Philomena Lee (above fourth right) with members of the Tuam Mother and Baby Home Alliance at the grave (top) of Philomena’s son Michael Hess (born Anthony)
Yesterday.
Sean Ross Abbey, Roscrea, County Tipperary.
Tuam survivors joined the annual pilgrimage taken by Philomena Lee a to commemorate her forcibly-adopted son ‘Anthony’.
Anthony was sold to an American couple and he arranged to be buried at the Abbey in the hope that his mother would find his grave.
Philomena’s story was dramatised in a 2013 film starring Judi Dench,
Breeda Murphy, of the Tuam and Baby Home Alliance, writes:
We attended the Memorial yesterday at Sean Ross where Philomena was in attendance with her daughter Jane. She truly is an incredible lady. Returning year on year to speak at the event remembering her beloved son, Anthony known as Michael Hess who is buried on the site.
Meanwhile…
Contrary to this article’s claim, there’s no evidence of a guarantee of secrecy, yet ample proof of natural mothers being forced to swear to never contact their children. Photo is Philomena’s (@LibbertonJane) consent form, reproduced in Sixsmith’s book https://t.co/KBagbAwxhp pic.twitter.com/cYE9bRN8cT
— Claire McGettrick (@cmcgettrick) July 4, 2019
Pics: Breeda Murphy
