Author: Bob Reddy

Bishop celebrates Mass to pray for pontificate of Pope Leo XIV

Posted on by Bob Reddy

The election of Pope Leo XIV is a defining moment in the life of the Catholic Church in the United States bringing a new energy and interest in the faith, Bishop Frank J. Dewane stated during a Mass in honor of the new Holy Father on May 20, 2025, at Epiphany Cathedral in Venice.

“Pope Leo provides the faithful with a renewed hope, knowing that we have a Holy Father who is from our own shores – one who knows us from within and from without,” Bishop Dewane said. “It is hard to overstate the opportunity and the challenges the Holy Father will face. While Pope Leo faces these challenges, he seems to have embraced his new role, setting his agenda with a spirit of joy.”

The Bishop said an election of a new Pope offers the opportunity to reflect on the role of the Successor of St. Peter, “to confirm us in faith and be at the center of drawing us ever deeper into that faith. At his inauguration, Pope Leo’s first great desire was for a united Church. We need to hear his call – with him the shepherd, and we the sheep who follow.”

In his early public comments, Pope Leo has addressed many important issues facing the Church and the world. Bishop Dewane praised the Holy Father for invoking Pope Leo XIII who brought the Church into the modern world during the Industrial Revolution, creating and bringing together the social doctrine of the Church.

“We need good guides as we move through life as the world does not place value on truth,” Bishop explained. “We’ve heard the Holy Father already address a variety of issues that need to become more developed by men and women of Faith.”

Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who has chosen the papal name Leo XIV, appears on the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican May 8, 2025, following his election during the conclave. He is the first American pope in history. (OSV News photo/Guglielmo Mangiapane, Reuters)

Bishop Dewane then quoted Pope Leo, who reminded us that, “we are on a journey together. The gloom of the world will pass away. It is life with the Almighty God that we seek. We pray that the Lord will lead us to make clearer the arrival of the new heaven and the new earth.”

While the May 20 Mass intentions were to pray for Pope Leo XIV, Bishop Dewane reminded the faithful that the Holy Father is prayed for at every Catholic Mass, and that we must always remember the Holy Father in our prayers. “He needs our prayers and our support,” Bishop Dewane said.

“Let us pray that the Holy Spirit will watch over, will guide, will strengthen, will inspire, and will grace our new Holy Father with the courage he needs to live out his new calling,” Bishop Dewane said. “We also pray that he is given the grace that he needs to be that Shepherd that was elected by the Cardinals, with the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Let us keep Pope Leo in our prayers as he prays for all of us.”

Prayer for Pope Leo XIV (Roman Missal)

O God, shepherd and ruler of all the faithful, look favorably on your servant Leo XIV, whom you have set at the head of your Church as her shepherd; grant, we pray, that by word and example he may be of service to those over whom he presides so that, together with the flock entrusted to his care, he may come to everlasting life. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.

2025 graduations held at Verot and Neumann Catholic high schools

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Bishop Verot Catholic High School in Fort Myers and St. John Neumann Catholic High School in Naples held their commencement exercises in mid-May.

Bishop Frank J. Dewane celebrated the Baccalaureate Mass for each of the schools, with the St. John Neumann Mass celebrated May 15, 2025, at St. Elizabeth Seton Parish in Naples, and the Bishop Verot Mass on May 16, at Our Lady of Light Parish in Fort Myers.

Bishop Dewane first thanked the parents and guardians for entrusting their children to a Diocesan Catholic high school for four years of their education, acknowledging that they made a personal sacrifice to do so. The Bishop then congratulated the graduates for their own accomplishments, both academically and athletically, but reminded them that he was more interested in how they grew spiritually; that is in developing a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

“It is my prayer that you have learned the message of Jesus Christ, and that it is woven into who you are as men and women, made in the image and likeness of God,” Bishop Dewane said. “As you strive to succeed in your own endeavors, do so with the presence of the Holy Spirit as that additional assistance in your life. It is faith that allows us to do more than we can do alone. Trust your life to God, while giving thanks for the gifts you have been given.”

The Neumann commencement exercises included 79 graduates receiving their diplomas. The class, which accumulated more than 10,000 service hours, also earned $11.5 million in scholarship offers and nearly all are going off to college. The Valedictorian was Morgan Thayer Zolna and Salutatorian was Ariana Petrovic. The guest speaker was Dr. Emily Howell, a professor at Ave Maria University. One graduate will be attending a military service academy.

The Bishop Verot commencement, with 219 graduates, included 33 Summa Cum Laude students. There are no valedictorian or salutatorian recognized during graduation, Alexander Price provided the introductory address, while Sophia Smith offered the commencement address. The class earned more than $15 million in scholarship offers and completed more than 21,000 service hours. One graduate will be attending a military service academy.

The Baccalaureate Masses and Commencement Exercises for Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School in Sarasota and Donahue Catholic Academy of Ave Maria Parish in Ave Maria are scheduled for later in May.

