Precious Blood Spirituality Institute update Nov. 2025

Some of our most valuable life lessons come from those who teach children. One such person was Fred Rogers, known as Mr. Rogers. He said, “The older I get, the more convinced I am that the space between people trying their best to understand each other is hallowed ground.” A key goal of the Precious Blood Spirituality Institute’s programming is to give people the chance to create this sacred space, especially as we face the challenging issues of our times.  

At the end of September, PBSI hosted a Zoom conversation titled The Death Penalty and Mercy: A Conversation. Our hope for the time together was to invite participants to engage in a thoughtful dialogue about justice, forgiveness, and the dignity of every human life. We also discussed how our Precious Blood spirituality calls us to respond to violence and the challenge of balancing accountability and mercy.  

Emmjolee Mendoza Waters, director of Death Penalty Abolition at Catholic Mobilizing Network, offered a broad overview of the death penalty, and Sr. Terry Walters, C.PP.S., shared firsthand experiences of how it impacted her family. Fr. Mark Miller, C.PP.S., a long-time proponent of death penalty abolition, connected our spirituality to our need to form a response that balances accountability and mercy. At the conclusion of the discussion, participants were surprised that some of the basic facts about the death penalty were not well known, including that the cost of putting someone to death costs the state more than if one were given a verdict of life imprisonment without parole.  

Thanks to the presenters, participants also appreciated the chance to see the issue through a more human lens — one that bridges a topic that has long caused division. The evening began with a prayer for Victor Jones, who was being executed in Florida at the time the group was gathering. Emmjolee also shared in her presentation that she makes every effort to build relationships with those currently on death row. She shared stories about Lance Shockley, who was executed in Missouri in October. At the conclusion of the presentation, many were moved to learn more and also committed to sending letters to the government in support of abolishing the death penalty.  

Our next challenging conversation will be held via Zoom on Jan. 28, 2026, as we explore how we can be a compassionate presence in the Catholic Church to the LGBTQ community. To learn more about our events, visit pbspiritualityinstitute.org.  

Vicky Otto 
PBSI Executive Director