Pray

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

This reflection was originally shared at CMN's virtual First Friday Prayer Vigil on Oct. 1, 2021. Learn more about our monthly prayer vigils and RSVP to attend.

"Then the woman said to Peter,
'You are not also one of this man’s disciples, are you?'
He said, 'I am not.'
Now the slaves and the police had made a charcoal fire because it was cold and were standing around it warming themselves.
Peter was also standing there keeping warm."

Today is the feast of Saint Maximilian Kolbe, patron saint of prisoners and the pro-life movement, and the victim of a state-sponsored execution. There's 

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.

Watch the recorded Virtual Prayer Vigils held in lamentation of the federal government's 2020 restart of federal executions after a 17-year hiatus.