The graduating Class of 2025 went through a disrupted freshman year with the Covid-19 pandemic when masks and social distancing were still in full effect. They also dealt with the devastating impacts of Hurricane Ian in 2022 as well as subsequent storms in 2024. Please pray for all the new graduates!

2025 Catholic Scouting Awards presented

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Girls and boys from throughout the Diocese of Venice participated in Mass on May 18, 2025, at St. John XXIII Parish in Fort Myers, wearing the uniforms of their Scout troops.

Designated as “Scouting Sunday,” the Mass, which fell on the Fifth Sunday of Easter, was followed by an award ceremony in the Parish Hall to celebrate and recognize the girls and boys who commit themselves to scouting while remaining true to the Faith. Members of the Scouting America and American Heritage Girls (AHG) participated in the ceremony.

During a reception following Mass, Bishop Frank J. Dewane presented dozens of Scouting Religious Awards, with some Scouts receiving multiple honors.

Bishop Dewane told the Scouts that it is his prayer that the awards will continually give them encouragement to grow in their relationship with the Lord.

“Scouting programs provide young people with invaluable experiences that help build strong moral character, encourage community service, and promote care for creation,” Bishop Dewane said. “These are important values in shaping individuals ready to serve the common good. Catholic Scouting nurtures these values through a faith-centered lens.”

The awards earned from the National Catholic Committee on Scouting (NCCS) Religious Activities Awards included: Ad Altare Emblem, Bible Belles Award, Modern Saints Series, Rosary Series, Marian Series, Faith Series, American Saints Series, and International Series. Diocesan Scout Awards included: Boy Jesus, Child of God, Kristallnacht, Yom Hashoah, Mother Mary, and Our Lady. The National Committee Boy Scout Awards included: Light of Christ, Parvuli Dei, and St. John the Baptist. American Heritage Girls Scouting Awards included: Tenderheart Faith, Explorer Faith, and Pioneer Faith, and Patriot Faith.

Each award requires the Scout to participate in different activities which help increase their Faith. The awards become more difficult to earn as the Scout advances.

Additional awards were presented during the ceremony to adult Scouting leaders.

  • Teresa Mitchell, AHG FL1203, St. Francis Xavier Parish in Fort Myers, received the Companions on the Journey, the highest recognition from the National Federation of Catholic Youth Ministers for a Diocese to confer on adults working in youth ministry.
  • Melissa Rivero, AHG FL 1203, St. Francis Xavier Parish in Fort Myers, was given the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Award, a national recognition for three or more years of service to Catholic girls in the American Heritage Girls.
  • Kristen Tucker, AHG FL 1203, St. Francis Xavier Parish in Fort Myers, the St. Anne Medal, received the highest medal for adults in the American Heritage Girls, for those with seven or more years of service who have contributed significantly to the spiritual development of Catholic girls in the program.
  • Megan Van Wart, Scouting America Troop 201G, St. Elizabeth Seton Parish in Naples, earned the Eucharistic Revival Award, with rockers, for work on this special national award during the three-year Revival.

Three adults earned the Light of the World Pin, a national honor presented to adults as expression of appreciation and gratitude from the Diocese for their work with Catholic Scouting. The honorees were: Tracey Bellucci, AHG FL1029, Ave Maria; Kim Marie, Scouting America Troop 157, St. Maximilian Kolbe; and Megan Van Wart, Scouting America Troop 2001G, St. Elizabeth Seton Parish in Naples.

Five adults were also honored with the Bronze Pelican Award, which recognizes an adult’s unique and outstanding contributions to the spiritual development of Catholic youth. Bronze symbolizes spiritual strength, while the pelican is an early Christian symbol for self-sacrifice. Those honored were Dr. Monica Woodward, Scouting America Troop 2001 and Pack 226 of St. John the Evangelist Parish in Naples; Alicia Ritter, Scouting America Troop 2001G and AHG FL1029, of Ave Maria Parish in Ave Maria; and three from Scouting American Pack 1226, of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Parish in Parrish, Ian Fulton, Valerie Fulton, and Jim Pfieffer.

In addition to these awards, Connie Kantor, a member of the Diocesan Committee on Scouting, National Catholic Committee member, and Scouting America Crew 8564, Sacred Heart Parish in Punta Gorda, was presented the St. Geroge Medal. This medal is awarded by nomination to those who have made significant contribution to Catholic Scouting in the Diocese for at least 5-10 years. Kantor has volunteered in Catholic Scouting on both the Diocesan and national level for more than 13 years. She was also recognized at the NCCS national meeting in April with the Jerusalem Cross for her work on the Scout’s Guide to Religious Relics, and the Christus Vivit Award for collaborating with five other Catholic Women Scouters to establish and endow a new NCCS scholarship named for St. Katharine Drexel.

Recognizing the hard work and commitment that the Scouts from throughout the Diocese of Venice make to earn the Catholic Religious Awards, Bishop Dewane congratulated each of the award recipients and all Scouts.

