On Saturday May 23, 2009, Bishop J. Kevin Boland, Bishop of Savannah along with Sister Jackie Griffith, SSJ of Catholic Social Services and 18 other clergyman and religious representatives of Savannah, gathered for a prayer and gospel celebration on behalf of Troy Anthony Davis and the family of Officer Mark Allen MacPhail. Bishop Boland was invited to speak and share his thoughts and prayers.

Bishop Boland began by reading the Gospel according to John 20:19-21 as well as a reading by the prophet Amos 5:4, 14, 15, and 24.Bishop Boland went on to pray and reflect. 

Loving God – you are the creator of the universe and all people are stewards of your creation. In all the earth men, women and children are most precious. There are no gifts more sacred.

The death of Mark Allen MacPhail was a tragic and terrible happening. We pray for Mark and we pray for his family. They have seen and bear the wounds of Jesus, his hands and his side. May the “wounded Jesus” now risen from the dead give to this family every grace and consolation. Jesus is the divine healer.

The life of Troy Davis is also sacred. This family also lives with the “wounds” of Jesus. The complexity of the legal system, lingering questions about his guilt, a possible miscarriage of Justice, and witnesses recanting all have lead to a legal quagmire. For justice to be served when a person’s life is at stake, every shred of doubt must be eliminated.

Quoting the prophet Amos:
“Hate evil and love God
Let justice prevail at the gate
Let justice surge like water.”

To the MacPhails and the Davis’s:

When Jesus appeared to his Disciples, the doors were locked.

Our Father, Who art in heaven
Hallowed be Thy Name;
Thy kingdom come,
Thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil. Amen.

Click here to view WSAV-TV's coverage of Bishop Boland and this event.