The 5th annual Diocese of Venice, “Together in Holiness” Marriage Conference, presented in partnership with the St. John Paul II Foundation, took place Oct. 18, 2025, at Our Lady of Light Parish in Fort Myers, and was a great success.
More than 125 couples, representing 40 Parishes, took part in this event which was intended to allow couples to grow together in holiness, learn to form their children in the Catholic Faith, and enjoy a day of quality time with their spouse. The theme for the Conference was: “Family, a School of Love,” a description of marriage developed by St. John Paul II which calls for couples to renew their love for one another and with God.
The day offered couples an opportunity to reconnect with their spouse through conversation and prayer during a day focused on helping them live their marriage vocation more faithfully and fruitfully. Many married couples brought their young children, with more than 60 enrolled in childcare throughout the day. In addition to married couples, engaged couples also participated.
The day included the Mass, celebrated by Bishop Frank J. Dewane, Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and the availability of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. At the conclusion of the Mass, Bishop Dewane offered the couples a special marriage blessing.
Bishop Dewane told the couples that the key to a successful marriage is to develop a discourse with God. “You have to listen, because there are three of you in a marriage, with God as your anchor and guide.”
Citing Pope Leo XIV, Bishop Dewane said marriage is a covenant that leads others to know the power of God’s love.
“You are the witness, you are the example, you are the one the next generation is looking to, to see what God’s love is in a real sense,” Bishop Dewane. “God instituted the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony from the very beginning because you – husband and wife – contribute to the civilization of love in the world. You represent, make present, and magnify God’s love in the world. You are one heart, one soul joined together with God.”
One couple from St. Columbkille Parish in Fort Myers, married for 15 years with two children, said they went to the event looking to have a greater focus on God in their married and family life. “We are both very busy with work and the children are involved in lots of sports and activities which makes it so hard to have time for God. We are working to refocus on getting everyone to church each weekend and to have more prayer at home. It is important to have a strong faith life, so this Conference will help us have the tools to grow closer to the Lord, as a family.”
The Conference included inspirational talks by Catholic speakers Dr. Ryan Hanning, and Deacon Jason and Rachel Bulman, as well as Father David Portorreal, Administrator at St. Peter the Apostle Parish in Naples.
To learn more about other Diocese of Venice initiatives in the support of marriage and family, please contact Jim Gontis at gontis@dioceseofvenice.org, or 941-484-9543.