A special award was given to Bonnie Paquette in memory of her husband, Bob Paquette, who served for many years as Diocesan Scouting Awards Coordinator among other roles. Bob Paquette passed away in August 2024.

Also participating in the ceremony was Jim Gontis, Diocesan Director of Evangelization, and Andres Prias, Diocesan Director of Youth and Young Adult Outreach.

Catholic Community Foundation presents 21 scholarships for 2025

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Bishop Frank J. Dewane, joined by Board members of the Catholic Community Foundation of Southwest Florida Inc., honored 22 scholarship winners during a ceremony on May 15, 2025, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center in Venice.

The recipients of the Mary Fran Carroll, Coseglia, Schaerf, and Schwarz Scholarships were recognized for their outstanding academic achievements and for their commitment to continuing their education in pursuit of wide-ranging career paths such as education, medicine, business, engineering and more. The Foundation Scholarship Committee carefully reviewed 150 applications before determining the winners. Many of the Foundation Board members were present for the luncheon.

Bishop Dewane opened the presentation with prayer and said he was impressed with the new Foundation scholars, noting their academic success and ambition to seek out distinctive goals. “We pray that what they embark upon, the students will certainly be successful in their life.”

Michael Morse, Executive Director of the Catholic Community Foundation, congratulated the new scholars, saying the young men and women are worthy to forever be known as Foundation Scholars.

“You are inspirations to all of us,” Morse said. “Our committee works hard in the selection process, and it is one of the most rewarding things the Board does. When we see your application and what you have done and are going to do, it gives us such hope that the future is in good hands.”

The Mary Fran Carroll Scholarship provided a total of 15 academic scholarships ($3,500) to residents of Sarasota County and is available for tuition, books and fees. This year there were 13 traditional scholarship winners (high school graduates pursuing an undergraduate degree) and two non-traditional winners (an adult learner seeking an advanced education after being away from school for a number of years). The scholarship is renewable annually up to a total of five academic years ($17,500 total) for students maintaining a minimum unweighted GPA of 3.2 or greater, while also making progress toward their career goal. In the past year, many students had their scholarship renewed.

The Coseglia Scholarship provides a one-time scholarship ($1,100) to one financially needy graduating senior from each of the four Catholic High Schools within the Diocese of Venice. The winners were nominated by their high schools and approved by the Foundation Board.

The Frederick W. Schaerf, M.D., Ph.D. Neuroscience Scholarship provides a one-time scholarship ($4,000) to a graduating senior from Bishop Verot Catholic High School in Fort Myers interested in pursuing a career in neuroscience or similar field. This was the sixth year the scholarship was offered.

The Schwarz Scholarship is a one-time college scholarship ($7,700) to be awarded for tuition, books, fees, and housing expenses for a student graduating from Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School in Sarasota.

During the scholarship ceremony, the recipients shared their personal experiences as well as college and career goals. Each expressed their appreciation for the scholarship from the Foundation. Many specifically explained how the scholarship money will assist in lessening the financial burden of attending college and pursuing their career goals. Several are interested in entering the medical field either as a doctor, nurse or researcher, while others are interested in pursuing careers in business.

Lucrecia Bagnati, a non-traditional Mary Fran Carroll scholar, will be taking online courses with Southern New Hampshire University to earn a degree in neuropsychology so she can become a therapist. The mother of three joked that now she and her children will all be going to college and studying together. She was inspired to go to seek a degree by her husband, a veteran, who struggles with PTSD. “I want to better understand what he is going through and help people like him.”

The Catholic Community Foundation of Southwest Florida Inc. was established to provide philanthropic opportunities for individuals, such as Mary Fran Carroll, to create lasting gifts in support of Catholic programs and ministries within the Diocese of Venice. This year, the Foundation is on track to distribute $3.5 million in endowed support for Catholic Schools, Parishes, Seminarian education, programs for the needy, college scholarships and more.

To learn more about the Catholic Community Foundation, please contact Michael Morse at 941-441-1124 or by email at Morse@dioceseofvenice.org. You can also visit the Foundation website at www.CCFDioceseofvenice.org.

2025 Catholic Community Foundation of Southwest Florida, Inc. Scholars

Mary Fran Carroll Scholars – Traditional

Sydney Pablo, Venice High School, U.S.. Military Academy;

Chrystal Coronado-Chavez, Sarasota High School, State College of Florida;

Arianna Perez, Venice High School, Florida State University;

Rachel Mintz, Riverview High School, Florida State University;

Maria Ballesteros, Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School, St. Leo University;

Isabella Nealon, Pineview School, University of Notre Dame;

Laura Escobar Londono, Sarasota High School, undecided;

Cristin Giurgui, North Port High School, University of South Florida;

Sofie Turkancikova, Venice High School, University of South Florida;

Juan Sanabria, Riverview High School, University of South Florida;

Elise Galloway, Venice High School, University of Central Florida;

Natalie Bryja, Venice High School, University of Florida;

Deianeira McClain, Riverview High School, University of Florida.

