Peace vigil photos part 1

by Ciaron O'Reilly - Dublin Catholic Worker Wed Mar 05, 2003 21:33 ciaronx at hotmail dot com 087 918 4552

Today outside the Dublin G.P.O. the Catholic Worker and multi faith/no faith friends held an anti-war Ash Wednesday Ceremony. A shrine was constructed of photos of Iraqi children, flowers, incense.

Ciaron O'Reilly, recently released from Limerick Prison following the disabling of a U.S. Navy war plane, burnt his high court injunction imposed by Air Rianta. U.S dollars were also burnt to provide the ceremonial ash.

Folks (Irish, North American, English, Australian)
gathered in the circle and shared their personal reasons for opposing the war. At the conclusion of the ceremony medical supplies were mailed to the Red Crescent in Baghdad breaking the sanctions.

O'Reilly stated,
"This ceremeony is one of a series taking place around the world. Catholic Workers in Washington D.C. will be witnessing at the White House. In London folks will mark the Ministry of Defence headquarters with ash. In Australia they will be blockading military recruitment centres. Catholic Workers inprisoned in Ireland and the United States will have a day of prayer and vigil.

Catholic Workers are also part of the continuing presence for peace in Baghdad. Michael Bermingham from Dublin is also there. They have issued a statement calling for pre-emptive nonviolent resistance actions.

Ash Wednesday is an appropriate time for nonviolent resistance to the war. Ash reminds us of the cost of war and also of our own mortality. Issues the United States as an empire is in complete denial about. Like all the empires that have preceeded them - Roman, Egyptiian, British, they seek to gain dominion over all the world's people and resources. Empires believe they will continue forever at any cost. We refuse to be silenced by the threats of injunctions or the bribes of cash and accomadation. We hope all peoples of all faiths will join together in opposing the genocidal sanctions on Iraq and the escalation of this war."

More information
Contact Ciaron O'Reilly 087 918 4552

by Che Wed Mar 05, 2003 22:11

Its great to see focus on O Connel st. shifting from the repulsive spire to a worthy cause such as todays ceremony. I wish you all the best in the future and you never know maybe one day the Irish government will pull down the symbol of Dublins drug culture and erect a monument dedicated to those willing to face imprisonment in an effort to stop this imperialist war.

by Seanin Thu Mar 06, 2003 02:04

It's a nice object and fits into the streetscape surprisingly well.

Miserable looking bunch of stragglers at this farce today, judging by the pictures. Looks like their doen to their core support (the usual bunch of malcontents).

by Jim Dodrill Thu Mar 06, 2003 23:22 Australia

These people should be commended for acting out thier faith and opposing the greed and violence of the United States. The Irish government is aiding and abetting the U.S. government in their plan to attack Iraq. There is no justification for a war with Iraq and our faith and our humanity command us to take action to prevent the murder of thousands of fellow human beings in Iraq.

Great Work. Keep it up folks.

God Bless
Jim

by Seanin Fri Mar 07, 2003 03:57

Waht are you expecting? Another Dresden? Coventry? Innocent people get killed by US bombs in Iraq because their despotic leader does nothing to shield them. In fact, it suits his PR.

Warfare has moved on a bit from WW2. This is the best chance Iraqis have had in years to be finally free. Do you want another 1,000,000 dead from UN sanctions?

Do you think peaceful metods will shift that psycho tyrant?

Please, keep an open mind.