Prayers and Vigils

Walk alongside Christ on his journey from death sentence to execution while meditating on the need to end the death penalty and promote restorative justice.

God who forgives,
We will never comprehend the depth of your mercy, 
which brings saints and sinners alike into your embrace.

On July 17, 2020 a man named Dustin Lee Honken recited a poem called "Heaven-Haven" in the moments before his execution at the United States Penitentiary in Terre Haute, Indiana.

O God, Trinity of love, from the profound communion of your divine life, pour out upon us a torrent of fraternal love.

An Original Prayer by Sr. Addie Lorraine Walker, SSND

Sr. Addie Walker, SSND, wrote and shared the following prayer in honor of the Virtual Prayer Vigil held for Christopher Vialva on Thursday, Sept. 28th, 2020. Mr. Vialva was executed hours later by the federal government.

As you say this prayer, whether in solitude or with others, we invite you to remember all persons impacted by the death penalty.

Please enjoy this prayer from our friends at Education for Justice, written by Bill Griffin, CFX & Katherine Feely, SND.

A Prayer to Abolish the Death Penalty

Gracious God, Source of all Life,You bestow your life and love on each of us and call us to be a just and merciful people.Guide our efforts to work for justice in our legal system.

This Good Friday, join us in praying for the 15 people who have been executed since Good Friday 2020 and for an end to all executions.

Each year, Catholic Mobilizing Network offers a collection of Lenten Reflections as a way to integrate our shared call to end the death penalty and promote restorative justice with our personal Lenten journeys of repentance and preparation.