The Spiritual Life with Fr. James Martin, S.J. The spiritual journey behind Sr. Helen Prejean’s fight to end the death penalty
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Jan 13, 2026 Sister Helen Prejean, a Catholic sister and renowned anti-death penalty advocate, shares her extraordinary journey in this engaging discussion. She recounts how her death-row ministry began with a pen-pal invitation and led her to accompany inmates like Pat Sonnier. The conversation explores deep themes of dignity, forgiveness, and the evolving stance of the Church on capital punishment. Sister Helen emphasizes the importance of listening, spiritual practices, and discernment, urging us all to recognize the humanity in everyone, even in the most challenging circumstances.
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Church Teaching On Capital Punishment Shifted
- Catholic teaching on the death penalty evolved from acceptance to calling it 'inadmissible' under Pope Francis.
- Sister Helen's witness and public dialogue helped shift Church conscience over decades.
How A Pen Pal Became A Lifelong Witness
- Sister Helen began death-row work as a simple pen pal and then became spiritual advisor to Pat Sonnier, which led her to witness his execution.
- That encounter awakened her to the injustice and prompted lifelong advocacy against the death penalty.
Patience Plants Change Over Time
- Social change unfolds organically like a seed; patient witness and storytelling prepare soil for doctrinal change.
- Long-term patience and exposing people to hidden realities shifts public conscience.
