Dennis: A nun walks both with death row inmates and the victims' families. Today on Passages Sister Helen reveals her source of strength.

Sister Helen: My mother and father were both very, very supportive.

Dennis: Their daughter's work led to a nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize. This is Passages. I'm Dennis Benson. Today Sister Helen shares her legacy.

Sister Helen: My father was a lawyer. He taught me to think, taught me to make a persuasive argument, taught me about public speaking.

Dennis: Her work with death row inmates and victims of crime demands strong gifts.

Sister Helen: I use some of these gifts from father when give these speeches all over the United States and Europe. And so that part of my father is in me. Now I use that in religious life to be a teacher.

Dennis: Her mother's gifts also serve her.

Sister Helen: My mother part was the feeling for people. She'd be the one who every Friday would fix a whole dish of fish for the sisters who would be teaching on Friday or wouldn't have time to cook.

Dennis: The legacy of intelligence, care and faith fuel her life.

Sister Helen: I guess it was all part of nursing, the feeling for people. There was a lot of prayer in our family.

Dennis: Sister Helen's compassion is a challenge from your Presbyterian and United Methodist friends.

© Copyright by Dennis C. Benson, (616) 399-0432