A resident of Bolesławiec sent our editorial office photographs and a video recording made outside the parish house of the basilica on Kościelna Street. Several pairs of children’s shoes were placed in front of the building’s door, and chocolate bars were laid out.
It is not known who left the shoes or exactly when they were placed there. The motives of the people responsible for the action are also unknown.
For years, however, children’s shoes have appeared in public spaces as a symbol commemorating victims of sexual violence against children. In many countries, they have been used during social campaigns drawing attention to cases of sexual abuse and allegations that institutions concealed such crimes.
One of the best-known initiatives was the international “Baby Shoes Remember” campaign, which originated in Ireland and later also reached Poland. As part of the protests, participants left or hung children’s shoes near churches and church buildings. The symbol was intended to remind people of those who had been harmed in childhood and to express solidarity with victims.
At this stage, however, there is no information allowing us to determine whether the incident in Bolesławiec is connected with this initiative or another social campaign.
In connection with the matter, we contacted the basilica’s parish priest, Father Bogusław Wolański, with questions. We asked whether the parish knew who had left the shoes and whether it intended to comment on the incident.
We will publish the response as soon as we receive it.