Sister Helen Prejean to visit Villa Maria College for special campus event

Members of WNY community invited to join Villa’s student body for discussion on death penalty in morning, community forum in afternoon

Villa Maria College Press Release

Author, lecturer and activist Sister Helen Prejean is set to visit Villa Maria College on March 18.

Sister Helen is best known for her groundbreaking book, “Dead Man Walking: An Eyewitness Account of the Death Penalty in the United States,” which sparked a national conversation about capital punishment and was later adapted into an Academy Award-winning film, an acclaimed opera, and, most recently, a graphic novel.

“Dead Man Walking” tells the story of death-row inmates Patrick Sonnier and Robert Lee Willie. Both were killed in the electric chair, and Sister Helen was present for both executions. The book examines crime, punishment, justice, mercy and redemption, and its publication ignited a national debate on capital punishment.

In preparation for her visit to campus, the college is screening “Dead Man Walking” in its auditorium at 5 p.m. Tuesday, March 17. On Wednesday, March 18, Sister Helen will speak on her first-hand experience as a spiritual adviser to death row inmates. Her remarks will explore themes of mercy, compassion, restorative justice, and the moral responsibility to uphold the dignity of all people. At 2 p.m. on the same day, Sister Helen will host a community forum regarding the death penalty and social justice in the college’s recital hall.

These events are open to all members of the Villa Community and are part of the college’s ongoing efforts to provide transformative learning experiences that challenge students to think critically, act compassionately, and engage meaningfully with the world around them.

“Sister Helen Prejean’s work aligns deeply with Villa Maria College’s mission,” said Dr. Don Monnin, Villa’s vice president for mission. “Her remarks will explore themes that are deeply connected to our core values, especially justice and peace, respect for human dignity, and compassion. Her message will challenge you to consider the impact of the death penalty from perspectives beyond that of the convicted.”

Since the publication of “Dead Man Walking,” Sister Helen has penned two additional books: “The Death of Innocents: An Eyewitness Account of Wrongful Executions,” and her memoir, “River of Fire: My Spiritual Journey.”

Her work as an activist has been widely recognized worldwide. She has delivered more than 50 commencement addresses to college and university graduates. In addition, she has won multiple awards, including the Blessed are the Peacemakers Award from Catholic Theological Union, the World Pacem in Terris Award, and the Pax Christi USA Pope Paul VI Teacher of Peace Award.

Villa Maria College is a private, Catholic college, founded in 1961 by the Felician Sisters and located in Buffalo. For more information, call 716-896-0700 or visit www.villa.edu.