“It is an occasion where hundreds of thousands of people gather. Wherever people gather is the place to be and it is what Pope Francis wants us to do – to get out and be out among the people,” says Bishop Fintan Monahan.

The way forward is to seek the truth, to reveal and address the damage of the past and to ensure that mothers and children are cherished and respected and never stigmatised again.

“I can only begin to imagine the huge emotional wrench which the mothers suffered in giving up their babies for adoption or by witnessing their death,” says Archbishop of Tuam.

Departure of Sr Consilia Dennehy brings to a close congregation's presence in the city after 143 years.