 

Mary Fran Carroll Scholars – Non-Traditional

Lesli Resendiz, undecided;

Lucrecia Bagnati, Southern New Hampshire University.

 

Frank and Florence Coseglia Memorial Scholarship

Maria Lander, Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School, Ave Maria University;

Sophia Escobar, St. John Neumann Catholic High School, St. Thomas University, Miami;

Natalie PIneda, Donahue Catholic Academy of Ave Maria Parish, Rutgers University;

Lily Lockard, Bishop Verot Catholic High School, St. Anselm College, N.H.

 

James and Margaret Schwarz Scholarship

Morgan Martin, Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School, University of Florida.

 

Frederick W. Schaerf, M.D., Ph.D. Neuroscience Scholarship

Ella Farah, Bishop Verot Catholic High School, University of South Florida.

Pope and brother hug at Vatican

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Louis Prevost, and his wife Deborah, of Port Charlotte were able to attend the inaugural Mass of Louis’s younger brother, Pope Leo XIV in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican May 18, 2025. Following the Mass, during a receiving line, the brothers were able to hug, something Louis said he had been anxious to do ever since the May 8 election of his brother to the papacy.

Pope Leo XIV hugs his older brother, Louis Prevost, in St. Peter’s Basilica following the pope’s inaugural Mass at the Vatican May 18, 2025. (CNS photo/Lola Gomez)

Diocese Council of Catholic Women Convention inspires

Posted on by Bob Reddy

A group of dedicated Catholic women has answered the call of Christ as they imitate Him in how they live their lives each day.

These women are members of the Venice Diocese Council of Catholic Women (VDCCW) and are an example of dedication in serving the Church, and in being open to the Holy Spirit.

Each year members gather for a convention with the goal of unifying their efforts to do good for the benefit of all. With a theme of “Trust-Surrender-Believe-Receive,” the 39th annual Convention took place May 16, 2025, at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Venice.

As a central part of the gathering, the women participated in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass which was celebrated by Bishop Frank J. Dewane.

Bishop Dewane praised the VDCCW for coming together and giving witness to the Faith by how they are believers and followers of Jesus Christ and called forth to reach out to others. He also thanked them for their outreach throughout the Diocese and in their home Parishes.

“You respond to the call of the Lord is your life in a very particular way and the Church within the Diocese of Venice is the beneficiary of your response,” Bishop Dewane said. “I encourage you to continue to live your life as a child of God in the good works you do.”

Following the Mass, Bishop Dewane installed VDCCW President Katie Morris, President-Elect Karen Verveer, Betty-Ann Busby as Secretary, and Mary-Jo Snyder as Treasurer. As part of the ceremony, Past National Council of Catholic Women President Ellen Bachman presented the women with candles wrapped in a colored ribbon which symbolically represent the characteristics of each position.

The VDCCW acts through its membership to support, empower, and educate all Catholic women in spirituality, leadership and service. Council programs exude Gospel values and serve the needs of the Church and society in the modern world.

VDCCW President Morris said the Convention serves to unify and inspire members as they work throughout the year in support of the Catholic Church at the Parish, Diocese and national levels.

The women heard from Susie Harting, National CCW Secretary, as well as Erika Pineros, of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, Inc., who spoke about the anti-human-trafficking program. A check was also presented to Catholic Charities from the VDCCW Hugs for Homeless Fund. A check for $12,750 was presented to Bishop Dewane for the Diocesan Seminarian Fund, from the annual Priesthood Sunday campaign.

News Briefs for the week of May 23, 2025

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Bishop Verot baseball team falls in state semifinals

The Bishop Verot Catholic High School baseball team from Fort Myers fell in the state class 3A semifinals on May 19, 2025, at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers to Miami Springs. The team won the 3A regionals to reach the semifinals for the second consecutive year after beating Calvary Christian in a best of three series. The Vikings finished the season with an impressive 32-3 record, a school record, and have been ranked as high as 11th in the nation.

St. Martha Catholic Schools unveils new mascot

The new Knight Mascot for St. Martha Catholic School in Sarasota was introduced during a Pep Rally on May 15, 2025. The rally also included a celebration and recognition of all of the school clubs and sports teams.

Ordination to the Permanent Diaconate May 31 in Naples

An Ordination to the Permanent Diaconate will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, May 31, 2025, at St. Agnes Parish, 7775 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples. Bishop Frank J. Dewane will preside over the Ordination to the Permanent Diaconate for the following candidates: Richard E. Dahn, St. Agnes Parish, Naples; Richard A. Hellenbrand, St. Andrew Parish, Cape Coral; Thomas A. Januszka, St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Parish, Parrish; Stephen L. Jendrysik, Incarnation Parish, Sarasota; James M. Jenkins, St. William Parish, Naples; Ramon R. Kanacheril, St. Vincent de Paul Parish, Fort Myers; Mark A. Osterhaus, St. Agnes Parish, Naples; Orlando A. Rubiano, St. Vincent de Paul Parish, Fort Myers; Jeff Tenbarge, St. Peter the Apostle Parish, Naples; John-William Trainer III, St. Peter the Apostle Parish, Naples; and Edward J. Watson, Ave Maria Parish, Ave Maria. All are invited and encouraged to attend. The livestream of the Ordination will be available at https://www.facebook.com/StAgnesNaples and stagnesnaples.org.

