CMN's Lenten Reflections are authored by Catholics and people of faith working to transform the broken U.S. criminal legal system. Each week, subscribers receive a reflection on the Gospel readings delivered to their inbox.
In honor of Thanksgiving, we pray for a more expansive kind of gratitude.
Pope Francis has dedicated the month of September to praying for the global abolition of the death penalty. Watch the Pope's Prayer Video, launching this month of prayer.
Pray with us for an end to state-sanctioned violence in our modern time.
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.
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.
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.
“Todos los cristianos y hombres de buena voluntad están llamadas hoy a trabajar no sólo por la abolición de la pena de muerte, sino también para mejorar las condiciones de las cárceles, en el respeto de la dignidad humana de las personas privadas de libertad.” - Papa Francisco
Pledge to Pray with Pope Francis for the global abolition of the death penalty. Add your personal intention to be lifted up in communal prayer.
