Sisters Join the Call for Clemency for Jeffrey Weisheit

“Love does not call for vengeance. Love calls for mercy.” – Sister Barbara Battista

In recent weeks, the Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana, have joined other faith leaders and the Indiana Abolition Coalition (IAC) in calling for clemency for Jeffrey Weisheit, whose execution is scheduled for November 5 in Indiana.

Numerous sisters’ letters were among the 500 sent to Governor Mike Braun and the parole board last week calling them to choose life for Jeffrey, who went through the OCIA process to become Catholic during his time in prison.

Sister Barbara Battista speaking with members of the media. Photo Courtesy of Death Penalty Action Executive Director Abraham Bonowitz.

A Call to Offer Healing Presence

Sister Barbara Battista attended the parole board hearing on Monday, October 19, to offer a prayerful presence to Jeffrey’s family and all those affected by the violence of the death penalty.

Deacon Brian Noshusch, the Catholic deacon who has accompanied Jeffrey during the past 10 years, was present and spoke to the parole board. He said he witnessed “a profound and genuine transformation” in Jeffrey as they journeyed together and described how they prayed for his victims and their families each time they met.

Sister Barbara said it wasn’t easy to offer prayerful presence in such a tense environment.

Sister Barbara Battista (right) with Terre Haute NAACP President Sylvester Edwards. Photo courtesy of Death Penalty Action Executive Director Abraham Bonowitz.

“I was so aware of this call … what I sense is not just my personal call, but our call to be love in action, to be the face of Christ, to bring love, kindness and compassion into this really dark place where the state of Indiana is considering executing someone,” Sister Barbara said. “I kept praying that God would open my heart and help me not to pass judgment on those who disagree with me.

“I asked God to help me just be present to them, to bring healing, whether that be by my expression or simply my presence. We’re not allowed to speak, but our presence does lend a voice.”

During the press conference after the parole board hearing, Sister Barbara held a sign that said, “Remember the victims, but not with more killing.”

The Work for Dignity Continues

Jeffrey Weisheit’s family is one of many impacted by the looming threat of the death penalty. A man from Kentucky whose son is on death row also attended the parole board hearing. As someone personally affected by the violence of the death penalty, he felt compelled to travel to offer his support alongside Sister Barbara and dozens of others.

During the break in the middle of the day, Sister Barbara received a phone call from a mother whose son is on death row in Terre Haute and is seeking support through the Death Row Visitation Project so she can come see him.

“So, the work continues,” Sister Barbara admitted.

Sister Barbara hopes that as the parole board and Governor Braun evaluate Jeffrey’s case in the coming days, they will be moved to enact a justice rooted in love. “Love does not call for vengeance. Love calls for mercy.”