Relevant Radio: “Witnessing Faith with Bishop Dewane” May 30

Join Bishop Frank J. Dewane for his monthly half-hour radio program on Relevant Radio on 106.7 FM and 1410 AM in Fort Myers and 93.3 FM and 1660 AM in Naples. Witnessing Faith with Bishop Dewane can be heard at 8:30 a.m. on the last Friday of every month, or anytime at www.dioceseofvenice.org/ourbishop.  The next episode will air on Friday, May 30, 2025.

Totus Tuus Summer Catechetical Camp

The Totus Tuus one-week Parish Catechetical summer day camp program, for students entering grades 1-12, aims to inspire young people to long for holiness, develop a deep desire for conversion and personally renew their faith with a stronger prayer life. In 2022, the Diocese of Venice launched its pilot program, with great success. The program has continued and expanded each year and will be offered at 18 Parishes throughout the Diocese this summer, between June 1 and July 25, 2025. The following is a list of host Parishes:

  • June 1-6 – St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Parish, Parrish; St. Finbar Parish, Naples; San Pedro Parish, North Port;
  • June 8-13 – St. Paul Parish, Arcadia; Sacred Heart Parish, Bradenton; St. Katharine Drexel Parish, Cape Coral;
  • June 15-20 – St. Agnes Parish, Naples;
  • June 22-27 – Ave Maria Parish, Ave Maria; St. Jude Parish, Sarasota;
  • July 6-11 – St. Cecilia Parish, Fort Myers; Our Lady of Light Parish, Fort Myers; St. John XXIII Parish, Fort Myers; St. Thomas More Parish, Sarasota;
  • July 13-18 – St. Joseph Parish, Bradenton; Epiphany Cathedral, Venice; Our Lady Queen of Heaven Parish, LaBelle;
  • July 20-25 – Our Lady of the Angels Parish, Lakewood Ranch; St. Peter the Apostle Parish, Naples.

 

Faith is fun! Register your children through the hosting Parish! For more information, or with questions, visit Totus Tuus 2025 – Diocese of Venice or contact Andres Prias, prias@dioceseofvenice.org.

 

Ave Maria Youth Conference July 11-13

The 2025 Ave Maria University “Proclaim” Youth Conference is July 11-13. The theme for the Conference is “But as for you, go and proclaim the Kingdom of God” (Luke 9:60). The Conference will include talks from Sister Maria Jose Socias, SCTJM, Michael Gormley, Mari Pablo, and Father Joseph Lugalambi. Music will be by Epic Music Ministries. The Conference will include Mass, Adoration, praise and worship, lodging, meals, t-shirts, a pizza night, and more. Registration is $195. per person. For more information or to register, please visit aveconferences.com/.

 

Diocese of Venice rejoices in election of new Pope

Posted on by Bob Reddy

The election of Pope Leo XIV on May 8, 2025, has brought with it a sense of great excitement and anticipation as the new Holy Father, the first from the U.S., settles into his position as the Successor of St. Peter.

Bishop Frank J. Dewane said the election of Pope Leo XIV was the work of the Holy Spirit, and a moment of tremendous grace and blessing for the Universal Church.

“Pope Leo XIV brings with him the strength and charism of St. Augustine, and the humanity and courage of Pope Leo XIII, who was an architect of many of the social teachings of the Church,” Bishop Dewane said while also calling on the faithful of the Diocese of Venice to pray for the new Holy Father and the sacred ministry entrusted to him.

To commemorate the election of Pope Leo XIV, Bishop Dewane will celebrate a Mass in his honor at 12:15 p.m., Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at Epiphany Cathedral, 310 S. Sarasota Ave., Venice. All are welcome to attend. The Mass will be livestreamed at www.facebook.com/epiphanycathedral, or at www.epiphanycathedral.org.

Bishop Dewane said he was encouraged to hear that during Pope Leo XIV’s first Regina Caeli, he called on youth to “accept an invitation of the Church and Christ the Lord.”

“That message is something which builds upon the legacy of the Popes since St. John Paul II and shows insight into how he will define his papacy,” Bishop Dewane said.

While the Bishop does not know Pope Leo XIV well, the two spoke in depth during a dinner at the North American College in Rome in 2023, while seated next to each other.

“It was a nice evening, and we spoke about many different things,” Bishop Dewane said. “My mother was from the South Side of Chicago, where Pope Leo is from, and we spent some time discussing that. When I told him that I was from the Diocese of Venice in Florida, he smiled and said ‘Oh! I know the area well!’ He went on to say that one of his brothers lived in Port Charlotte, and that he had been to the area for a visit,” Bishop Dewane said. “He was a very humble man who expressed interest in what was happening here in Florida, and in the Diocese of Venice.”

