Catholic Sisters Launch “Put the Guns Down” Campaign Across Baltimore
Baltimore, MD — [May 27, 2025] — In a bold act of compassion and advocacy, the Sisters of Bon Secours, USA, in partnership with seven other congregations of Catholic sisters in the Baltimore area, are launching a city-wide advertising campaign this June during Gun Violence Awareness Month. This campaign, titled “Put the Guns Down,” aims to raise awareness about gun violence, engage people in advocacy and promote peace in the community
The initiative features powerful visual ads displayed on the outside of city buses, inside select buses, and on Baltimore-area Metro Subway transit lines. These ads are designed to reach thousands of residents daily with a simple, urgent plea: choose peace, protect lives, and end the cycle of gun violence.
“The Catholic sisters have long stood for the dignity of every human life,” said Sister Elaine Davia, CBS, Area Leader of the Sisters of Bon Secours in the US. “Through this campaign, we hope to be a visible and vocal presence in the city, calling for an end to the senseless violence that takes so many lives, especially young lives.”
The coalition of local Catholic sisters are supporting this campaign as part of their broader commitments to social justice, public safety, and nonviolence. This collaborative effort underscores a shared concern for the well-being of Baltimore residents and a unified belief that faith must act in times of crisis.
By leveraging public transportation spaces, the sisters aim to spread hope and awareness, while encouraging conversations around community healing and systemic change.
Progress made on gun violence prevention in the city of Baltimore is at risk because of recent changes made by the federal government, including the loss of federal grants, and a bill being advanced by Congress to allow permitless concealed carry of firearms across state lines.
The eight congregations participating in the “Put the Guns Down” campaign are:
- Benedictine Sisters of Baltimore Emmanuel Monastery
- Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul, Province of St. Louise
- Mission Helpers of the Sacred Heart
- Oblate Sisters of Providence
- School Sisters of Notre Dame, Atlantic Midwest Province
- Sisters of Bon Secours, USA
- Sisters of Mercy of the Americas
- Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, U.S. East-West Province
The campaign will run throughout the month of June 2025 for Gun Violence Awareness Month in the United States.
For more information visit: Put the Guns Down web page.
Media Contact:
Liz O’Neill
Communications Director, Sisters of Bon Secours, USA
410-442-3164