Sr. Theresa Maly: A Tireless Advocate Against the Death Penalty

by Mikaela VanMoorleghem, MPA

Sr. Theresa Maly’s journey into the movement to abolish the death penalty began years ago within the Notre Dame community. During summer gatherings and assemblies, discussions on social injustices resonated deeply. The issue of the death penalty, in particular, caught her attention. It was contradictory with the values of mercy and forgiveness taught by Jesus. Hence, the community made a public stance against capital punishment, a decision that wasn’t unanimous among its members initially. “I thought it would just be a given that everybody would be opposed to the death penalty because we’re Christians, and this isn’t the way Jesus would or did handle criminals.”

Reflecting on those times, Sr. Theresa recalls the emotional complexities surrounding the death penalty debate. “There’s so much pain involved and so much emotion on both sides,” said Sr. Theresa. Many believe that supporting capital punishment somehow serves justice, offering solace to victims’ families. However, she discovered that the reality was far more nuanced. Conversations with families affected by violent crimes revealed a spectrum of emotions. Some felt that executing the perpetrator wouldn’t bring closure or healing.

One poignant example Sr. Theresa shares is that of a mother from Kansas City, who lost her son to murder. Despite her grief, she couldn’t endorse the death penalty.  She said, “I am tired of people making laws and speaking for me. I believe life is precious. Taking another life isn’t going to replace my son’s life.” Such encounters fueled Sr. Theresa’s resolve to advocate against capital punishment, both publicly and within the Nebraska abolitionist movement.

Her involvement led her to form personal connections with inmates, including those on death row. One particular inmate whom Sr. Theresa regularly visited reached a point where he really believed Jesus forgave him; however, he could not forgive himself.  Sr. Theresa said, “I could just feel his pain.”

Sr. Theresa recalls a case of wrongful conviction that almost resulted in the execution of a man. Through tireless advocacy, his sentence was commuted to life in prison. Witnessing such injustices firsthand, Sr. Theresa’s mission gained renewed urgency.

One of the most daunting experiences Sr. Theresa encountered was witnessing the execution of a prisoner. This specific individual had requested Sr. Theresa’s presence during his final moments. Without hesitation, Sr. Theresa agreed, understanding the significance of his request. Recalling the event, Sr. Theresa shared, “On the day of his execution, his mother was present, but the prison authorities prevented them from embracing and bidding farewell. As the execution unfolded, I struggled to comprehend that I was witnessing a man being put to death. It felt almost sinful to remain seated and watch.”

The experience left her questioning the need for such acts of violence in a society purportedly seeking justice. Sr. Theresa was overwhelmed with despair and kept asking, “Why do we need to do such a thing? Why do we need to kill to show that killing is wrong?”

A poignant narrative unfolds with the tale of a 47-year-old prisoner awaiting execution in a Missouri state penitentiary.  At that time, the drug supply used to carry out executions diminished, and states, including Missouri, scrambled to find alternatives. At this time, reports indicated that a pharmacy in Oklahoma was supplying Missouri with a new drug. Sr. Theresa Maly was one of several anti-death penalty advocates who traveled to Oklahoma to protest in front of said pharmacy. The group met with one of the staff at the compounding pharmacy. Sr. Theresa said, “We told him a pharmacy should be a place of healing, not death.”  Despite her efforts, the inmate was executed in February of 2014.

Despite the moral complexities, Sr. Theresa’s interactions with inmates were deeply humanizing. Conversations often touched on faith, forgiveness, and redemption. Many prisoners were on paths of introspection and spiritual growth, grappling with remorse and seeking reconciliation. Their stories challenged societal perceptions of criminals as irredeemable.

Throughout her journey, Sr. Theresa emphasized the importance of addressing the root causes of crime and supporting victims’ families holistically. Instead of perpetuating cycles of violence, she advocated for restorative justice and healing-centered approaches. For her, the death penalty symbolized a flawed system that failed to address the deeper wounds inflicted by crime.

In conclusion, Sr. Theresa Maly’s tireless advocacy against the death penalty embodies the spirit of compassion and justice. Her journey highlights the complexities of the criminal justice system and the transformative power of mercy and forgiveness. Sr. Theresa’s voice remains a beacon of hope for a more humane and just society, one where every life is valued and respected.