Catholic Center

At the Catholic Center in Venice, Diocesan staffers watched the announcement of the news in the main conference room, where a livestream from the Vatican was being broadcast. Father John Belmonte, SJ, Diocesan Superintendent of Catholic Education, translated from the Italian.

As could be expected, when it was announced that an American had been elected as Pope, the group erupted with shouts of shock and joy. When Pope Leo XIV made his first appearance, a cheer went up and party poppers were set off as confetti showered the staff.

Schools

Students at Diocesan Catholic schools took great interest in the election of Pope Leo XIV, with individual classrooms and in some cases the entire student body gathered to witness Church history.

All of the students at St. Ann Catholic School in Naples gathered in the Jubilee Center to await the announcement of the new Pope. Teachers used this as a learning opportunity to explain how a pope is elected and what role the Holy Father plays in the leadership of the Universal Church.

Meanwhile, at Bishop Verot Catholic High School in Fort Myers, the election of Pope Leo XIV fell on the last day of class ahead of graduation. The school posted on social media about the twin events happening: “It’s not every day you witness a moment that’ll be in history books. It’s even rarer when it happens on your last day of high school! Talk about divine timing.”

Students at St. Martha Catholic School wrote messages to the Cardinal-electors ahead of the conclave asking that they seek the guidance of God and the Holy Spirit in choosing the next Holy Father. They were surprised by the election of an American Pope.

Parishes

The faithful across the Diocese of Venice learned about the election of Pope Leo XIV via television or the internet, with everyone curious to learn about the man who was born in Chicago and was an Augustinian missionary.

As soon as the announcement was broadcast, preparations were made to update the prayer intentions for the next Masses to include prayers for the Pontificate of Leo XIV.

St. Joseph Parish in Bradenton put up their traditional Easter Season decorations of gold and white bunting, replacing the black bunting which had been put up following the passing of Pope Francis on April 21.

Dolores Conklin of St. Joseph Parish said it was exciting to have an American Pope. The news caused her to reach out to family members across the country. “It is so wonderful to talk to everyone. I immediately felt a connection to him when he came out on the balcony at St. Peter’s. His smile and his clear humility. I pray to God that he will unite the Catholic Church in the United States and around the world.”

George Connor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in Osprey was fascinated that the new Pope was from a religious order, just as Pope Francis was. “He is a man of the world. He is from Chicago, but he has been everywhere. He has seen the poor where they are. That must have had an impact on him. I pray he has the strength and grace to lead the Church during these turbulent times.”

Pope Leo XIV’s oldest brother lives in Port Charlotte

Posted on by Bob Reddy

As surprised and overjoyed as most Americans were to learn that the newly elected Pope was from Chicago, Pope Leo XIV’s oldest brother Louis Prevost was in shock.

When the announcement was made, Prevost was lying in bed at his Port Charlotte home, resting from an illness, when his wife Deborah called and said there was white smoke, the first sign from the Sistine Chapel that a new Pope had been elected. He dutifully turned on his TV with a sense of anticipation, knowing his youngest brother, Cardinal Robert Prevost could be named. He read just a few days before that his brother was in the top three candidates just before the conclave started on May 7, 2025.

Prevost described the moment when the Archdeacon started announcing the election of the new Pope from the balcony overlooking St. Peter’s Square: “I heard him say ‘Roberto.’ It was like, it’s Rob. It’s never gonna be the same. What are we going to do? Yes, it’s Rob! If I wasn’t sitting down in bed, I would have collapsed.”

Prevost said that when he has the opportunity to see his brother, he is going to give him a huge hug, offering the type of congratulations that only an older brother can give. “When I see him, I will still call him Rob, until someone tells me not to.”

“When we were little kids, my brother (John) and I used to raise cane, but Rob was always the holy one,” Prevost said. “We used to tease him, ‘You’re going to be Pope.’ ‘You’re too holy.’ My other bother and I would play cops and robbers, while Rob would always want to play priest. Our mom would set up the ironing board and he would offer us communion with Necco wafers. We knew the Holy Spirit was in him.”

Prevost said he was being harassed by juvenile gang members in south Chicago, when his youngest brother, Rob, the new Pope, intervened and deescalated the situation. “He made friends with them. They never bothered me again. You knew he was different. He can get along with anyone.”

Admitting some bias, Prevost believes there’s no one better suited for the papacy, reflecting on his brother’s early commitment to the priesthood. “He knew from an early stage, he wanted to be a priest, and he did. He got out of grammar school, and went right to the seminary,” Prevost said.

He also offered an example of his brother’s humanity, noting that a few months ago, he asked his brother, who was then a Cardinal serving at the Vatican, to reach out to a friend whose husband was dying. “He called her from Rome and they prayed together. She was the first person to call me after the announcement. She said, ‘Oh my God, he’s the Pope, your brother was elected Pope, and I talked to him!”

