Prior to the Scheduled Execution of Jose Antonio Jimenez

Jose Antonio Jimenez is scheduled to be executed by the State of Florida on Thursday, December 13, 2018, at 6:00 p.m. for the murder of Phyllis Minas. Prior to Jimenez’s scheduled execution, Catholic faithful and members of the community plan to gather to pray for the victim and aggressor, and their families, for our society, which continues to impose violence in return for violence, and for an end to the use of the death penalty.

When:               Wednesday, December 12, 4:00 PM, followed by Evening Prayer and Benediction

Where:             St. Vincent de Paul Parish, 4843 Mile Stretch Drive, Holiday

Prayers will also be broadcast on Thursday, December 13 at 5:50 p.m. on WBVM Spirit FM 90.5 (online at http://www.myspiritfm.com).

Additional Information:

Earlier this year, Pope Francis further defined Church teaching on the death penalty.

“The death penalty is inadmissible because it is an attack on the inviolability and dignity of the person,” reads the amended text of paragraph 2267 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, with the addition that the Church “works with determination for its abolition worldwide.”

Catholics believe that all human beings are created in the image and likeness of God, and the dignity bestowed on them by the Creator cannot be extinguished, even by grave sin, such that all persons from conception until natural death possess inalienable dignity and value that points to their origin as sons and daughters of God.

“Our parish has a long tradition of gathering in prayer before every execution signed by the Governor of Florida to offer intercessions for the State, the accused, the victim, and family members. A loss of life creates suffering in the hearts of all who experience the death of a loved one. And, all of us are but One in the love of God who brings us to life,” said Father Bill Fickel, pastor, St. Vincent de Paul Parish.

For questions about the Prayer Vigil, please contact Sabrina Schultz, Director of Life Ministry for the Diocese of St. Petersburg, at 727-344?1611, ext. 5325 or by email: sab@dosp.org.