Viatorians join with members of the Catholic Mobilizing Network in opposing the death penalty. Their efforts are particularly heightened on Aug. 14, when Catholics celebrate the feast day of St. Maximilian Kolbe who in 1941 sacrificed his life in place of another in the Auschwitz concentration camp, and was executed by lethal injection. Today, he stands as the patron saint of prisoners, families, and the pro-life movement.
This month, members of the Catholic Mobilizing Network continued their prayer vigils (virtually) for two men most recently executed by the federal government. During these sacred gatherings, supporters felt the presence of St. Maxmillian Kolbe as they illuminated God’s restorative pathway.
Ultimately, Viatorians stand in solidarity with the Catholic Mobilizing Newtork, which envisions a world in which every person, no matter the harm one has caused or suffered, is treated with dignity and has the opportunity for restoration. God doesn’t want to do this work without us; God wants our hands and feet to forge this restorative, reconciling path forward.