Standing for Life: A Call to End the Death Penalty
More than 30 years ago, a terrible crime took the lives of two innocent people, Gregory and Kimberly Malnory. Now, the State of Florida plans to take another life in return. Join the Catholic bishops of Florida and other community citizens in calling for an end to this cycle of violence.
Now is the time to act. Let the Governor Know What You Think.
Contact Gov. DeSantis today and ask him to stay the execution scheduled for this Thursday, Feb. 13 at 6:00 p.m. Let your voice be heard in defense of life. Click here to send a message: https://actionnetwork.org/letters/tell-governor-desantis-to-stay-the-execution-of-james-ford
The Florida Catholic Bishops sent a letter to Gov. DeSantis last week asking him to show mercy and commute the sentence to life in prison. Click here to read the full letter https://www.flaccb.org/news/catholic-bishops-urge-governor-desantis-to-spare-the-life-of-james-ford.)
The Catholic Church teaches that every human life has dignity, even those who have committed grave crimes. Pope Francis has declared the death penalty inadmissible, affirming that justice must not be driven by vengeance.
Candlelight Vigil for James Ford’s Scheduled Execution
Floridians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty (FADP) invites individuals from across Florida to stand together in opposition to capital punishment. A Prayer Vigil and peaceful protest will be held one hour before the scheduled execution at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 13. The group will gather in the designated protest area across the highway from Florida State Prison at 23916 NW 83rd Ave, Raiford, FL 32026. Bishop Emeritus Felipe Estévez will be joining the group in prayer and protest.
Additionally, the following churches in the Diocese of St. Augustine will gather Catholics and members of the community to pray for James Ford and his victims Gregory and Kimberly Malnory:
- St. Joseph Catholic Church – Cody Center Adoration Chapel, Jacksonville onWednesday, Feb. 12, from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.
- Holy Family Catholic Church, 9800 Baymeadows Way, Jacksonville. On Feb. 12 a Divine Mercy Chaplet will be offered at 3:00 p.m. and a rosary at 6:30 p.m. The Blessed Sacrament is exposed between 7:30 and 9:00 a.m. and continues from 9:30 a.m. to about6:50 p.m. Confession is also available.
- National Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche at Mission Nombre de Dios, 101 San Marco Ave., St. Augustine on Thursday, Feb. 13.
- Holy Faith Catholic Church, 747 NW 43rd Street, Gainesville on Feb. 13 at 5:30 p.m.
- St. Augustine Church & Catholic Student Center, 1738 W. University Ave., Gainesville. Mass will be celebrated on Feb. 13, at 5:30 p.m.
- Santa Maria Del Mar Catholic Church, 915 N. Central Ave., Flagler Beach. Prayer Vigil – adoration with exposition and rosary followed by Mass on Feb. 13 at 8:00 a.m.
- St. Mary Mother of Mercy Catholic Church, 1143 W. Macclenny Ave., Macclenny. Prayer Vigil – adoration with exposition and rosary on Feb. 13, from 8:00 to 9:00 a.m.followed by Mass at 9:00 a.m.
- Catholic Student Center for the University of North Florida, 11277 Alumni Blvd., Jacksonville. Mass will be celebrated on Feb. 13 at 5:30 p.m.
