I Was in Prison and Condemned to Death . . .

Read the whole story of a remarkable husband and wife team, Dale and Susan Recinella of Macclenny, who are sensitive but passionate advocates against the death penalty.

Together, the husband and wife team have taken on the responsibilty of ministering to the spiritual and psychological needs of Death Row inmates and the family members of both the incarcerated and the victim.

The Recinellas are devout Christians and members of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Macclenny. St. Mary’s is responsible for Catholic ministry to Death Row inmates in Union Correctional Institution in Raiford and Florida State Prison in Starke. Mr. Recinella has served as lay minister to both institutions since 1998.

When inmates make the request, he will serve, one on one, as their spiritual advisor and counselor. He also administers Holy Communion. Mrs. Recinella, a psychologist at Northeast Florida State Hospital, is committed to assisting the family members.

Florida law does not allow an inmate’s family to be present at executions or even be on prison property during the six hours preceding the event. Mr. Recinella may spend the last six hours of the inmate’s life with him at the prison and attend as a witness to his execution while Mrs. Recinella stays with the family.

Read the whole thing. Sobering and inspiring all at once. A good read for a Friday in Lent.