Our congregation’s Sisters are members of the Third Order of St. Francis of Assisi. This humble man from the 12th century followed in the footsteps of Jesus - he embraced the lepers of his time and inspires Franciscans today to choose the Gospel road and to companion those most shunned in society.

Shortly after the retreat of 1995, our community established an AIDS hospice within the convent setting. Although we had a policy for taking AIDS residents in our facilities and had already done so, we made the decision to care for them personally. This came about because some of the Sisters had recently been inspired by reading the book by Sr. Helen Prejean, CSJ entitled "Dead Man Walking." We had been approached to take a difficult AIDS client and felt that in a very real way, he was a "dead man walking." Deeply affected by the book by Sr. Helen and by this experience, our first active involvement with the issue of the death penalty began. A Catholic diocesan bulletin which came to the attention of the community invited volunteers to write to inmates on death row in our state of Missouri. Due to our heightened awareness about the death penalty issue, some of the Sisters felt called to correspond with death row inmates. About five or six Sisters, ages 45 to 87, were given the necessary information about the persons on death row and they began to correspond with them.

The pope and bishops were making public statements and the Church in the U.S. was taking a more assertive public stance. The Sisters, too, began to become more informed and knowledgeable about the subject of the death penalty. We became members of the Western Missouri Coalition Against the Death Penalty (WMCADP). This organization coordinates opposition efforts in our part of the state. Groups of Sisters from our community began to travel to Kansas City to participate in the WMCADP protest there. A protest and a prayer vigil is always scheduled on the eve of an execution (and indeed are held in another seven locations across the state by other chapters of Missourians to Abolish the Death Penalty). Unfortunately Missouri schedules at least one execution each month, sometimes two. Sadly, only thirty to forty Kansas City area Missourians typically participate in the protest. Therefore, the Sisters have committed themselves to being present, despite increased age and busy schedules.

In May of 1999 Sr. Margaret learned that the death row prisoner she had been corresponding with had been given a date of execution in June. Up until this time she had been sharing information about him with the rest of the community. Several months earlier he had asked her about becoming a Catholic and she had answered many of his questions. Now it came as a blow to her and to all of us to hear that this man, Robert Walls, would be executed. In the weeks before his death, he and Sr. Margaret communicated frequently by phone. She was comforted to know that a Jesuit priest was instructing him and later on, during his confinement in protective custody, he received the sacrament of baptism. On the night of the execution, about 10:45 P.M., Robert called our convent. Sr. Kathleen, first to answer the phone, conveyed the heartfelt sadness of all the Sisters. Then Sr. Margaret spoke to him and prayed with him for the last time. He was taken to the execution chamber and died shortly thereafter. It was earlier that same month at our provincial chapter, that we had developed and approved a corporate stance and statement against the death penalty. The death of Robert Walls made that stance even more real and urgent for us.

In July of 1997, after two years of communication by mail and then later by monthly phone conversations, Sr. Christine went to visit Mose Young at Potosi Correctional Institution. First it was necessary to complete paper work, be approved, and obtain visitation rights. This first visit with Mose was intimidating in regard to the prison institution environment and protocol, but natural and enjoyable as a first person-to-person contact.

Potosi Correctional Center houses over 800 men with prison sentences, all of whom have been convicted for serious crimes. Some of them have life sentences and 73 of them are presently on death row. It is the only "death house" in the United States which integrates the death row inmates with the general prison population. The whole surroundings are very stark; there is barbed wire and signs warning of the possibility of electrical shock. As you enter the imposing structure, you pass uniformed security guards and come to a security checkpoint where you must sign in, show identification and walk through a metal detector. All personal items must be placed in a locker. The only item you are allowed to carry in is a transparent bag containing coins for the vending machines to purchase food items in the visitors’ room . You must then walk through long hallways and pass two more security checkpoints with locked doors which slam with a heavy clang, before arriving at the visiting room.

