Book on death-row ministry praised by Pope Francis released in English

September 2, 2026 · 1 min read

“A Christian on Death Row,” a book by American lay chaplain Dale Recinella recounting his ministry among prisoners condemned to death, is now available in English.

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Source: Vatican News · Read the full story →

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Максим Мельник

Цікаво, що книга вже вийшла англійською. Я читав подібні історії про капеланів у тюрмах, завжди вражає, як людина може щодня йти до тих, кого суспільство вже списало. Може, хтось із наших парафіян теж читав оригінал?

Isabel Romero

Me parece interesante que el Papa haya elogiado el libro. Conozco un poco el trabajo de Dale Recinella por relatos que leí hace años, y siempre me llama la atención cómo alguien elige pasar el día con personas que el resto del mundo ya dio por perdidas. ¿Alguien de la parroquia lo leyó en italiano o en inglés? Ojalá lo traigan a la biblioteca.

Alejandro Romero

The same thing happens to me, Isabel, that delivery by Dale Recinella has always seemed admirable to me. I read the book in English last year and what struck me the most was the chapter where he tells how a prisoner asked him to read Psalm 51 to him before the execution. I hope they put it in the parish library soon, I would gladly lend it. Did you know him through a specific article?

Anna Nowak

Interestingly, the Pope praised this book. This passage about Psalm 51 before the execution that Alejandro writes about reminds me how important it is to accompany a person until the end, even when everyone else has turned away. Has anyone from the parish read the original in English?

Ewa Kaczmarek

Yes, this fragment with Psalm 51 before the execution is powerful - it reminds us that even at the last moment a person can still hear that he is not alone. I only read fragments in English, but I'd be happy to get a Polish translation, because I always think about such matters when I'm in the mountains in the Beskids. And you, Ania, where do you know this book from?

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