Prejean, Helen (1939–)

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Prejean, Helen (1939–)

American nun and death-penalty opponent. Name variations: Sister Helen Prejean C.S.J. Born April 21, 1939, in Baton Rouge, LA; dau. of a lawyer and a nurse; St. Mary's Dominican College, BA, 1962; St. Paul's University in Ottawa, MA in religious education, 1973.

Joined the Sisters of St. Joseph of Medaille in New Orleans (1957); began her prison ministry (1981); wrote Dead Man Walking: An Eyewitness Account of the Death Penalty in the United States (1993); served as chair of the board of the National Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty (1993–95). Received the Peace Prize of the City of Ypres (2005).

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