US Basilica illuminated in honor of death penalty repeal
Baltimore, 04 May 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 18th 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, reported Catholic World News.
“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.”