Visiting hours last for about five hours on four days a week. At the visiting room, a guard assigns you to a particular table and you wait, sometimes for twenty or thirty minutes before the inmate arrives. The rules of the visiting room are posted at each table and on large posters around the room. They instruct that there can be only brief physical contact (e.g. an embrace) as the prisoner arrives and leaves. The prisoner is to remain seated and all persons are instructed to keep their hands above the table. Although small children are allowed in the room, they are not allowed to be held unless they are under the age of six. There is a small area with a few toys for them. There are vending machines with expensive food items and also microwaves to heat the items; in this way those who are visiting may share a meal. During the visit, an interruption occurs abruptly when the guard orders all the prisoners to come out of the room for a few minutes for a head count and body check. A guard announces the time to leave. At the end of each visit, you can see and feel the sadness that the separation causes family members and friends.

Mose was delighted to finally have a visit with Sr. Christine. He had not seen anyone, other than his lawyer, for several months. At this first visit, he talked most about his faith that God would help him in his situation. Although he was convicted for the murder of three men at a pawn shop in St. Louis, Missouri in February, 1983, he always maintained his innocence. He mentioned that he was not proud of some of the things he had done in the past, but that over the years he had changed and was now dedicated to God whom he called "Allah". He also shared that his faith and trust in the legal system had been destroyed by the poor representation he had received until this time. Many mistakes, omissions, and bungling had led to his receiving the death sentence. He had just obtained the services of a new lawyer whom he felt would be a more pro-active advocate for him. He expressed his gratitude to all the Sisters for the possibility of this visit and for their prayers and support. Mose was happy to hear that every effort would be made to continue visiting him despite the distance and travel time of seven hours by car. Whenever Sr. Christine returned from visits or received letters and phone calls, the Sisters were eager to hear about Mose and to be updated on his status.

On June 9 of 2000, Mose called to say that he had been given a date of execution for July 12. All of the Sisters were dismayed. A letter was written to our General Superior in Austria, Sr. Kunigunde Fürst, asking her to inform all the Sisters about the situation and telling urging them to write letters to the Governor on behalf of Mose Young. A priest friend, Fr. Phillip Smith, CPPS, in Italy, the papal nuncio in the U.S., and other advocates sent hundreds of letters and faxes to the Governor. Srs. Audrey and Kathleen decided to accompany Sr. Christine when she went down to visit Mose. Because of his execution status, they were allowed temporary visiting privileges.

When death row prisoners receive a date of execution, they are immediately removed from the general population and put into protective custody on a different cell block. Normally, guards come for them with this news after lock-down, and the other men are unable to say goodbye. In Mose’s case, the guards came before lock-down, and Mose told us that many of his friends came to give him a hug and say good-bye. He was touched by the tears and promises of prayer. When a person is put into protective custody, visiting changes dramatically. It is only possible to visit in a small enclosed space separated by a glass. Telephones perched on the wall of each side of the visiting booth are used to converse. Since we went to visit Mose after he was put into protective custody, it was only possible for one person to visit with him at a time, so each of us visited for about one and a half hours. Mose was only able to stretch himself for a few minutes between visits, and he was stiff and sore after having sat on a hard steel stool for so long. This was especially hard for him because he had an arthritic knee. Even so, the visiting time was precious to him and he was reluctant to forfeit even a few minutes.

On July 10 we three returned to companion Mose on the death watch which would begin 48 hours prior to execution. Since this visit was outside regular visiting hours, the institution seemed almost deserted as we entered. After the check-in procedure, we were met by the director of execution protocol and by the chaplain. A cold and dispassionate briefing instructed us as to the visiting procedures and the planned execution proceedings. Only two visitors at a time were allowed in the holding cell. The other person to wait in the sparse upstairs lobby while two were taken down to subterranean depths of the prison.

The holding cell is in the most removed section of the infirmary of the prison. The execution chamber is actually a part of the infirmary - another contradiction and devaluing of human life! Everything about the holding cell gives the impression that the human kept there is an "untouchable," and must be kept as isolated as a rabid dog. The entire room is about 10 x 15 feet, partitioned with a cage section the size of a dog kennel taking up half of the room. This cage is fronted by a heavy steel cross-wired "fence" and backed by solid concrete walls. Inside the cage is a plastic chair, a steel-framed cot, a small TV, telephone, and a stainless steel toilet and sink. A guard who sits at a desk just inside the door of the holding cell stops all who enter and asks them to sign in. He directs them to sit in the two plastic chairs facing the cage. He sits but a few feet away and monitors the phones and a short circuit TV. This complete lack of privacy is another example of the inhumanity of the situation. When you sit in the plastic chair you immediately notice that it is nailed down to the floor. Between the chairs and the cage there is a wide red line which compels the visitor to stay within the small boundary. Unlike routine prison protocol, during these 48 hours before his execution, the prisoner is allowed to receive telephone calls and to call family and friends. His lawyers call frequently to update him on his execution status. All the while the prisoner is kept in the holding cell, final preparations are being made to arrange for his execution. Within hearing range plastic chairs are being nailed down to three-tiered platforms in the witness rooms just outside the holding cell. He is questioned in front of his visitors about the disposition of his belongings, his obituary and plans for his burial, sedatives he might need for his nerves, who will be his witnesses and what he might say as a last statement.

