death penalty Archives - Diocese of Venice

News Briefs for the week of February 6, 2026

Posted on February 5, 2026February 5, 2026 by Bob Reddy

Youth Adoration Night held in Naples

The first Youth Adoration Night of 2026 took place Jan. 29, at St. Agnes Parish in Naples. Father Eric Scanlan, Pastor of Our Lady of Light Parish in Fort Myers, shared a vocational message, “Come and See,” inviting teens to listen to where the Lord may be calling them. A fantastic band led everyone in praise and music, and many young people received the Sacrament of Reconciliation and spent time in Adoration before the Blessed Sacrament.

Rummage and Bake Sale held in Avon Park

The Women’s Guild of Our Lady of Grace Parish in Avon Park hosted a Rummage and Bake Sale Jan. 30 and 31 in the Parish Hall. There was a large selection of items for sales and good bargains were found. In addition, there were many different baked goods to satisfy those with a sweet tooth.

Execution prayer vigil Feb. 10 in North Port

2026 has just begun and Florida already has 3 executions scheduled. Please join a prayer vigil to pray for the end of the death penalty in Florida, 5:30 p.m., Feb. 10, at the San Pedro Parish Chapel, 14380 Tamiami Trail, North Port. Prayers will be offered for everyone involved in the execution process; the doctor administering the execution, all of the witnesses, a conversion of the condemned, the victims and their families. The vigil will coincide with the scheduled execution of Ronald Palmer Heath, who is set to become the 1st person executed in Florida this year. The vigil lasts less than an hour and includes hymns, a Gospel reading, reflections, intercessions, and a praying of the Rosary. A pause will take place at 6 p.m., the time Florida executions take place. All are welcome and encouraged to attend.

Milestone Anniversary Masses Feb. 14 and March 14

All couples celebrating 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, or more than 50 years of marriage are invited by Bishop Frank J. Dewane to an Anniversary Mass in their honor. The Diocese hosts two Anniversary Masses each year (one in the northern part of the Diocese and the second in the southern part) to accommodate all. The first Mass is at 11 a.m., Feb. 14, 2026, at St. Leo the Great Parish, 28290 Beaumont Road, Bonita Springs. The second Mass is at 11 a.m., March 14, at St. Thomas More Parish, 2506 Gulf Gate Drive, Sarasota. A luncheon follows each Mass. Photos with Bishop Dewane will also be available for the couples. To register for either Mass, please contact your local Parish office for reservations no later than one week before the event you choose to attend. For additional information, please contact Jim Gontis at 941-484-4754 or gontis@dioceseofvenice.org.

Mardi Gras Festival Feb. 14 in Venice

Epiphany Cathedral, 310 Sarasota St., Venice is hosting a Mardi Gras Festival, noon to 7 p.m. Feb. 14, 2026. The festival will feature delicious, authentic New Orleans–style cuisine, fun activities for children of all ages, and lively entertainment from three outstanding live bands. Your help in promoting the festival among family, friends, and fellow parishioners will play an important role in making this celebration a joyful and successful gathering for our parish and the wider community. For more information call 941-484-3505 or visit https://www.epiphanycathedral.org/.

40 Days for Life Spring Campaign

During the Lenten Season, the Spring 40 Days for Life prayer campaign to end abortion in the United States will take place from Ash Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026, through Palm Sunday, March 29. Within the Diocese of Venice, peaceful prayer vigils will take place in front of Planned Parenthood abortion facilities in Sarasota, Fort Myers and Naples. To learn more about this campaign, please visit https://www.40daysforlife.com/en/.

Faith & Wine in Lee County Feb. 19

Faith & Wine, an outreach for uniting Catholic women of all backgrounds and ages to develop friendships and to support one another as they apply the Gospel to their lives, will have its first event of the 2025-2026 season Feb. 19, 2026, at Resurrection of Our Lord Parish, 8051 Cypress Lake Drive, Fort Myers. The guest speaker is Carol Razza, whose talk is titled: “Wake Up Sleeping Beauty, You Have Already Been Kissed.” Tickets are $28 and include a 3-course meal with wine followed by a presentation by an inspirational speaker. Doors open at 6 p.m. with dinner to follow. Program begins at approximately 6:45 p.m. and ends at approximately 8:30 p.m. For more information, or to register, please visit https://faithandwineleecounty.com/.

