About 1,000 gathered from across the region for the Spanish-language Catholic Charismatic Renewal Conference on Sept. 20-21, 2025, at Fort Myers High School in Fort Myers.
Bishop Frank J. Dewane celebrated a Mass for the group on the morning on Sept. 21. He told the conference participants how grateful he was for all that they do in support of the Diocese of Venice throughout the region.
Bishop Dewane encouraged the Charismatic Renewal members to gain as much as they could from the Conference as they grow closer to the Lord in their lives. “Listen to the Holy Spirit in your lives. Let the Holy Spirit be the impetus behind what we you do, and how you do it, and may the Lord bless you in these efforts.”
Speaking about Catholic Social Teachings, Bishop Dewane said that the power of man comes from God, but that all power must be used for the dignity of the person, because everyone is made in the image and likeness of God.
“We have to live our life that way,” Bishop Dewane continued. “The Holy Spirit is ever watchful and prompts us to reach out, to react, to do something to help the other.”
Expressing support for the community, Bishop Dewane spoke about the need to continue to have faith in the Lord in a world full of uncertainty as they continue to “live out the Charism you have been given. Be that leaven in society that rises and speaks out for the Lord, for justice, and for what needs to be said within the community. Trust the Holy Spirit to guide you and bless you in this effort.”
The conference included a variety of guest speakers, including Father Wilner Durosier, C.S., Administrator of St. Michael Parish in Wauchula. There was also dynamic music, break-out sessions, Eucharistic Adoration, as well as the praying of the Holy Rosary.
In addition to groups representing 26 Diocese of Venice Parishes, participants in the conference included faithful from the Archdiocese of Miami, as well as the Dioceses of St. Petersburg and Orlando.
Also present was Jose Soto, National Coordinator for the Spanish Charismatic Renewal of the United States and Canada, who is from Jesus the Worker Parish in Fort Myers.
