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Sr. Helen Prejean to Speak in Gaylord

September 26, 2000

Sr. Helen Prejean, author of "Dead Man Walking: An Eyewitness Account of the Death Penalty in the U.S." is scheduled to speak in Gaylord on Thursday, October 12. Sr. Helen was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and has lived and worked in that state all of her life. She joined the Sisters of St. Joseph of Medaille in 1957. Her credentials include a B.A. in English from St. Mary's Dominican College in New Orleans and a M.A. in Religious Studies from St. Paul University in Ottawa, Canada. She has taught junior and senior high school and been a director of religious education for her community. In 1981, she began counseling death row inmates at the Louisiana State Penitentiary, and continues that ministry today. She has accompanied five men to execution. She also works with murder victims' families and founded a group in New Orleans called "Survive." She is also an honorary member of "Murder Victims for Reconciliation." Her encounter with Robert Lee Willie, a convicted murderer and rapist, is the subject of her book, "Dead Man Walking." The book, which was on the best seller list of the New York Times for 31 weeks, was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize. In 1996, it was made into a motion picture starring Susan Sarandon, who won a Best Actress Oscar for her portrayal of Sr. Helen. When asked about the impact the book and film has had, Sr. Helen replied, "I think the key difference is that the film has brought [the community] into the discussion on the death penalty. They feel like they have been there. . .they feel like they are participants now in the discussion in a way that we never have had before." Sr. Helen is scheduled to speak at a luncheon on Thursday, October 12 for the broadcast and print media of the area in appreciation for their support and coverage of news and events throughout the Catholic Diocese of Gaylord. At 7:00 p.m., there will be a presentation for the general public at the Diocesan Pastoral Center, 611 North Street in Gaylord. Sr. Helen will share stories of her ministry and her involvement with Moratorium 2000, which seeks a moratorium on the death penalty in the United States and other countries. There will also be a question and answer period. Copies of her book, "Dead Man Walking," will be on hand for $13. Sr. Helen will be happy to autograph books following her talk. All proceeds from the sale of the books goes to Moratorium 2000. Candace Neff, Director of the Secretariat for Communications at the Diocese, stated, "We feel greatly honored to have an opportunity like this in northern Michigan. It is not often that a celebrity of this caliber comes to our area, and Sr. Helen is a celebrity of the best kind -- she is an advocate for human rights, a champion of forgiveness and reconciliation." There is no need to register for the evening event. If you have any questions, feel free to contact the Secretariat for Communications at 517/732-5147.