Theology on Tap Feb. 19 in University Park

The next gathering of Theology on Tap, a very special night of fellowship, faith, and fun with fellow Catholic young adults from across the Diocese, is 7 – 9 p.m., Feb. 19, 2026, at Oak & Stone, 5405 University Parkway, University Park. The special guest is Martin Doman, who will offer a night of praise and music. Theology on Tap meets on the third Thursday of every month There is no cost to attend, and no registration required. Bring a friend. For more information, contact Andres Prias at prias@dioceseofvenice.org.

Faith & Ale of Southwest Florida Feb. 19

Faith & Ale, a Catholic Men’s Apostolate in Southwest Florida, offers monthly gatherings of Catholic men promoting fellowship and growth in faith. The next meeting is Feb. 19, 2026, at Our Lady of Light Parish, 19680 Cypress View Drive, Fort Myers. The guest speaker is Father James Rafferty, Director of the Institute for Priestly Formation, who will discuss “Discerning God’s Voice & The Tempter’s Voice.” Tickets are $10. Doors open at 6 p.m. Register https://faithandale.com/. For more information, email faithandalefortmyers@gmail.com.

Diocesan Lenten Youth Retreats

The Diocese of Venice Youth & Young Adult Ministry is offering opportunities for middle school and high school students to participate in Diocesan Lenten Youth Retreats designed to create a time and place for silence, reflection, and shared experience, allowing young people to step away from the pace and distractions of daily life and re-focus their hearts on God. The middle school retreats will be offered 5 – 8:30 p.m., Feb. 20, 2026, at St. Elizabeth Seton Parish, Naples, and March 3, at St. Paul Parish, Arcadia. The high school retreats will be 3 – 8 p.m., Feb. 22, at St. Raphael Parish, Lehigh Acres, and March 1, at St. Thomas More Parish, Sarasota. Registration will open at dioceseofvenice.org on Jan. 20. The cost is $10 per student. For further information, please contact Andres Prias at prias@dioceseofvenice.org or 941-441-1122.

Walk for the Poor in Cape Coral Feb. 21

The 5^th Annual Walk for the Poor to support the outreach of the St. Vincent de Paul St. Andrew Conference in Cape Coral will take place 10 a.m., Feb. 21, 2026, at St. Andrew Parish, 2628 Del Prado Blvd., Cape Coral. The walk will help families throughout Cape Coral as every day, SVdP volunteers provide emergency food, provide medical or prescription cost assistance, and help to restore utilities or prevent cut-off. Every dollar raised goes back to our local community. In 2025, the St. Andrew Conference processed more than 1,100 phone calls, conducted more than 350 home visits, helped 547 households with 1,500 people, including 600 children. The cost is $15. Please register at www.go.rallyup.com/capesvdp.

Our Mother’s House Wine Tasting Feb. 26

The Catholic Charities Our Mother’s House Wine Tasting Auction and Dinner Dance is 5:00 p.m., Feb 26, at Plantation Golf & Country Club, 500 Rockley Blvd., Venice. The annual event benefits the mothers and children at Our Mother’s House, a 2-year transitional living program located in the heart of Venice, dedicated to empowering single mothers with a child. Tickets $150. For more information, 941-485-6264 or omhwinetasting@ccdov.org.

Liberty Ball for Ave Maria School of Law

The Ave Maria School of Law invites all to attend the Liberty Ball – Celebrating 250 Years of Justice & the American Way, 5:30 p.m., Feb. 24, 2026, Royal Poinciana Golf Club, Naples. The theme is 18^th century inspired elegance or black-tie optional. The keynote speaker is Christopher Ruddy, CEO, Newsmax Media. Tickets are $1,000. For more information, contact Jackie Burke at 239-687-5341 or jburk@avemarialaw.edu.

Lenten Parish Mission

Father Cedric Pisegna, C.P., an inspirational and motivational speaker and author of 26 books, will be hosting a Lenten Mission 5:30 p.m. nightly from March 1 through March 4, 2026, at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, 1301 Center Road, Venice. All are welcome. Call 941-497-2931 for more information.