As we visited Mose, he remained positive, yet was ready to accept the will of God. As the many callers phoned in to talk to him, he often comforted them. Reporters also interviewed him over the phone. On the evening of July 11 when we returned from a short break for dinner, the Director nonchalantly informed us that Mose had received a stay of execution from the 8th district court. She said that the stay "might last 6 hours or 6 weeks. We will just have to wait it out. As far as the prison is concerned, everything will proceed as planned until we get the official word." She also informed us that the State of Missouri could execute Mose any time before midnight on July 12. Since it was then 6:00 P.M. on July 11th, this meant that it was possible that the death watch could continue another 29 hours. It was not until 1:00 A.M. July 12th that we received the news that the Supreme Court had upheld the stay and that Mose would be returned to the general prison population.

Needless to say there was great relief and rejoicing at this outcome. We thought hopefully that Mose might finally get a chance at another trial. When the particulars of the court decision were made public, a well-known defense attorney, Sean O’Brien, from Kansas City joined the legal team with attorneys Joseph Margulies and John Simon who had already been working for Mose. During the next nine months a spirit of hope prevailed and Mose’s lawyers did make progress, however, they were not successful in the end.

In late August and early September our religious congregation celebrated its 150th anniversary and members from all three provinces, Austria, Germany and the USA, met at a General Chapter held in Austria. Srs. Kathleen, Audrey and Christine attended the meeting and celebration along with several other Sisters from the American province. All of the Sisters were eager to hear the story of our experience in Potosi with Mose Young. It was at this General Assembly that the issue of the death penalty was taken up as a concern and a statement was formulated by the chapter body which speaks to a reverent concern for all human life and opposes the death penalty.

In October and again in January we visited Mose. For our January visit we were accompanied by a diocesan priest, Fr. Terrell Finnell who had applied for visiting rights. We were able to have a nice visit in the visiting room and share a meal purchased from the vending machines. Mose was delighted to meet Fr. Terrell, a fellow African American.

During this visit we learned that the prison was inaugurating "food visits", as an incentive program for good behavior, in which the family and friends could prepare and bring a meal to share with their loved one. Mose knew that he would be eligible and he explained the extensive rules for the food visit and told us to bring whatever we liked. But of course, we asked him for a list of his favorite foods. On the day we were preparing the food for this visit, we received a phone call from the unit manager at Potosi informing us that Mose was no longer eligible for the special food visit. He had just received another date of execution. Shortly thereafter, Mose himself called to give the news. Not only was he disappointed about the loss of the highly anticipated visit, but he was also very upset that he had not been the one to tell us this news. He was more discouraged and doubtful about the outcome of this change of status, but he still had hope.

Two days after receiving this news, we once again traveled to Potosi for a visit, again meeting one by one in the booths. We assured Mose of the prayers of all the Sisters, and let him know about the many people all over the world who were writing to the governor pleading for clemency and offering prayers to God. He said he was very aware of these prayers and blessings and continually expressed his sincere appreciation for the prayers and support.

The very next Friday the three of us returned to see Mose one last time before the death watch journey was to begin again. Afterwards, when we had returned home, Mose told us how much that visit had lifted his spirits. Several phone conversations took place during the time before our return. Sr. Kathleen regretted that she would not be able to be with Mose during his last days, as she was traveling to Austria for congregational meetings, but assured him that she would be with him in spirit. Mose said, "We have to remain strong and keep going down this road because it’s the only road that will take us home." He also said, "No matter what, there will be a blessing."

