Many thoughts go through your mind when you are on your way to the execution of a human being.  Visiting an execution vigil can be a life-changing experience for anyone.  When we arrived, there were some catholic brothers and sisters already there as the vigil was about to begin. 

We were united under one cause, which is to uphold the mercy and love that our Lord clearly establishes in His word, the Bible.  It was a deeply moving experience to stand together as we sang and prayed.  We were standing in prayerful solidarity against the death penalty, I felt the weight of Christ’s call to love and mercy. The vigil was a powerful witness to the sanctity of all life, echoing Jesus’ teachings on forgiveness and the dignity of every person, even those who have committed grave sins. Seeing Catholic brothers, sisters, priests and pastors together was a refreshing scene in the midst of such a sad and cold day where a human is being killed by other humans.  We came together in hope and sorrow, remembering the Church’s role in advocating for justice tempered with compassion. In that moment, I understood more fully what it means to live out the Gospel—choosing mercy over vengeance, peace over violence, and trusting in the transformative power of God’s grace.

— Pastor Carlos Duran