Application deadline for Foundation scholarships is March 1

The deadline for entry for college and vocational scholarships for the 2025-2026 academic year from the Catholic Community Foundation of Southwest Florida is 11:59 p.m., Sunday, March 1, 2025. To apply for all available scholarships, visit ccfdioceseofvenice.org. For more information contact Anna Kollmeyer at 941-486-4722 or ccf@dioceseofvenice.org.

Emmaus Experience Women’s Retreat in March

The Epiphany Cathedral Emmaus Retreat Team is hosting an Emmaus Experience Women’s Retreat March 6 to March 8, 2026, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center in Venice. Give yourself the gift of time away from distractions of your daily routine to listen to Jesus and the Holy Spirit in an environment of sincere faith, fellowship, and worship. Registration is $305 for a double room, $415 for a private room. Space is limited. The registration deadline is Feb. 16, 2026. Please contact Donna Vodraska at donnavodraska@aol.com or 630-336-0918.

Royal Rummage Sale XVIII March 6-7

The St. Mary, Star of the Sea Parish Women’s Guild presents Royal Rummage Sale XVIII, in the Parish Hall, 4280 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. The early bird sale is 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., March 6, 2026, and the admission is $5. The regular sale, with free admission, is 9 a.m. – noon, March 7. Don’t miss out on the biggest and best rummage sale on Longboat Key which includes clothing, furniture, art, collectible, jewelry, housewares, linens, toys, electronics, books, and much more.

Venetian Ball March 7 in Bonita Springs

The annual Catholic Charities Venetian Ball is 6 p.m., March 7, 2026, at St. Leo the Great Parish Hall, 28290 Beaumont Road, Bonita Springs. This gala benefits programming and services in Lee, Hendry, and Glades Counties. Tickets are $250, and are available at https://catholiccharitiesdov.org/events. For more information, call 239-342-1620 or email venetianball@ccdov.org.

Emerald Ball March 14 in Naples

The annual Catholic Charities Emerald Ball is 5:30 p.m., March 14, 2026, at the Ritz-Carlton Tiburon Golf Resort, 2600 Tiburon Drive, Naples. This event benefits the programs and services in Collier County. Tickets are $500, and are available at https://catholiccharitiesdov.org/events. For more information, call 239-455-2655 or email emeraldball@catholiccharitiesdov.org.

Marriage Prep retreats/seminars coming soon

Marriage Preparation Retreats are required by the Diocese of Venice for those couples preparing for Sacramental Marriage in the Catholic Church. The retreat’s purpose is to enable couples to become more aware of the privileges and responsibility of marriage. The next two of many Marriage Retreats in 2026 are March 21, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center in Venice, and June 20 at St. John the Evangelist Parish in Naples. Additionally, the Two Become One Marriage Retreat prepares couples 55 and older who are planning for the Sacrament of Marriage or convalidation in the Catholic Church. The next Two Become One Marriage Retreat is May 2, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center in Venice. Registration is required for all retreats at https://dioceseofvenice.regfox.com/2026-day-of-reflection-mp-retreat. Couples unable to attend an in-person retreat may contact the Diocesan Marriage Prep office to register for the online version. Please contact Jim Gontis at 941- 486-4754 or gontis@dioceseofvenice.org.

Diocese of Venice Missionary Opportunity for Summer 2026 Now Open

Could the Lord be calling you? The Diocese of Venice is inviting college-age young adults to apply to serve as Totus Tuus Missionaries for the Diocese’s Parish Catechetical Summer Totus Tuus Camps. As a Totus Tuus Missionary, you will be an authentic witness to Christ’s love, teach the Catholic faith to children and youth, and grow in leadership, community, and your personal relationship with Christ. Many missionaries describe Totus Tuus as one of the most meaningful and life-changing experiences of their lives, a summer where faith deepens, friendships grow, and God’s call becomes clearer. Don’t miss this unique opportunity! Apply today! To apply, visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/562S8YS. Applicants must be 18 years of age or older, and available from May 20 through July 31, 2026. For further information, contact Andres Prias, Diocesan Director of Youth & Young Adult Ministry, at prias@dioceseofvenice.org or 941-441-1122.

