Death

chairs in a row

Beginnings and Endings 

As a writer, one of the most intimidating but also exciting things is a blank page. On the one hand, it means that the possibilities are endless. But it also means that I have to navigate into new territory.

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‘Dead Man Walking’ at 30: The Fight Continues 

“Grace comes and wakes us up,” says Sister Helen Prejean, who has dedicated her life to fighting capital punishment in the United States. “It’s what you do with it when it comes that counts.” 
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Indianapolis Archbishop Charles C. Thompson offers an opening prayer at a rally Nov. 17, 2024, on the grounds of the Indiana Statehouse in Indianapolis to call on Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb to halt the execution of Joseph Corcoran scheduled for Dec. 18. It would be the first execution in the state in more than a decade. The rally was sponsored by the Indiana Abolition Coalition. Activists pushing President Joe Biden to commute existing federal death sentences during his final months in office hope that if he does that, his action could be "the beginning of the end" of the death penalty at the federal and state levels. (OSV News photo/Sean Gallagher, The Criterion)

Report examines ‘persistent racial disparities’ in federal death penalty use

A new report by the Death Penalty Information Center examined what it called persistent racial disparities in federal death penalty prosecutions.
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A crucifixion scene stands at one entrance of Allouez Catholic Cemetery in Allouez, Wis. All Saints' Day, a holy day of obligation in the Catholic Church, is celebrated on Nov. 1. The photograph was taken Oct. 18, 2023, using an infrared camera filter. (OSV News photo/Sam Lucero)

The ‘month of the dead’ brings its own strange refreshment

Those of us who have experienced the death of a loved one, even if we believe that she or he has gone to a better place, still find ourselves struggling with the parting. It's hard to let go.
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Small crucifix with Jesus hanging from a car mirror

Jesus with Us

As a people of faith, we are wonderfully blessed to know that Jesus experienced death.
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Row of tombs in a cemetery

A Practical Guide to Death for Catholics  

On All Souls’ Day, we celebrate all those who have passed away. This author addresses questions people may have about the practicalities of a Catholic death and burial. 
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hand holding up different color leafs

Life vs. Death

In our thoughts and actions, we pit life against death when, through the lens of faith, we have an alternative capacity to see beyond this conflict.
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