Following the announcement, the early communication between the brothers came via text messages. As of May 14, Prevost and his wife were unsure if they could be present for the Mass of Inauguration of Pope Leo XIV’s Petrine Ministry, to be held in St. Peter’s Square on May 18. Their daughter, who lives in Amarillo, Texas, was also trying to go.

Prevost and his wife attend St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish in Port Charlotte, where Administrator Father Claudio Stewart invited the couple to speak following Mass on May 11.

Prevost told the parishioners, “While Rob might be Pope Leo, he is still a man of the people, a good human being with a caring soul. He was a missionary who helped the poor and built schools. That is who he is at his core.”

John Sanders, a Parishioner at St. Maximilian Kolbe, said the Prevosts shared heart-warming stories, the message “very much from the perspective of an older brother, which made the new Pope seem more relatable than would ordinarily be the case.”

Father Stewart said it was a blessing for all the Parish to hear from the Prevosts.

Prevost said his brother visited Port Charlotte during the winter 2023-2024 after attending a fundraiser in Naples. “That was the last time I saw him before he became Pope.”

Before the conclave began, the three brothers spoke on a three-way call about the possibility of Rob being elected Pope. “We knew it was a possibility because he was a Cardinal. But he was American, so that was against him. He was young too. But, he had been head of the Augustinian Order for 12 years, that took him all over the world. That was a positive. You just didn’t know.”

When he asked his brother what would happen if he won, would he accept it, he said, “I will accept it; it’s God’s will; it’s in His hands.”

The time since the announcement has been a whirlwind for Prevost, fielding calls from family and friends, while also doing interviews for media from around the world. “My life has changed. My brother is the Pope. Everything is different.”

Prevost is still coming to terms with the new reality that his own brother is the Pope.

He knows also his relationship with his brother will change forever and that they will likely not speak as often due to his duties as the Holy Father. “Even a week later, saying the name Pope Leo still doesn’t feel right. He will always be my brother. In some ways I feel I lost my brother, but gained a Pope.”

Priest of Venice Diocese ordained as bishop for the military archdiocese

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Auxiliary Bishop Gregg M. Caggianelli becomes the first U.S. bishop ordained after election of Pope Leo XIV

Jean Gonzalez – The Florida Catholic

After witnessing her son vested in episcopal garb, Barbara Caggianelli began to cry happy tears as she said, “Thank you God.”

The emotional moment was one of many for a local priest described as a wonderful son, great preacher, and man of God with a deep sense of prayer, who became ordained as a bishop to serve the Armed Forces.

For three decades, Father Gregg M. Caggianelli had served in the military as a chaplain and active reservist, earning the rank of colonel in the U.S. Air Force. On May 9, 2025, he became the first U.S. bishop ordained after election of Pope Leo XIV. Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio of the Military Services, USA, ordained the Diocese of Venice priest as an auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, at St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary in Boynton Beach, where the new bishop has served for years as a priest, professor and administrator.

“I’ve been in the military longer than I’ve been in the seminary so it’s my two worlds colliding,” Bishop Caggianelli said after his ordination.

Along with serving as a professor of homiletics, Bishop Caggianelli served as dean of formation, which he said gave him the heart to care about how the priests are doing, “especially our military chaplains who are isolated, by themselves.” His role to encourage the priests “to encourage love among their people” will continue in his role as episcopal shepherd. In that sense, he said the Parable of the Good Shepherd has even more meaning as a bishop.

“Whenever we are given a new challenge, a new responsibility, new opportunity, it is Jesus calling us to go deeper, really calling all of us to go into deeper waters to trust him more, to follow him, and to proclaim that he is risen from the dead,” Bishop Caggianelli said. “I love (the servicemembers) very much. I’m inspired by their service and their dedication.”

In his homily, Archbishop Broglio spoke about the divided secular world, where life after death, judgement, truth and even the existence of God are questioned. Many times, the impact of the Gospel is diminished. He urged his “little brother” to take the words of Pope Leo XIV to heart when he said we are called to unity and to mission.

“Those must remain special watchwords to you,” the archbishop said. “Jesus praised that the disciples be enveloped in the father’s love, which makes them holy and empowers them for their mission in the world.”

Archbishop Broglio spoke about the symbols of the new office given during the ordination — the ring, mitre and crozier. He said while the symbols draw attention during events and Mass, they should not draw attention away from Jesus Christ, who is always the “center of our attention and the object of our life pilgrimage.”

“With mitre, staff and ring, embrace the people and lead them to that kingdom that does not pass away. Consecrate them in the truth for his grace is sufficient for us.”

