Dead Man Walking

Dead Man Walking is a very powerful film. What feelings and/or reactions did you have while viewing it?

I really enjoyed Dead Man Walking. Before we watched the film, I already has strong anti-capital punishment views. After seeing the movie, I feel validated in my opinion. I thought the movies was extremely well done. It was not overly dramatic and "Hollywood." Instead, it told the story it needed to tell in the most realistic way possible. Because of this, I felt very connected to the characters in the film. I even cried when Matthew, the death row inmate, got to spend a final few hours with his family. This movie shined a light on a side of the death penalty argument that is often ignored--the fact that the criminal is a human being. He, too, has a family who will undoubtedly be affected by his death, no matter how evil his actions were. And, like most people, an inmate is afraid. He is alone and he will be put to death surrounded by people who do not care for him, save for a spiritual adviser.

Overall, I think that this movie depicted a hot-button issue quite poignantly. Rather than being political, the movie just told the story of Matthew and Sister Helen. In doing that, though, it was able to send a strong message to viewers about whether the death penalty is truly a necessary evil. I really enjoyed this movie, and I think it will stay with me for a long time.

Roses in December

I do not agree that the women's presence was foolish or misguided at all. As Catholics we are called to work for justice under all circumstances. I believe that Jean and the Sisters were doing what they believed was the right thing. They were answering God's call to justice, even though it was obviously dangerous.
I do believe that unjust social structures and governments can be changed. Jean's and the Sisters' work was not in vain. The sacrifices they made did not go unnoticed, and since then others have picked up where they left off. For example, I learned while researching for my heroes project that Father Roy Bourgeois' mission in Latin America began after the deaths of the four women. He works to end the cycle of violence in countries such as El Salvador. He also worked to get rid of dictatorial regimes in countries like these. So I do believe that if people are vigilant, unjust structures and governments can be eradicated, and we should definitely continue to work toward this goal.

I understand Jean's decision to stay but only to an extent. I understand her commitment to her mission and how important the people of El Salvador were to her, especially the children. However, I will never completely and fully understand her decision because I probably would not have made the same choice. It takes a lot of courage to do what Jean did, and at this point in my life I'm not sure that I have acquired this courage. I certainly admire Jean for her courage and devotion.

Fr. Roy Bourgeois