Claudia Guzman listens as Sister of St. Joseph Helen Prejean speaks on Sept. 14, 2018, at Holy Name Cathedral about her ministry of accompanying those sentenced to death. She also spoke Sept. 15 at the archdiocese’s Life and Justice conference. Both events were sponsored by the Department of Parish Vitality and Mission. (Karen Callaway /Chicago Catholic)

Sister of St. Joseph Helen Prejean with Robert Lee Willie at his Pardon Board meeting in November, 1984. Willie was killed in the electric chair on December 28, 1984. She was in Chicago to speak about her experiences, advocacy for social justice, and lifelong ministry of accompanying those who have sentenced to the death penalty at the Holy Name Cathedral Auditorium in Chicago on Sept.14. Sister Helen Prejean with Robert Lee Willie at his pardon board meeting in November 1984. Willie was executed by electric chair on Dec. 28, 1984. (Sister Helen Prejean Archives at DePaul University)

Sister of St. Joseph Helen Prejean greets guests after speaking about her ministry of accompanying those who have sentenced to the death penalty at the Holy Name Cathedral auditorium on Sept. 14. (Karen Callaway /Chicago Catholic)

Sister of St. Joseph Helen Prejean signs copies of her book and greets guests after speaking about her ministry of accompanying those who have sentenced to the death penalty at the Holy Name Cathedral auditorium on Sept. 14, 2018. (Karen Callaway /Chicago Catholic)