Project Rachel

For women or men who have been scarred by abortion, the Diocese offers “Project Rachel,” an outreach of the Catholic Church to those who are suffering and in need of healing following an abortion. This program offers help through the sacraments, retreats, and referrals for professional counseling, all confidentially. For assistance, please contact, Sylvia Jimenez, Project Rachel Coordinator, at 941-412-5860 (English and en Español), or project.rachel@dioceseofvenice.org. The Diocese also works with “Support After Abortion,” a national outreach to provide individualized care for those impacted by abortion. For details, visit https://supportafterabortion.com/.

Catholic Charities offers Mental Health Counseling Services

Catholic Charities Diocese of Venice is offering mental health counseling, including tele-health, for adults and children provided by licensed mental health therapists. If you or someone you know is feeling stressed, anxious, depressed, helpless, or overwhelmed, Catholic Charities can help. For more information on this service, please call 239-455-2655 or visit Catholic Charities online: www.catholiccharitiesdov.org.

Prison Ministry volunteers needed throughout Diocese

Join the team of Diocesan volunteers who enter county jails and state prisons within the 10-county Diocese of Venice to do pastoral outreach, distribute the Eucharist and facilitate programs. Priests, Deacons, and lay volunteers are encouraged to assist in this ministry. Volunteers will first participate in an orientation program before entering the facility and will shadow experienced volunteers until they feel comfortable. Times and days vary by facility. Please contact Joe Mallof at 224-217-7139 or Bob Hiniker 863-558-0407 to learn where you can fit into this joyful opportunity.

Free Rosary Repair Service

Send your broken rosaries in a padded envelope to Betty and Dick Holden, Free Rosary Repair Service, 7930 Estero Blvd., Unit 502, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931. Rosaries will be repaired and returned within the week of receipt. Donations of old rosaries are also accepted, which will be repaired and sent to missions. Include a note indicating repair or donation. For more details, please call 239-463-3993, 860-595-6370 or holdenbnd@gmail.com.

State executes 11th person of year, extending terrifying record

Posted on September 5, 2025 by Bob Reddy

At 6 p.m., Aug. 28, 2025, the State of Florida executed Curtis Windom, the 11^th person executed in the state in 2025, extending a gruesome record for the state that seems to have no limit.

While Windom was being executed, prayer vigils were taking place across the state seeking an end to the death penalty. One such prayer vigil took place at San Pedro Parish in North Port.

Deacon Rich Frohmiller led the prayer vigil and said that those present were not there to debate the guilt or innocence of Windom, as he was convicted by a jury of killing three people in the Orlando area in 1992. Nor were they there to justify his violent behavior, but rather they were there to pray for the victims of his crime and for the soul of the man to be executed this evening.

“We gather here this evening to represent those who are against the death penalty,” Deacon Frohmiller said. “The Lord calls us to be here protecting His great gift of life. It’s important to continue to gather and pray without ceasing for the elimination of the death penalty. We are taught to respect the dignity of every person, and we pray that we are never silent about the deliberate taking of a life by the State ‘on our behalf.’”

Present for the prayer vigil were more than two dozen, including Bishop Frank J. Dewane. Bishop Dewane’s presence was in unity with those who stand vigil for each execution. At the conclusion of the prayer service, the Bishop offered the closing prayer. Afterwards he personally thanked individuals for attending.

Bishop Dewane has joined the other Florida Bishops in expressing outrage at the spate of executions in Florida which surpassed a record of executions in one year (8), with no sign of stopping. The Florida Bishops call on Gov. Ron DeSantis to stop signing death warrants, and to revert all execution sentencing to life without parole, a fair and reasonable sentencing in a modern world.

While a call from the Florida Bishops might have some sway over the Governor, Bishop Dewane said prayer remains a powerful weapon in this battle.

“Prayer vigils, such as the ones that take place at San Pedro make a difference,” Bishop Dewane said. “We pray to the Lord not only for the person scheduled to be executed, but for the victims of the condemned, and for all of those in the justice system who had a hand in making these executions happen.”

