Banners, yard signs cry out for peace

As an extension of what he has termed the “New Battle of New Orleans,” Archbishop Gregory Aymond commissioned the printing of a 4-by-17-foot banner with the words, “‘Thou shalt not kill’ – God.” The banner was hung Oct. 5 so that it could be visible to the thousands of daily commuters on I-10 who pass by the archdiocesan office building at 1000 Howard Ave. Another large banner will be hung near Notre Dame Seminary on South Carrollton Avenue.

In addition, the archdiocese has printed 5,000 yards signs with the same message and plans to distribute them initially through parishes. “I know that God changes hearts,” Archbishop Aymond said. “One violent act or one murder is one too many.” Archbishop Aymond launched the New Battle of New Orleans on Jan. 8, 2010, the feast of Our Lady of Prompt Succor. Catholics across the archdiocese have been reciting a family prayer at Mass that asks for the Blessed Mother’s intercession for an end to violence, murder and racism, and the archdiocese has expanded its mentoring and family counseling programs. The archbishop said he hopes the banners and yard signs will “increase awareness that we are all in this together and add a spiritual tone to this battle.” Also, he said, “Some people who are disposed to violence and murder might see these signs and think twice. If we have thousands of these signs all over the archdiocese, perhaps someone will have a second thought.”