On Saturday, November 30, communities across the globe dedicated to the abolition of the death penalty and a more civil form of justice will participate in The World Day of Cities for Life / Cities Against the Death Penalty. Specific efforts vary by location, but many cities take part by lighting up major historical, religious, or civic monuments. In turn, those illuminated monuments become symbols of a commitment to creating a world without the death penalty. This annual event has been spearheaded by the Rome-based lay Catholic community of Sant'Egidio since 2002. November 30 coincides with the anniversary of the first death penalty abolition in history, which occurred in the Grand Duchy of Tuscany, Italy on November 30, 1786. Today, the top five nations carrying out executions are China, Iran, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and the United States.
In solidarity with this international movement, various activities are taking place in dioceses across Florida. All events are scheduled for November 30, unless indicated otherwise:
Arcdiocese of Miami Parishes are asked to add a general intercession during Masses for an end to the use of the death penalty.
Diocese of St. Augustine An event will be held at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Jacksonville at 6:30 pm. Speakers will be Dale Recinella, Catholic correctional chaplain for Florida's death row inmates and author; Ingrid Delgado, FCCB associate director for social concerns/respect life; and Deacon Andy and Kate Grosmaire, authors of "Forgiving My Daughter's Killer" and advocates for restorative justice. Additionally, churches are asked to ring their bells at 7:30 pm.
Diocese of St. Petersburg A Cities for Life Vigil will take place at noon on the south lawn of the Historic Court House in Inverness. Hear from a death row exoneree and join others in prayer and song. In addition, congregations are invited to toll their bells at 6:00 pm and leave the lights on in the Church overnight. Parishes are also invited to pray for an end of the use of the death penalty at weekend Masses.
Diocese of Orlando Our Lady of Lourdes in Daytona Beach will hold an event at 6:00 pm in the grotto. Keynote speaker will be Juanita Perez, mother and grandmother of murder victims and advocate for alternatives to the death penalty.
St. Margaret Mary in Winter Park will have a Cities for Life candlelight procession from the church courtyard to the front of the church and a prayer vigil at 6:00 pm. Please note this will take place on November 22.
Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee St. Louis Catholic Church in Tallahassee is hosting an event from 7:30 - 9:00 pm. Speakers include Fr. Dustin Feddon, executive director of Joseph House and member of the Catholic Prison Ministry Coalition, and Elke Long, member of Tallahassee Citizens Against the Death Penalty.
Diocese of Palm Beach Parishes have been asked to read an announcement during Masses and are invited to ring church bells at 5:00 pm.
Diocese of Venice Parishes are asked to consider tolling church bells at 6:00 pm.