A major annual march celebrating Christianity says it expects record crowds to turn out this Saturday and points to Katie Taylor’s recent boxing triumph which ‘centered Christ’ as an example of a resurgence in public expressions of faith.
Pastor John Ahern, an organiser of the March for Jesus, said that the event “has experienced remarkable growth since its revival in 2024 following a 30-year pause.”
“More than 12,000 people took part in the first year of its return, while attendance surged to over 20,000 last year. Organisers now anticipate that this year’s gathering could reach an impressive 50,000 participants,” he said, adding that more than 100 churches are involved in pulling the March together.
“This event transcends religion and religious affiliation- if you love Jesus, if you follow Jesus, come along. And just the same – if you are curious to know Jesus come along!” he said, reflecting on the sense of unity witnessed across Ireland earlier this month.
“Having watched our nation come together recently for Katie Taylor’s final boxing match, I think most people were refreshed and uplifted by the sense of unity the event created,” he said.
“She centered Christ in her powerful ring walk in front of an audience of millions,” Pastor Ahern said. “It was an unforgettable moment, and I believe many hearts will have been stirred watching Katie’s entrance that Saturday, as they heard ‘All Hail King Jesus’ playing out to a stadium filled with nearly 85 thousand people.”
“So, I’d say to people, if you were stirred and want to join with others who feel the same, come along, you are welcome.”
The march begins at 1.30pm at the Garden of Remembrance at Parnell Square on Saturday and proceeds to Merrion Square.
Pastor Ahern said the March for Jesus Dublin is a non-political, family-friendly event which “celebrates Christian identity, bringing together churches and believers from across Ireland to worship, pray, and publicly proclaim their faith in Jesus Christ in the heart of the capital.”
“You’ll hear the Word of God, live worship music and the message of hope,” he said. “There’s a sense of revival that’s growing, it’s not just the Katie Taylor effect though that’s absolutely real, but a sense that people are looking for more.”
Volunteers will be on hand at the Garden of Remembrance to distribute balloons and banners to attendees, organisers said.
“Families attending the event can also enjoy activities in the children’s tent following the march, including face painting and balloons, making it a welcoming day out for all ages.”
Pastor Ahern said that “the growing enthusiasm in Dublin reflects a wider global resurgence of March for Jesus events. In May, an estimated 7,000 people participated in London’s march from Marble Arch to Trafalgar Square, while similar events across Europe attracted tens of thousands more.”
“Elsewhere, approximately 2 million people took part in Brazil’s March for Jesus during the Corpus Christi holiday in June, while more than 6 million people filled the streets across Colombia last month, as multiple cities hosted the event simultaneously,” he added.