Unity and mission should be at the forefront of ministry among servicemembers, which will be challenging the archbishop shared. As one of five auxiliary bishops now serving with Archbishop Broglio, they bring the Gospel to 1.8-million Catholics worldwide in all branches of the U.S. Military and those hospitalized in the nation’s VA medical centers or working for the government as civilians beyond U.S. borders. That translates to miles to travel, many communities to visit, and “misunderstandings to clarify.” But the mission is steadfast: To respond to the “special challenge to stir to flame the gift of God that stirs in us first in the waters of baptism.”

“We are challenged to rekindle the faith of so many men and women who have drifted away and whose embers of faith have grown cold. Be a father to them and draw them back into the life of grace,” the archbishop said.

Bishop Caggianelli was ordained as a priest of the Diocese of Venice, and its own episcopal shepherd, Bishop Frank J. Dewane served as a co-consecrator, along with David L. Toups of Beaumont, Texas, former rector of the Boynton Beach seminary. Among the other bishops who laid hands upon the priest’s head invoking the Holy Spirit were prelates of the Military Archdiocese and from across Florida, including Archbishop Thomas Wenski of Miami, Bishop Gerald M. Barbarito of Palm Beach, Bishop William Wack, CSC, of Pensacola-Tallahassee, retired Bishop Felipe Estevez of St. Augustine, and Auxiliary Bishop Enrique Delgado of Miami.

“Bishop Gregg, welcome to the episcopal brotherhood,” Bishop Wack said, describing the newly ordained as a hard worker but very down to earth, and a joyful person.”

Sitting with the new bishop on the altar were Father Alfredo I. Hernández, rector and president of the seminary, and Msgr. Robert R. Cannon, retired chaplain for the U.S. Air Force and a fellow priest of the Diocese of Venice. Bishop Caggianelli credited Msgr. Cannon for encouraging his discernment of priestly vocation.

With his experience as a chaplain, as a serviceman himself and as a professor, Msgr. Cannon said his friend’s appointment was a “perfect fit.”

“We have been dear friends for very long time,” said Msgr. Cannon, who previously served as chancellor for the Military Archdiocese. “He’s very funny and has a great sense of humor. He works hard, he loves Jesus, he’s smart. He loves people. He will be a fine bishop.”

After completing the semester at the seminary, Bishop Caggianelli will stay local even though he is now incardinated in the Archdiocese for the Military Services. He will serve military installations across the state of Florida.

The seminary lived-streamed the celebration on social media where it can still be viewed at https://www.svdp.edu/live or https://www.facebook.com/SVdPSem.

Earlier version of story

BOYNTON BEACH | Gregg M. Caggianelli was ordained an auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, at St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary, where the new bishop — an active reservist and colonel in the U.S. Air Force —vhas served for years as a priest, professor and administrator.

Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, of the Military Services, celebrated the ordination through the laying of hands and the invocation of the Holy Spirit. He anointed the new bishop’s head with oil, placed the bishop’s ring on his right ring finger, and presented him with the miter and crosier under the prayerful gaze of a packed congregation in St. Vincent’s Chapel.

In his homily, noting that “the secular age has blinded many to the idea of truth, life after death, and judgment,” Archbishop Broglio implored Bishop Caggianelli to spread the truth of the Gospel: “Pope Leo has called us to unity and mission. As the first U.S. bishop ordained after his election, those must remain special watchwords for you. To borrow from Saint John Neumann, if we have accepted the truth of Christ and committed our lives to him, there can be no separation between what we believe and the way we live our lives. Our every thought, word, and action must be directed to the glory of God and the spread of his kingdom…. With miter, staff, and ring, embrace this people and lead them to that kingdom that does not pass away. Consecrate them in the truth, for His grace is sufficient for you.”

Prior to the ordination, Bishop Caggianelli, 57, made a public profession of Catholic faith, and he took the oath of fidelity. His ordination brings to five the number of auxiliary bishops now serving with Archbishop Broglio in his ministry to 1.8-million Catholics worldwide in all branches of the U.S. Military and those hospitalized in the nation’s VA medical centers or working for the government as civilians beyond U.S. borders.

Dozens of priests and bishops — including the co-consecrators Bishops Frank J. Dewane of Venice and David L. Toups of Beaumont, Texas — were on hand at the celebration along with family and friends of the new bishop. Along with Bishop Dewane, Florida prelates on hand included Archbishop Thomas Wenski of Miami, Bishop Gerald M. Barbarito of Palm Beach, Bishop William Wack, CSC, of Pensacola-Tallahassee, retired Bishop Felipe Estevez of St. Augustine, and Auxiliary Bishop Enrique Delgado of Miami.

Sitting with the new bishop on the altar were Father Alfredo I. Hernández, rector and president of the seminary, and Msgr. Robert R. Cannon, retired chaplain for the U.S. Air Force and AMS chancellor. Both Msgr Cannon and Bishop Caggianelli served as priests of the Diocese of Venice. Bishop Caggianelli credited Msgr. Cannon for encouraging his discernment of priestly vocation.

The seminary lived-streamed the celebration on social media where it can still be viewed at https://www.svdp.edu/live or https://www.facebook.com/SVdPSem.

 

 

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