THE DIGNITAS HUMANA AWARD
Presented to
SISTER HELEN PREJEAN, C.S.J.
on
OCTOBER 24TH, 2002
by
SAINT JOHN'S SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY AND SEMINARY
Collegeville, MN

Sister Helen Prejean – Through your compassion, mercy and tireless support for the unsupported, you exemplify the meaning of the word “Sister”.

You have dedicated your life to the work of Christ. You have served as a Sister of St. Joseph of Medaille since 1957; earned degrees in English, Education and religious education; educated Junior and Senior High School students; and continue to serve as the formation director for your fellow sisters at St. Joseph of Medaille.

Two decades ago, you dedicated your life to poor and disenfranchised inner city families, and began to counsel death row inmates at the Louisiana State Penitentiary. There your eyes were opened to the execution process and the untold plain and suffering it causes to the inmates, their families, and the families of he victims. You took this pain, and made it real to the world through your book “Dead Man Walking.”

Who could have predicted that your heartfelt compassion for the down-trodden would evolve into a national crusade for the sanctity of all human life?

You actively challenge the death penalty in forums throughout the United States. You focus the spotlight of reason on the profound moral contradiction that gives the state the power to kill in order to prove that murder is wrong.

Your message challenges us to look deep into our souls to forgive the unforgivable, to show mercy when our hearts cry out for revenge, and to follow the peaceful example set by Christ even when peace does not seem possible.

You have bridged the great chasm between healing for the loved ones of murder victims and mercy for those convicted of taking a life. You founded “Survive,” a victim's advocacy group, and you continue to personally provide solace to the families of murder victims.

Sister, Advocate, Peacemaker and Friend, you honor the sanctity of life and nourish the human dignity of people society has chosen to cast aside. With heartfelt gratitude for your efforts to champion the dignity of people everywhere, Saint John's School of Theology and Seminary, Collegeville, Minnesota, presents to you the “The Dignitas Humana Award”.