Bishop Dewane said, “At the heart of Catholic teaching on the death penalty is the truth that human life is sacred because from its beginning it involves the creative action of God, and every person’s life has dignity and worth, ‘no matter the harm one has suffered or caused.’”

The prayer service included hymns and a reading from the Gospel of Matthew 5:38-48, when Jesus said, “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, offer no resistance to one who is evil.” Jesus teaches that we should step beyond what we perceive as our right, and to respond with love. While the Old Testament includes some passages about taking the life of one who kills, the Old Testament and the teaching of Christ in the New Testament call us to protect life, practice mercy, and reject vengeance.

The North Port prayer vigil also included the praying of the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary and offered intercessions seeking to eliminate capital punishment in Florida and elsewhere. The prayer service poignantly paused at 6 p.m. (the time of the execution) to pray in silence.

Since the reinstatement of the death penalty in Florida in 1976, 117 people have been put to death, including Windom. Death warrants have already been signed for two more. David Joseph Pittman, 63, is set to be the 12th person executed in Florida if his death sentence is carried out as scheduled on Sept. 17. The execution of Victor Tony Jones is scheduled for Sept. 30.

Deacon Frohmiller said he will continue to hold a prayer vigil for each scheduled execution, no matter how often they occur. “It is disturbing that this is happening so frequently, but we are called to pray, and will continue to do so until executions end in Florida.”

The execution prayer vigils are held at San Pedro Parish Chapel, 14380 Tamiami Trail, North Port, and begin at 5:30 p.m., lasting less than an hour. All are welcome and encouraged to attend.

Execution prayer vigil held in North Port

Posted on August 22, 2025 by Bob Reddy

Kayle Barrington Bates was executed by the State of Florida at 6 p.m., Aug. 19, 2025. He has been on Florida’s death row, off and on since 1983.

To mark this solemn occasion, a prayer vigil was held at San Pedro Parish in North Port.

Bates was sentenced to death for the 1982 murder of Janet Renee White in Bay County. He appealed and was moved on and off death row for 42 years, until Gov. Ron DeSantis signed his death warrant. Bates was the 10th execution in Florida and 29th in the U.S. so far this year. With Bates’ execution, the state extends its dubious record of the most executions in the state in a single year since the death penalty returned in 1976. The previous high for executions in Florida had been 8 in 2014 and 1984.

During the vigil, which joined Floridians around the state, the faithful gathered to pray for Janet Renee White, for her family, for all who have been harmed by Mr. Bates’ actions, for him, for those directly or indirectly involved in the execution, for everyone affected by violent crime, and for an end to the use of the death penalty.

On behalf of the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops, Michael Sheedy, Executive Director, sent a letter to Gov. Ron DeSantis seeking a stay of the execution and commuting the sentence to life without parole. In the letter, Sheedy wrote that the Florida Bishops mourned the tragic death of Ms. White and the terrible suffering of her husband, Randy, and loved ones. “Nevertheless, even as we pray for the repose of Ms. White’s soul and for her husband’s consolation, we urge you to spare Mr. Bates’s life,” wrote Sheedy. “Every human life, given by God, is sacred.”

The Catholic Church teaches that the death penalty attacks the inviolability of the human person. Life-long incarceration without the possibility of parole is a severe yet more humane punishment that ensures societal safety, allows the guilty the possibility of redemption, and offers finality to court processes. Given our modern penal system, executions are unnecessary.

The Florida Bishops asked all Floridians to join in praying a novena for an end to the use of Florida’s death penalty. The novena was from Aug. 6-14, concluding on the Memorial of St. Maximilian Kolbe, who was executed in an Auschwitz prison camp in 1941.

Bishop Frank J. Dewane said the Florida Bishops will continue to ask the governor to stop signing death warrants. Prayer is powerful!

The Bishop also used his Aug. 29, 2025, Relevant Radio podcast “Witnessing Faith with Bishop Dewane,” to talk about the death penalty.

“At the heart of Catholic teaching on the death penalty is the truth that human life is sacred because from its beginning it involves the creative action of God, and every person’s life has dignity and worth, ‘no matter the harm one has suffered or caused,’” Bishop Dewane said.

