By Karen Barry Schwarz, Special to the Florida Catholic
Hundreds of faithful Epiphany Cathedral parishioners have been attending daily and Sunday Mass in Epiphany’s Parish Hall in Venice for the last year, watching in wonder as a new Cathedral takes shape next door.
Msgr. Patrick Dubois, V.F., Rector of Epiphany Cathedral, recently opened the construction gates for groups of curious parishioners, updating the area faithful on the progress of the project.
“This is their Parish, their home,” explained Msgr. Dubois. “I want the parishioners to be involved every step of the way.”
Viewed from inside the construction project one felt the vastness of the empty space, as the outside structure was the first priority, including temporary hurricane barrier walls that successfully protected the ongoing project from Hurricanes Helene and Milton in the fall of 2025.
A second immediate need was addressing critical infrastructure issues with the aging Parish church, such as crumbling walls, sinking floors, and a cracked foundation. With necessary renovations now well underway, the path is clear for the interior’s transformation, which will include a new, semi-circular altar with the Cathedral’s Tabernacle at its center and a beautiful, custom glass mosaic behind it, new hurricane-protected stained-glass windows, brand new pews, and gleaming marble flooring throughout.
Although still in its early stages, already it is clear that a true Cathedral is beginning to emerge from the former Parish church. The new barrel-roofed, extended Narthex immediately signals that one has entered a sacred space of importance. Inside the main worship space, the soaring ceiling height inspires awe, and will eventually be a beautiful wooden, Cathedral-height ceiling, which will add warmth to the great space. Expansion for an additional 300 seats and more parking spaces means the Diocesan-wide Masses held at the Cathedral, such as Ordinations and Rite of Election, will easily accommodate those who travel from other Parishes to participate.
Outside, a 75-foot double-bell tower with real Church bells will replace the current electronic bell system and will bring the clarion cry of authentic Church bells to downtown Venice, calling all to worship, and prayer.
“Remember, what is Epiphany Cathedral was never designed as a true Diocesan Cathedral,” pointed out Monsignor Dubois. “It was simply built as a regular Parish church, as the Diocese of Venice was formed after the Church of the Epiphany was built.”
As a Diocesan Cathedral is considered the “Seat of the Bishop,” and holds many Diocesan-wide Masses such as the annual Chrism Mass where the Bishop blesses the Holy Oils used by Parishes for sacramental needs throughout the Diocese all year, the Diocese of Venice will fund 50% of the project’s cost. Epiphany Cathedral’s parishioners, and contributions from all the other Diocesan Parishes combined, will cover the remainder of the cost.
“Every member of Epiphany Cathedral thrives from the gifts shared by those who have come before us,” said Msgr. Dubois. “This is a privileged time to forge a path for those who will follow us. I hope that the faithful throughout the Diocese of Venice will take advantage of this opportunity to be part of the Church’s future in Southwest Florida. Together we will create an awe-inspiring sanctuary for worship and reflection, giving glory and honor to God.”
The question on everyone’s mind: “When will it be done?”
“The construction crew is on time, and on budget, at the moment,” said Msgr. Dubois. “The entire project is expected to take about two years, and we began work last June. We’re already almost halfway there!”
To learn more about the differences between a Cathedral and a Parish Church, and for regular renovation updates, visit: www.epiphanycathedral.org/renovation.
To donate to the Epiphany Cathedral project, please visit www.epiphanycathedral.org/capital-campaign.
