Nuns Against Gun Violence Call to Action
Posted on November 1, 2023, by Mary Ann McGivern SL
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.