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Nuns Against Gun Violence Call to Action

Posted on November 1, 2023, by Mary Ann McGivern SL

Large sculpture of a gun with the barrel tied in a knot, it is placed behind many flags of the world.
Photo of “Non-Violence” also known as The Knotted Gun, sculpture by Swedish artist Carl Fredrik Reuterswärd.
Photo by Beth Blissman

We stand

Full of sorrow, full of tears

Full of fears,

Twisting in the wind, reeling in horror;

We stand with mourners;

We stand with first responders;

We stand against violence.

We stand together, sharing our anguish, holding steady together.

Full of sorrow, full of tears

On Oct. 25, a shooter killed 18 people in Lewiston, Maine. The violence shocked us. Even a thousand miles away, we were afraid. It is only by standing together that we can rise above our fear and seek ways to change our culture and choose life.

Nuns Against Gun Violence formed this year to join calls for gun safety legislation and to stand with victims and survivors. Sixty congregations are members so far, including Loretto. I attend a meeting every two weeks where members report ongoing work. Other Lorettos who want to do the work are invited. 

A National Vigil for all Victims of Gun Violence will be held Wednesday, Dec. 6. The Loretto Peace Committee joins with Nuns Against Gun Violence, urging Loretto members to participate in this vigil. Many cities and towns will hold events remembering their dead.

Mary Ann McGivern SL

Mary Ann lives at the Loretto Motherhouse in Kentucky. She is one of the homilists at Sunday services. She and Mary Swain SL write letters to Congress on behalf of the Community. Mary Ann is leading a call to the governor to commute the sentences of men in Kentucky who are on death row. She remains an active board member of the Peace Economy Project in St. Louis.
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Loretto welcomes you

Learn more or plan a visit to the Motherhouse!