Dead Man Walking

I had the opportunity to meet Sister Helen Prejean when she was on tour promoting her book Dead Man Walking. 

It told the story of her work with those serving time in the Louisiana State Penitentiary. Each was on death row, moving closer to their electrocution with every passing day.

The movie of the same name, starring Susan Sarandon and Sean Penn, had been released by the time Sister Helen and I crossed paths. It garnered Sarandon an Oscar, beating out Meryl Streep, Emma Thompson, and Sharon Stone, among others. 

Prejean was at the Academy Awards the night Sarandon won. After thanking the crew and movie glitterati, Sarandon urged those watching to find non-violent ways to end violence, giving voice to Sister Helen's most ardent wish.

All the lives lost through crime and crime's retribution diminish us, Sister Helen warned. She should know. She witnessed the killings.

“People are more than the worst thing they have ever done in their lives.” – Sister Helen Prejean