive us, pray for us, that we may pray for you out of our shame.”
The sculpture was created using a detailed bronze casting process, involving the creation of silicone moulds, the pouring of molten bronze, and a final patina treatment.
According to Shane Daly SJ, Irish Jesuit Provincial, the purpose of the memorial is two-fold.
“The memorialising work preserves and honours the memory of those who have suffered abuse,” he said.
“It is also a reminder of the need for constant vigilance to ensure the safety and care that children and young people deserve as of right.”