Bob Reddy, Florida Catholic
In the first three weeks of the episcopal rule of Bishop Emilio Biosca Agüero, O.F.M. Cap., he has managed to visit 25 parishes and other entities while learning about the Diocese of Venice, its priests and its people.
At each stop, Bishop Emilio, who spent 22 years in missionary service and most recently as the head of a poor immigrant parish in the nation’s capital, tells the faithful that he was as surprised as anyone at being named bishop of the Diocese of Venice.
“Perhaps if I had served for 30 years in a parish it might have been more believable, but as a Capuchin this was definitely unexpected,” Bishop Emilio said during a homily Aug. 2, 2026, at St. John the Evangelist Parish, Naples.
The bishop admits that in such a short period of time, there is still much he must learn about the diocese. “I am doing what I have done in each new place I have been assigned; going around to learn the history and background of a place and getting to know the people where they are.”
Before the conclusion of Mass at St. John the Evangelist Parish in Naples, Bishop Emilio joined the concelebrating priests in blessing the youngest children who have not yet received their first Holy Communion. The bishop then offered a prayer of sending forth for four Diocese of Venice seminarians, John Crowley, Jesse Gomez, Jasper Hartley, and Jacob Weipert, who were altar servers during the Mass. Gomez is returning to seminary, while the other three are entering formation in the coming days. Gomez and Weipert are parishioners at St. John the Evangelist, while Crowley is from St. Katharine Drexel Parish in Cape Coral, and Hartley is from St. Andrew Parish in Cape Coral. A parish family picnic followed, with Bishop Emilio greeting many at the reception.
At Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Immokalee, during the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass on July 30, Bishop Emilio shared more of his immigrant family history, being the first born in the U.S. to immigrant parents from Cuba. He also told the large immigrant community that he is aware of their struggles and concerns and explained how his parish in D.C. handled the immigration crisis through a system of direct accompaniment, helping in any way possible: spiritually, financial and legally.
Bishop Emilio later took questions from the faithful about a variety of topics before everyone gathered in the parish hall for a celebration that included a variety of food, lively music, and opportunities for the faithful to speak with the new bishop and take a photo to capture the moment.
“It is so wonderful to have Bishop Emilio here with us,” said Father Teofilo Ramirez, pastor of Our Lady of Guadalupe. “We welcome you and we pray for you as you take on your role as our shepherd.”
Earlier that same day, following a Mass at Ave Maria Parish in Ave Maria, Bishop Emilio shook hands with well-wishers for about 90 minutes as each person patiently waited their turn to greet the new bishop. He later received a brief tour of neighboring Ave Maria University.
Parishes visited between July 30 and Aug. 2, included: Ave Maria, Ave Maria; Our Lady of Guadalupe Immokalee; and St. Ann, Corpus Christi, St. Peter the Apostle and St. John the Evangelist, all in Naples.
Bishop Emilio plans to visit each parish in the Diocese of Venice by the end of August, to better serve in his role as bishop. He is also looking forward to a September trip to the Vatican for a special gathering of new bishops. The August schedule also will allow for more expeditious travel throughout the large diocese, before the Season, and an influx of snowbirds, begins. A more formal pastoral visit to parishes will take place in the following year or so when there is less urgency.
Upcoming visits include, St. Michael, Wauchula (Aug. 7), Our Lady Queen of Heaven, LaBelle (Aug. 7), St. Margaret, Clewiston (Aug. 8), St. Joseph the Worker, Moore Haven (Aug. 8), St. Catherine, Sebring (Aug. 9), Our Lady of the Angels, Lakewood Ranch (Aug. 10), Incarnation, Sarasota (Aug. 11); San Pedro, North Port (Aug. 12), Our Lady of Lourdes, Venice (Aug. 12), and St. Martha, Sarasota (Aug. 13). Please check with each parish for a schedule of public events.
