copies of Helen Prejean’s booksThe Campus Bookstore will sell copies of Helen Prejean’s books during her April 5 appearance on the UWindsor campus.

Opponent of capital punishment to discuss death row ministry

In 1982, Roman Catholic nun Helen Prejean became the spiritual advisor to Elmo Patrick Sonnier, a convicted murderer sentenced to die in the electric chair of Louisiana’s Angola State Prison.

Through her 1993 book Dead Man Walking and its 1995 film adaptation, Prejean recounted their journey together and became a leading advocate in the United States for the abolition of the death penalty.

She will reflect on her ministry counselling prisoners on death row in a free public presentation Tuesday, April 5. “Dead Man Walking: 20 years later” will begin at 7 p.m. in the Studio Theatre, Jackman Dramatic Art Centre and will feature a scene from the play Dead Man Walking, directed by drama professor Lionel Walsh.

Walsh first met Prejean at a theatre conference in New Orleans, where she delivered a keynote address. He says it is thrilling to have her present for the performance.

“I am excited that our student actors can help to enrich her talk,” he says. “This scene is a powerful statement of redemption and love and we feel truly honoured to be a part of the event.”

Assumption University presents the event as part of its Christian Culture Series. Admission is free but space is limited; register in advance by phoning 519-973-7033, ext. 0, or e-mailing cbertrand@assumptionu.ca.