The South Florida man whose prayer for Osama bin Laden caused a holy mess at mass this past Sunday is speaking out to defend the bizarre benediction.
Henry Borga paid $10 to put bin Laden's name on the prayer list at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church in West Palm Beach over the weekend, according to WPTV.
The name appeared with four others under the mass intentions section in the church's pamphlet, with a cross next to bin Laden's name.
While putting the name on the list has caused quite a hubbub, Borga, who said he also prayed for the victims of 9/11, said it was about mercy.
"He was a very bad man but he deserved to be punished in life, not by losing his life," Borga said. "He needs forgiveness and compassion from God."
Borga said he came up with the idea after he saw the way people were celebrating the killing. He says the secretary at the church thought it was a joke.
Father Gavin Badway, the pastor of the church, said they hadn't turned down a request before and that it was right to honor Borga's request.
"Some people, from their emotions, don't want us to pray for him. I can understand that, but we cannot do that," said Badway. "We are to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. Judgment is reserved to God alone."