On April 23 Sr. Audrey and Christine traveled back to Potosi to be with Mose during the death watch and execution. When we entered the prison on Monday we met two of Mose’s lawyers, Joseph Margulies and Sean O’ Brien who were just leaving after spending all morning with Mose. They met briefly with us and shared that although they still had some hope, the outlook for Mose was not good. Their best possibility had been a videotape from Mose’s first trial lawyer and a witness affadavit which they had taken to Jefferson City to present to Governor Holden’s legal council the previous Friday. They stated that they were disappointed because instead of presenting these to the legal council as expected, they had been met by an "assistant" of the legal council. They said that this showed that the governor had probably already made up his mind. Therefore, the 8th District Court would probably be the next possibility, but this outlook was also not favorable. The lawyers mentioned to us how impressed they were by Mose’s character and strength of faith and how much they regretted they had not been able to do more for him. They said, "Can you believe that he was consoling us and thanking us?" We told them that we were not surprised. They thanked us and all our sisters for the help and presence we had provided for Mose and others on death row.

It was an unbelievable experience to enter the holding cell and know that we would have to endure this claustrophobic poorly ventilated "kennel" once more. Everything was in its place as before. The prison personnel with whom we interacted in both these experiences were also as before. Some were cold and unfeeling, some were friendly and kind, some were respectful and some were rude. We felt that on the whole the staff were more respectful to us, as religious women, than they might have been towards "ordinary people." But at the same time, we recognized that a few of them were also quite intimidated by us unfortunately for the same reason. Shortly after we arrived, Mose began to receive phone calls from friends and family. These calls continued throughout the two days. Sr. Kathleen called Mose several times to encourage him and pray with him. She assured him of her continuous prayers and support and told him that she would relay his heartfelt thanks and best wishes to our Sisters, co-workers, students and friends in Austria who had acted as advocates on his behalf.

On Tuesday we arrived early and took only a short break for lunch, staying with Mose all day. At 9:00 A.M. his lawyers Joe Margulies and Sean O’ Brien placed a conference call to Mose to tell him that the 8th District had refused his request for an appeal. Mose remained calm and was not broken down by the bad news. It confirmed what he already suspected. He was determined not to let this news rob him of the quality of the time he had left, and his spirits remained steady and accepting of God’s will. He said, "If my Father’s will is to keep me here, it’s ok, but if He wants me to come home, I am ready." He was given the opportunity to eat a "last supper" of steak and shrimp with all the trimmings, but he turned this down, realizing the contradiction: that such a feast would be a symbol of a celebration. He refused to "break bread" with the system which was about to murder him. Instead he requested a simple sandwich. After the meal the two of us sang "I Will Walk in the Presence of God." This song speaks of the freedom which comes when one enters the presence of God. Mose was moved by the words of the song. Then Sr. Audrey told Mose that we would sing the Blessing of St. Francis and that we wanted him to realize that it was being given in the name of all the Sisters in Savannah, Germany and Austria. He smiled and replied with confidence, "I know that, you two are just the forerunners." So we sang the words of the blessing: "May the Lord bless you and keep you, may He turn to you and have mercy. May He turn His countenance to you and give you peace." Mose bowed his head in silence and then expressed his thanks to "all my special angels" once again.

At 7:00 P.M Sr. Audrey was required to leave and was escorted out of the prison. She returned to the motel to await the time when she would be allowed to return as a witness of the execution. Sr. Christine was able to stay with Mose since he had designated her as his spiritual advisor. At 10:00 P.M. Mose received a call from his lawyer, Sean O’Brien, informing him that the governor was about to announce that the execution would go on as planned. He was refusing to grant clemency. Sean again expressed his sorrow and regret and was again consoled. As Mose was still speaking to him on the phone, the announcement was shown on the TV. When Mose hung up the phone, he said that in a way he was relieved not to have to wait any longer to know what the governor decided. He was not agitated, but maintained his confidence in God. The remaining time was spent on the phone and in conversation and prayer. Last words of consolation and encouragement were exchanged.

