Sr. Helen Prejean: Advocate Against Death Penalty & Author Dead Man Walking

Helen Prejean got into her ministry against the death penalty almost by accident in her early forties, with a decision to write to a prisoner on death row. She credits “Sneaky Jesus” for this idea, which changed her life. Her 1993 book, Dead Man Walking, made into a movie, brought her onto the national stage.

Today Sister Prejean is still the most prominent voice against the death penalty in the U.S. She urged Popes John Paul II and Francis to change church teaching to oppose capital punishment in any circumstance, which finally happened in 2018.

This doesn’t mean, however, that the battle is winding down. The governor of Prejean’s home state Louisianna, has ended a 15-year pause on executions. The new administration in Washington has pledged to ramp up the death penalty. Because more than 60 pharmaceutical companies refuse to supply drugs for use in executions, states are turning to firing squads, electrocution, and use of nitrogen gas to suffocate prisoners. Race still plays a huge role in who is sentenced to death.

So there’s plenty of work to be done. “Have to do it,” says Sr. Helen Prejean. “Can’t not do it.”

Sister Helen Prejean is known around the world for her tireless work against the death penalty. She has been instrumental in sparking national dialogue on capital punishment and in shaping the Catholic Church’s vigorous opposition to all executions.

Born on April 21, 1939, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, she joined the Sisters of St. Joseph in 1957. After studies in the USA and Canada, she spent the following years teaching high school, and serving as the Religious Education Director at St. Frances Cabrini Parish in New Orleans and the Formation Director for her religious community.

In 1982, she moved into the St. Thomas Housing Project in New Orleans in order to live and work with the poor. While there, Sister Helen began corresponding with Patrick Sonnier, who had been sentenced to death for the M**der of two teenagers. Two years later, when Patrick Sonnier was put to death in the electric chair, Sister Helen was there to witness his execution. In the following months, she became spiritual advisor to another death row inmate, Robert Lee Willie, who was to meet the same fate as Sonnier.

After witnessing these executions, Sister Helen realized that this lethal ritual would remain unchallenged unless its secrecy was stripped away, and so she sat down and wrote a book, Dead Man Walking hit the shelves when national support for the death penalty was over 80% and, in Sister Helen’s native Louisiana, closer to 90%. The book ignited a national debate on capital punishment and it inspired an Academy Award winning movie, a play and an opera. Sister Helen also embarked on a speaking tour that continues to this day.

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LUNCHEON LOCATION:

All meetings are held at The Union League Club - Lincoln Ballroom on the 6th floor at 65 West Jackson Blvd (1/2 block east of Clark). Upon entering the ULC, you will be directed to the check-in location.

THE UNION LEAGUE CLUB DRESS CODE:

The Union League Club Dress Code is Smart Casual, a relaxed, well-dressed look which may include jeans with no visible rips or tears, denim, and collared shirts. Athletic wear, tennis shoes, t-shirts or hats are not permitted.

PARKING AT THE UNION LEAGUE CLUB:

Valet Parking is available at Union League's Federal Street Entrance (no discount to attendees).

Discounted parking as low as $10 for All First Friday Club Attendees is available through the in the South Loop Self Park, 318 S. Federal St, Chicago (self parking in the garage on the northwest corner of Federal and Van Buren). For information on this special offer, click the following link:

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION:

The Club is just two blocks from the LaSalle Street Metra Station, six blocks from Union Metra Station and only blocks from every EL Station.

Info: Elevators are provided along with stairs to reach the 6th floor venue. Coat check, located on the first floor, is required with no charge. Please note: the coat check line can be long dependent on other events taking place at the Union League Club.

Info: Three course meal is provided. When registering, please specify any dietary restrictions for you and your guests plus any seating requests. Table assignments will be listed outside the Lincoln Ballroom. First Friday board members will also be available to assist with seating.

Info: Speaker will be introduced followed by her presentation.

Info: Questions will be taken from the audience during the last 10 minutes. A roving microphone will be provided. Please keep questions short and to the point.

Info: Tickets for the next month's speaker can be purchased before and after the luncheon at the welcome table, right outside the Lincoln Ballroom. Credit card and checks accepted.

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