Baltimore: basilica illuminated in honor of death penalty repeal

May 03, 2013

The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Baltimore was illuminated overnight on May 2 in honor of the Maryland’s repeal of the death penalty.

“This is a historic moment for Maryland as we become the eighteenth state to eliminate the death penalty,” said Mary Ellen Russell, executive director of the Maryland Catholic Conference. “In honor of this joyful moment and long-sought victory to end the death penalty in our state, the Basilica in Baltimore will be lit at dusk and will shine overnight for Maryland.”

Bishop Stephen Blaire of Stockton, chairman of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development, welcomed the repeal.

“Americans are beginning to realize that we can do better than the death penalty both to punish crime and keep our society safe,” said Bishop Blaire. “We welcome the decision by the Maryland legislature and Governor O'Malley to abolish the use of the death penalty in Maryland. This is a courageous step toward a culture of life.”

 

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Further information:

• Bishop Blaire Welcomes Repeal Of Death Penalty In Maryland (USCCB)
• Maryland Repeals the Death Penalty (Maryland Catholic Conference)
• Baltimore Basilica to be Illuminated in Honor of Maryland Death Penalty Repeal (Archdiocese of Baltimore)