The warden and the psychologist both came into the room after 10:00 PM and at 10:30 PM the prison chaplain came to escort Sr. Christine to a waiting room. As Sr. Audrey drove up to the entrance of the prison at 10:30 she found the gate cordoned off and crowded with security vehicles, guards and a SWAT team. A security vehicle instructed her to drive to the back entrance and led her to a parking spot there. Than she was placed in a prison van, to ride alone where the prisoners usually sit behind a wire mesh, while the guards rode in the front seat. This forced identification with the prisoner angered her and she voiced her opinion of the often degrading treatment of the inmate’s family and friends. Another painful aspect of the waiting period before the execution was that we had to wait in the former visiting room where we once met in pleasant encounter We sat at a long table with the chaplain and another staff member. We discussed the myth of closure and expressed our sadness that we had never been able to approach the victim’s family or work toward any reconciliation for them and Mose. Sr. Audrey said that, as a people, our nation perpetuates the cycle of violence and can’t seem to move beyond the desire for vengeance which promises only a false satisfaction and solution which we were about to do tonight. She told the chaplain, "God does not smile on this," and he agreed. We shared some of our experiences with Mose and some of the conversion experiences with our patients with AIDS. We talked about the striking contrast between Mose’s death and our experience with the terminally ill. It seems very sad to us that time is snatched away from those who may need most to find their peace with God. And the chaplain told us how that was true of many of those who were executed, although he said that he had seen some experience conversion in their last days or hours. Watching the clock and enduring the long minutes before we were called to the execution chamber, we continued to wait.

At 12:00 we were summoned. We were the last to be brought in and the only witnesses FOR Mose. As we entered the small room, we were directed to sit in front of two windows. The windows were covered with blinds. The chaplain told us where Mose would be positioned in the room. He said that although the entire process only takes about fifteen minutes, it would seem like an eternity. We heard "Operation Will Begin." The blinds were raised and we could see Mose, strapped down and covered with a white sheet, lying on a gurney in front of us. He was informed where we would be and had been instructed to turn his head towards us. We could see the IV lines coming through the wall into his right arm. When he saw us he smiled and raised his right hand slightly in the peace sign. He mouthed the words, "I’m all right. I’m with you. I’m OK." We mouthed back to him, "We love you," "God is with you." "Go towards the light." Next, we heard a very mechanical-sounding voice announce, "Phase 1" and Mose was given the drug sodium pentathol which causes unconsciousness. He gave a mild shudder, as someone might who feels a chill, and still smiling, lost consciousness. Shortly thereafter, his eyes became fixed. Then came the words, "Phase 2". Mose was given the drug pancuronium bromide which causes paralysis of the respiratory system. There was no discernable difference in Mose’s countenance, except perhaps a darkening of his lips. Then "Phase 3", potassium chloride, which arrests the heart. We continued to watch very closely and both of us felt that Mose was already gone before this drug was given, although it was reported that there was still a slight heartbeat recorded on the heart monitor. A sense of profound peace and incredibly, even joy, came over both of us. We knew that God was embracing Mose. Still, we, and the other witnesses sat another seven minutes, waiting until "Operation Complete - Mose Young deceased" was announced. Then the blinds were quickly drawn and we were hastened out of the room to the prison van, having been directed to leave first, in order that the prison officials might avoid the possibility of our contact with the press and victim’s family.

As we drove past the now deserted gate, we thanked and praised God for releasing Mose into freedom, despite the horrible way freedom came. A hundred yards down the street, we passed the demonstrators with candles, who had gathered together in protest of the execution. We beeped the horn in affirmation and solidarity with them.

The next day the two of us returned to the prison to receive several boxes of property which Mose had left to us. Aware of our ministries, he asked that these items be used for the poor if possible. He also included a last audiotape message for the Sisters.

On the Friday following the execution, Mose’s cousin in St. Louis arranged for a private viewing and grave side service which Sr. Audrey and Christine attended.

Many times Mose told us: "This thing is bigger than Mose. You’ve got to keep on getting the word out about the injustice of our so-called justice system and the death penalty. Don’t stop working for the abolition of the death penalty because I am certain it will come some day. I may have to die, but I ’m just one of many who have gone down in the fight."

We recognized the grace of God in Mose’s strength and courage, and also in his concern for his fellow inmates, family, friends and supporters. He wanted to be remembered as a strong man, a man of faith, and he wanted all of us to continue the struggle and to know that he would still be with us on the journey.

"We have to stay on this road because it’s the only road that will take us home." "No matter what, there will be a blessing." Mose Young

Sr. Christine Martin, OSF Sr. Audrey Locke, OSF

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