Every month, a group of nuns from Texas visit women who are on the state’s death row. These nuns have formed close relationships with these women, providing them with spiritual guidance and praying with them.
A peculiar bond has formed between a group of women who have been convicted of taking someone’s life and a community of pious nuns whose beliefs and quest for harmony guide their daily endeavors.
Upon entering the maximum-security prison where the female death row inmates in Texas are housed, Sister Pia Maria couldn’t help but feel apprehensive. She openly shared her nervousness in meeting these women, considering the area to be the most perilous part of the prison. Along with her fellow nuns, they braved this daunting task with the intention of bringing comfort and hope to those who needed it the most.
The judge has ruled that the murder-for-hire killer, who has been on death row for 33 years, must either be released or retried. To know more about this case, read on.
As she was on her way to meet the incarcerated women, Sister Mary was filled with apprehension. The women she was about to meet had committed heinous crimes that she and the other nuns found difficult to comprehend. She wondered what she could say to them and how the conversation would unfold. It was a daunting task, and she wasn’t sure if she would be able to make it through the visit.
Upon entering the prison, Sister Pia and her sisters felt an immediate shift as if all barriers had dropped. Recalling the experience, Sister Pia shared with Catholic News Agency that they were completely immersed in the environment.
As she reminisced, she shared, “During our time together, my friend and I were filled with joy and laughter. We felt an inexplicable sense of calmness as if a divine force was present in the room. Our first encounter was truly remarkable as we were able to connect on a deeper level. It was a moment of grace, and we were grateful for it.”
For several years now, the Sisters of Mary Morning Star, a Catholic order located near Waco, have been visiting death row inmates at the Patrick L. O’Daniel Unit prison. They visit once a month and have formed genuine friendships with the women. Their efforts have led to six out of seven inmates converting to Catholicism. These nuns from the contemplative order are making a significant impact on the lives of these women.
According to CNA, The Sisters of Mary Morning Star is a relatively new order that originated in pain about 10 years ago and now operates 10 convents worldwide. The convent is based in Waco, which is approximately 90 miles south of Dallas and Fort Worth.
According to Sister Pia, Texas’ death row is affectionately known as “Light Row” among her and her fellow sisters. They attribute this to the camaraderie and spirituality they experienced there. She further elaborated that the living conditions were reminiscent of those found in monasteries and other religious communities.
According to Sister Pia, the prisoners have transformed into “oblates” in the Catholic faith, signifying that they are now a part of the sisterhood but not officially recognized as members. They are individuals who live in society but desire to live by the values of the sisterhood. Sister Pia refers to them as “laypeople who live in the world who want to be committed” to the sisterhood’s principles.
At first, Sister Pia had some reservations, but now she admits that she and her sisters are receiving more from the death row inmates than they are able to give them. She finds this experience to be truly rewarding.
The sisters’ focus is solely on providing spiritual guidance and companionship to the death row inmates in Texas. They do not offer any assistance for their legal cases or prospects of getting off death row or having their sentences reduced to life in prison. Rather, they aim to help the inmates survive the harsh conditions of their confinement.
The women on Texas’ death row may not have execution dates yet, but the sisters are already preparing themselves mentally for the possibility that their friends could have their lives taken away at any moment if the state decides to set a date for them.
While it is uncommon for women to be executed, six women have been put to death in Texas, which holds the record for the most executions in the United States. These women were sentenced to death and their executions are scheduled to take place at some point.
According to CNA, the nuns were granted access to the prison due to the efforts of Deacon Ronnie Lastovica, who serves as the pastoral care coordinator for the Diocese of Austin. For years, he had been preaching to inmates at the facility located in Gatesville, which is approximately 38 miles west of Waco and 100 miles north of Austin.
According to reports, he reached out to the prioress of the sisters and proposed a visit to the prison. Although hesitant at first, the prioress eventually agreed to the proposal, unsure if it aligned with the mission of the sisterhood. The women then made arrangements and proceeded to the prison as planned.
The women in the prison have received valuable lessons from the nuns on how to lead a life similar to theirs, despite being confined in the facility. The nuns eagerly anticipate their monthly visits, which serve as an opportunity to further guide and support these women.
