After prayerful reflection, consultation, and exercising his lawful authority as the Bishop of the Diocese of Venice in Florida, His Excellency Bishop Emilio E. Biosca, O.F.M. Cap., announces the following restructuring of the curia and appointments:
Bishop’s Advisory Committee (BAC)
Bishop Emilio has created the Bishop’s Advisory Committee (BAC) and appointed experienced and respected members of the Diocese to assist with prayerful discernment and deliberation on important diocesan matters. The committee held its first preliminary meeting on 20, 2026, with Father David M. Vidal, Vicar General, Father Robert Kantor, Episcopal Vicar, and Father John Belmonte, SJ, Superintendent of Catholic Education. In addition to the Diocesan officials, Bishop Emilio will appoint other members. The committee will meet on Friday, October 30th, 2026, at the Catholic Center in Venice and will continue its advisory role with regular meetings.
- Sister Carmella DeCosty, SNJM, is appointed to the BAC, effective 30, 2026. Sister Carmella is a distinguished religious leader, administrator, and community builder with nearly three decades of dedicated service within the Diocese of Venice. Sister Carmella served as Director of Education, Executive Assistant to Bishop Nevins during the Diocese’s formative years, Administrator of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat and Spirituality Center, and Director of Religious. A member of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary, Sister Carmella brings an extraordinary background in institutional development, pastoral leadership, and program coordination.
- Kenia M. Rodriguez Milanes is appointed to the BAC, effective 30, 2026. Rodriguez is an organizational professional and leader. Originally from the Dominican Republic, Rodriguez earned a law degree, Magna Cum Laude, and a Master’s Degree in Business Law and Economic Legislation. She speaks Spanish, English, and French, and through her translations and community liaison work, she supports community advocacy and family-focused initiatives. She is faithfully dedicated to her family as a wife and mother and is actively involved in her parish community. Rodriguez offers her experience in responsible stewardship, effective administration, and service to families and the wider community.
Among the Bishop Advisory Committee’s first tasks will be to evaluate the Diocese of Venice in Florida’s Safe Environment Program, especially the process for listening to and recording complaints and allegations. This will include reviewing the safeguards that are in place, the By-Laws, and the composition of the Diocese of Venice in Florida Review Board (DRB). A new Adult Standards Board (ASB) will be established to strengthen the Code of Conduct in the Diocese while being more vigilant regarding various forms of abuse between adults, including power, authority, financial, and sexual. The BAC will also work on finding ways of supporting the Diocese of Venice Scholarship Granting Organization (SGO), related to the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit signed into law on July 4, 2025, and taking effect on Jan. 1, 2027.
Restructuring of the Office of the Chancellor
Volodymyr Smeryk has concluded his service as chancellor of the Diocese of Venice in Florida, effective Oct. 23, 2026. The decision followed consideration of the current organization of the Diocesan Curia, the pastoral and administrative needs of the Diocese, and consultations with priests and lay members. This change is part of an ongoing restructuring of the Curia, including the reconfiguration of certain ecclesiastical offices and leadership responsibilities. We appreciate Dr. Smeryk’s years of service.
Msgr. Robert R. Cannon is appointed chancellor of the Diocese of Venice in Florida, effective Oct. 23, 2026. Msgr. Cannon draws upon his proven leadership, pastoral sensitivity, canonical knowledge, and dedication to the mission of the Church. This revised position will focus on fulfilling the responsibilities of the Chancellor, while any other responsibilities pertaining to other offices may be assigned separately and not fall under this title.
- Msgr. Robert R. Cannon is a priest of the Diocese of Venice in Florida whose distinguished ministry reflects a longstanding commitment to pastoral service, ecclesiastical administration, and the spiritual care of the faithful. His diverse experience in parish leadership, seminary education, canon law, and military chaplaincy provides a strong foundation for service as Chancellor of the Diocese. Msgr. Cannon served as Rector of Epiphany Cathedral in Venice from 1999 to 2003 and as Judicial Vicar, demonstrating his dedication to liturgical life, pastoral leadership, and the administration of canon law. He also served as Dean of Students and Adjunct Professor of Social Sciences at St. John Vianney College Seminary in Miami, contributing to the formation and education of future priests. His military ministry began with service as a United States Air Force Reserve chaplain in 1986, followed by extended active duty beginning in 2003. Retiring with the rank of Colonel, he devoted himself to the spiritual needs of service members and their families. From 2016 to 2024, he served as Chancellor of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, gaining extensive experience in ecclesiastical governance and administration.
Office of Education
After consultation, Bishop Emilio announces the appointment of Father John Belmonte, SJ, Superintendent of Catholic Education, as Episcopal Vicar for Education of the Diocese of Venice, effective 26, 2026.
After discussion at the Presbyteral Council meeting of Sept. 30, 2026, it was decided to assign chaplains, with the collaboration of a team of associate chaplains, to oversee the spiritual good of the Diocesan Catholic High Schools. Therefore, the following appointments have been made to the Catholic High Schools:
- Father Jacob Gywnn, parochial vicar at St. John the Evangelist, Naples, is appointed chaplain to St. John Neumann Catholic High School, Naples, effective 26, 2026.
- Father David Portorreal, administrator at St. Peter the Apostle, Naples, is appointed associate chaplain to St. John Neumann Catholic High School, Naples, effective 26, 2026.
- Father Alan Baldarelli, parochial vicar at St. Agnes, Naples, is appointed associate chaplain to St. John Neumann Catholic High School, Naples, effective 26, 2026.
- Father Christian Chami, parochial vicar at Resurrection of Our Lord, Fort Myers, is appointed chaplain to Bishop Verot Catholic High School, Fort Myers, effective 26, 2026.
- Father Ricky Varner, pastor at St. Katherine Drexel, Cape Coral, is appointed associate chaplain to Bishop Verot Catholic High School, Fort Myers, effective 26, 2026.
- Father Eduardo Coll, pastor at St. Andrew the Apostle, Cape Coral, is appointed associate chaplain to Bishop Verot Catholic High School, Fort Myers, effective 26, 2026.
Appointments are pending for priests to serve as chaplains at Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School. In the meantime, under the direction of Msgr. Patrick Dubois, Vicar Forane of the Northern Deanery, and Father John Belmonte, SJ, Episcopal Vicar for Education, priests from the Northern Deanery will work together to serve at Cardinal Mooney.
Other Appointments
- Father Robert Tabbert, a retired priest of the Diocese of Venice in Florida, has faculties to provide priestly ministry in the Diocese of Venice.
- Father Robert Murphy has been appointed administrator of Ascension Mission in Fort Myers Beach, effective 22, 2026, while retaining his position as Pastor of St. Raphael Parish in Englewood.
The Sacrifice of the Holy Mass returns to Fort Myers Beach every Sunday at 9:30 a.m. as part of the Ascension Parish Mission, beginning Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026. (All Saints’ Day)
Location: Bay Oaks Recreation Center.
Address: 2731 Oak St., Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
