Bob Reddy, Florida Catholic
The Zazarino Center was packed with students, faculty and parents from St. Mary Academy and St. Martha Catholic School in anticipation of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass on Sept. 17, 2026.
Bishop Emilio E. Biosca, O.F.M. Cap., was the celebrant for the Mass, his second Catholic school Mass since his July 11 ordination, but the first that included a lengthy visit.
The purpose of the longer visit was to first learn about the history of the schools, Bishop Emilio explained. Then learning how the schools are currently functioning.
“It is also about learning about your hopes and dreams, and to learn about any difficulties you might be having,” Bishop Emilio said. “Also, how the Diocese of Venice can make Catholic schools stronger in educational ways as well as in the faith, which is the reason these schools exist in the first place.”
Bishop Emilio offered a brief personal history and explained how his parents ensured that no matter their financial standing he and his sisters each went to Catholic schools in Virginia while they were growing up.
“I went to St. Anthony’s in Falls Church, St. Leo in Fairfax, and Bishop O’Connell High School in Arlington,” the bishop said. “I have clear memories of praying the rosary outside, every week.”
While in high school, Bishop Emilio said that he was privileged to meet St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta, and her message to the students was to “‘always love your brothers and sisters; and love the one you are close to.’ That is a powerful lesson for all students.”
At the conclusion of the Mass, Bishop Emilio was presented with hand-made greeting cards from the students, randomly picking one out which welcomed him to the diocese and warning him to be wary of alligators.
Following the Mass, Bishop Emilio greeted the parents during an informal reception. He then met with the leadership including St. Mary Principal Rebecca Reynolds and St. Martha Principal Mari Jo Hanson.
The tour opened with a gathering in the school chapel of eighth graders from both schools. There, Bishop Emilio fielded a wide variety of questions, with many focusing on his life as a Capuchin priest.
When asked about what it is like to be a bishop, Bishop Emilio said, “I’m still getting used to it. Right now, it is easier than where I was before at a very busy parish. Like my time in the missions (Papua New Guinea and Cuba), I come with the idea that I will never leave. This is because to do your work as the Shepherd of the Diocese, you cannot be connected to the people if you are disconnected and distracted by outside things. It is important to be where you are supposed to be.”
The bishop explained that his favorite part about being a bishop is when he has time to speak to people after Mass and they share their personal spiritual journey.
“It’s hearing how God was working in their life and led them along the way,” Bishop Emilio said. “God can work through all the different kind of variables in our lives, and He speaks to people’s hearts. That is always good to remember as we deal with life.”
The bishop spoke about his recent travels to Italy where he spent time participating in a new bishop course at the Vatican which culminated in a meeting with Pope Leo XIV.
Bishop Emilio said that while in Italy he spent time at the tombs of apostles Ss. Peter and Paul, as well as those of several popes, carrying with him the prayers of the faithful of the Diocese of Venice, including those of the students in diocesan Catholic schools.
Throughout the rest of the day, Bishop Emilio visited as many classrooms as was practical, first visiting the pre-kindergarten-4 students just prior to their nap time. These young students presented him with a gift, a framed image of the cross which read, “Welcome Bishop Emilio” at the top and the cross held the colored fingerprints of each student.
Other highlights of the visit included one student proclaiming that after shaking hands with Bishop Emilio he would not be washing that hand ever again. The bishop assured him he would make sure to visit the school often and it was ok to wash his hand. While visiting the outdoor playground, Bishop Emilo had time to bless rosaries that were made by fourth grade students.
Bishop Emilio praised principals Reynolds and Hanson on their respective schools and ensured them that he would be returning often.