Krisanne Vaillancourt Murphy, Executive Director of the Catholic Mobilizing Network in Washington, D.C., said the actions of Gov. DeSantis are fueling a nationwide uptick in capital punishment. Nationally, we have already seen more executions this year than in any year in the past decade, and it is only August.

Vaillancourt Murphy shared that during a visit to the Vatican she was able to meet Pope Francis and encourage him to ask then-President Joseph Biden to pardon all federal death row inmates. The Holy Father made a public appeal and Biden did grant the pardons before leaving office in January 2025.

During the radio show, Bob Hiniker, Coordinator of Prison Outreach in the Diocese of Venice, and Father Luis Pacheco, Pastor of St. Paul Parish in Arcadia, spoke about the alternative to the death penalty – life in prison, and prison ministry in general.

Father Pacheco and Hiniker visit prisons regularly and spoke about how prison outreach seeks to bring the Gospel to those who are incarcerated, their families, their victims and those who work in the justice system. Prison outreach offers Bible study, religious education and assistance with receiving the sacraments such as Baptism, First Holy Communion and Confirmation.

If you are interested in volunteering for prison ministry, please contact Bob Hiniker at 863-558-0407 or hinbob5@hotmail.com. Volunteers will first participate in an orientation program before entering the facility and will shadow experienced volunteers until they feel comfortable.

“Witnessing Faith with Bishop Dewane” can be heard on Relevant Radio on 1410 AM and 106.7 FM in Fort Myers and 1660 AM and 93.3 FM in Naples at 8:30 a.m. on the last Friday of every month (Aug. 29), or anytime at www.dioceseofvenice.org/ourbishop.

At San Pedro Parish in North Port, Deacon Richard Frohmiller led the prayer vigil and said they were there not to debate the guilt or innocence of Bates, but to pray for his soul, and the souls of all who have been put to death by the State on our “behalf.”

“We are taught to respect the dignity of every person and we pray that we are never silent about the deliberate taking of a life,” Deacon Frohmiller said.

The prayer service included hymns and a reading from the Gospel of Matthew 5:38-48, when Jesus said, “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, offer no resistance to one who is evil.” Jesus teaches that we should step beyond we perceive as our right and to respond with love. While the Old Testament includes some passages about taking the life of one who kills, the Old Testament and the teaching of Christ in the New Testament call us to protect life, practice mercy, and reject vengeance.

The North Port group also prayed the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary and offered intercessions seeking a change to the laws which allow capital punishment in Florida and elsewhere. The prayer service poignantly paused at 6 p.m. (the time of the execution) to pray in silence.

Since the reinstatement of the death penalty in Florida in 1976, 116 people have been put to death, including Bates. Death warrants have already been signed for two more. Curtis Windom, 59, is set to become the 11th person executed in Florida on Aug. 28. He was convicted of killing three people in the Orlando area in 1992.

David Pittman, 63, will be the 12th person executed in Florida if his death sentence is carried out as scheduled on Sept. 17. He was found guilty of fatally stabbing his estranged wife’s sister and parents at their Polk County home before setting it on fire in 1990.

Deacon Frohmiller said he will hold a prayer vigil for each scheduled execution, no matter how often they occur. “It is frustrating that this is happening, but we are called to pray, and will continue to do so until executions end in Florida.” The vigils at San Pedro Parish Chapel, 14380 Tamiami Trail, North Port, begin at 5:30 p.m. and last less than an hour. All are welcome and encouraged to attend.

Bishop asks for prayers to end Florida executions

Posted on August 8, 2025August 8, 2025 by Bob Reddy

The pace of executions in Florida is alarming. With the execution of Edward Zakrzewski on July 31, 2025, the ninth to take place this year, Florida has broken its own record for the number of executions carried out in a single year. The state is not stopping there. Governor Ron DeSantis has already signed two additional death warrants; Kayle Bates is scheduled to be executed on August 19, and Curtis Windom on August 28, thereby setting new records for most executions in a single year in Florida.

The death penalty is a harmful and unnecessary form of punishment. State-sanctioned killing further distorts society’s understanding of the sacredness of all human life, diminishing the recognition of our own inherent dignity and that of others. St. John Paul II expressed strong opposition to the death penalty, advocating for its abolition and emphasizing the inherent dignity of every human life, even in face of serious crime. He acknowledged the traditional teaching allowing capital punishment in cases of absolute necessity, but argued that advances in penal systems made such cases “very rare, if not practically nonexistent.” St. John Paul II also called for a “consensus to end the death penalty” and emphasized the possibility of redemption and rehabilitation for offenders.

As Catholics, we are called to mercy and compassion, not violence and vengeance. With mercy towards the offenders, who themselves have often been victimized in life, and compassion for the victims of violence and their families, whose grief is not eliminated by the taking of another life, justice can be better served.

Please join Bishop Frank J. Dewane and all the Bishops of Florida to pray a novena for an end to the use of Florida’s death penalty. The novena began earlier this week, Aug. 6, and continues through Aug. 14, concluding on the Memorial of St. Maximilian Kolbe, who was executed in an Auschwitz prison camp in 1941. Watch for videos of the Bishops and pray along with them on social media at www.facebook.com/flaccb.

The Florida Bishops will continue to ask the governor to stop signing death warrants. However, prayer is powerful and is needed!

Prayer to End the Use of the Death Penalty

Merciful Father, we ask your blessing on all we do to build a culture of life. Hear our prayers for those impacted by the death penalty.

We pray for all people, that their lives and dignity as children of a loving God may be respected and protected in all stages and circumstances.

We pray for victims of violence and their families, that they may experience our love and support and find comfort in your compassion and in the promise of eternal life.

We pray for those on death row, that their lives may be spared, that the innocent may be freed and that the guilty may come to acknowledge their faults and seek reconciliation with you.

We pray for the families of those who are facing execution, that they may be comforted by your love and compassion.

We pray for civic leaders, that they may commit themselves to respecting every human life and ending the use of the death penalty in our land.

Compassionate Father, give us wisdom and hearts filled with your love. Guide us as we work to end the use of the death penalty and to build a society that truly chooses life in all situations.

We ask this Father through your Son Jesus Christ who lives and reigns with the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever.

Amen

Execution prayer vigils Aug. 22

Posted on August 9, 2019 by Bob Reddy

On Aug. 22, at 6 p.m., Gary Ray Bowles is scheduled to be executed by the State of Florida.

The Diocese of Venice Respect Life Office is asking everyone to please join a prayer vigil (choose from list below) or pray at home for Mr. Bowles, his family, the victims and their families, and those who must carry out the execution.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church, #2267 states: “The Church teaches, in the light of the Gospel, that ‘The death penalty is inadmissible because it is an attack on the inviolability and dignity of the person,’ and she works with determination for its abolition worldwide.”

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops document, A Culture of Life and the Penalty of Death, states: “When the state, in our names and with our taxes, ends a human life despite having non-lethal alternatives, it suggests that society can overcome violence with violence. The use of the death penalty ought to be abandoned not only for what it does to those who are executed, but for what it does to all of society.”

Execution Prayer Vigil times and locations:

5 p.m., St. Catherine Parish, 820 Hickory St., Sebring;

5:30 p.m., St. John XXIII Parish, 13060 Palomino Lane, Fort Myers; St. Raphael Parish (chapel), 2514 Lee Blvd., Lehigh Acres; Sacred Heart Parish, 211 West Charlotte Avenue, Punta Gorda (outdoor Last Supper Table);

5:45 p.m., St. Thomas More Parish, 2506 Gulf Gate Drive, Sarasota; San Pedro Parish (chapel), 14380 Tamimi Trail, North Port; San Marco Parish, 851 San Marco Drive, Marco Island;

6 p.m., St. Joseph Parish, 3100 26th St. W., Bradenton; St. Katharine Drexel Parish (chapel), 1922 SW 20th Ave., Cape Coral.

To learn more about the death penalty, watch the video at https://dioceseofvenice.org/offices/offices-departments/respect-life/death-penalty/. For additional information, contact the Diocesan Respect Life Office at Berdeaux@dioceseofvenice.org or 941-441-1101.