Author: Bob Reddy

May: A month dedicated to Mary

Posted on by Bob Reddy

The Blessed Virgin Mary’s path of faith and hope serves as an example to all.

This is just one of the reasons that the Universal Church dedicates the Month of May to the Blessed Virgin Mary. The month serves as an opportunity to reflect upon the season of the Liturgical Year which largely corresponds with the 50 days of Easter. Therefore, time should be taken to reflect on Our Lady’s participation in the Paschal mystery.

When Mary, the Immaculate handmaid of the Lord, gave her unequivocal “Yes!” to God, she followed the One who bestows universal favors, and the human race would never be the same. Mary trusted in the will of God to the fullest measure: “Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled (Luke 1:45).”

Bishop Frank J. Dewane said that through Mary’s example, we learn the important lesson from the Gospel of Luke (1:37-38), that nothing will be impossible for God. ‘Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to Your word.’ “Without God, we cannot fulfill His Mission. Our Lady understood that, so must each one of us. We must radically change our inner selves and have that same strength to do the will of the Lord.”

During Advent 2017, Bishop Dewane, in unity with the priests and faithful of the Diocese of Venice, formally consecrated the Diocese to Jesus through the Immaculate Heart of Mary. By this Act of Consecration, which coincided with the 100th anniversary of the apparitions of Our Lady of Fatima, the faithful entrusted the Diocese and its good works to Our Lady so as to fulfill more readily the will of her Divine Son for His Church.

Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis said Mary’s greatness does not consist in performing an extraordinary deed, but in silence and adoration; she placed Jesus at the center and bears witness to Him as Savior.

In 2018, the Holy Father established the Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church, which is celebrated the Monday after Pentecost (June 9). The Memorial reminds us how Jesus Himself, through an act of entrusting, willed that the divine maternity be extended to all men and women, that is, to the Church herself.

Pope Francis said, “the message of hope contained in God’s blessing was fully realized in a woman, Mary, who was destined to become the Mother of God, and it was fulfilled in her before any other creature.” The Holy Father added that “our journey of faith is the same as that of Mary, and so we feel that she is particularly close to us.”

May is also the time when young Catholics often receive the Sacrament of Holy Communion for the first time. Additionally, Parishes and Catholic schools in the Diocese have May Crowning ceremonies in which a statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary is adorned with a crown of flowers.

The Month of May is also to be used as a time to renew a commitment to praying the Mysteries of the Rosary (Joyful, Sorrowful, Glorious and Luminous). Of the 117 titles Our Lady has, she personally said during her appearance at Fatima, “I am the Lady of the Rosary,” and urged the shepherd children to “say the rosary every day to obtain peace in the world.”

Pope Francis had a strong devotion to praying the rosary, describing it as armor to be used in the spiritual battle we face each day. Many saints through the centuries have promoted the importance of the rosary as a key to one’s faith life. St. Francis de Sales said the greatest method of praying is to “Pray the Rosary.” St. Mother Teresa referred to the power of the rosary, calling everyone to pray it, to live and persevere.

Pope Paul VI wrote an encyclical in 1965 citing the Month of Mary devotion as a means of obtaining prayers for peace. May is the “month which the piety of the faithful has especially dedicated to Our Blessed Lady,” Pope Paul VI wrote, and May is the time for a “moving tribute of faith and love which Catholics in every part of the world [pay] to the Queen of Heaven. During this month Christians, both in church and in the privacy of the home, offer up to Mary from their hearts an especially fervent and loving homage of prayer and veneration. In this month, too, the benefits of God’s mercy come down to us from her throne in greater abundance.”

The Christian custom of dedicating the month of May to the Blessed Virgin arose at the end of the 13th century. In this way, the Church was able to Christianize the secular feasts which were meant to take place at that time. In the 16th century, books appeared and fostered this devotion.

Bishop celebrates Mass to pray for victims of child abuse

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Bishop Frank J. Dewane celebrated Mass April 25, 2025, the Friday within the Octave of Easter, at Epiphany Cathedral in Venice, with the specific intention of praying for victims of child abuse.

This was the 18th year the Diocese has held a Mass to pray for the victims of abuse, which takes place in April to coincide with National Child Abuse Prevention Month.

As noted by Bishop Dewane, the Mass was also held in the context of the mourning of the death of Pope Francis, who “strove to put in place mechanisms to address the question of sexual abuse within the Church.”

Bishop Dewane noted that during a trip by Pope Francis to Belgium in 2024, the Holy Father addressed the royal family, stating “the Catholic Church is ashamed by the abuse that had taken place, particularly the clerical sexual abuse.”

“Any number of young individuals – men and women – have been crippled within the Church by the issue of sexual abuse,” Bishop Dewane said, noting the message in the first reading for the day, Acts 4:1-12, when a crippled man is cured by Peter, saved in the name of Jesus Christ. “We must all sincerely pray for the person who may be crippled by the actions of another – perhaps not crippled in a way that is seen or easily perceived but very deeply buried.”

Bishop Dewane explained that under the leadership of Pope Francis, the Church has attempted to put in place mechanisms that facilitate decisions on how to carry out a response to sexual abuse – whether that be for bishops, for priests, for officials of the Diocese, or for officials in the Vatican. “The Holy Father was always aware of the sensitivities of how best to address abuse, and how to give that global application to the issue – particularly within the context of the cultural differences from area to area and how to best address it.”

Bishop Dewane said that Pope Francis often noted how the Church is responsible for a portion of society, but “the idea that the issue of sexual abuse is somehow only a problem for the Church, we know is not correct. It is a societal issue that all of us have to be engaged in, each according to their respective roles. Bishops have a role, a pastor has a role, the priest in a Parish has a role, but the faithful also have a role.”

The first role of the faithful is by praying for the victims of abuse and all who suffer from its impacts directly or indirectly. The faithful must also respond with their eyes and ears, protecting the innocents that are in our midst from what can occur.

While it is a good thing that the issue of clerical sexual abuse is not in the media as often as it once was, no one should think everything is okay or that everything is solved, Bishop Dewane explained.

Several who attended the Mass at Epiphany Cathedral noted that the words of Bishop Dewane reminded them that this issue is still something that must remain at the forefront, most important is the continuation of prayers for the victims of all abuse.

“It is too easy to backslide,” the Bishop said. “I commit to continue to address this issue. I ask you to pray for those victims; to pray for the priests to have the strength to overcome the evil we see out in society. It is throughout society, and we all have to take the opportunity to address it in that arena and in the conversations we have with our friends. Let us remain always united in Christ and concerned to protect any child from any form of abuse.”

The Diocese of Venice has a comprehensive Safe Environment Program which was established to protect the most vulnerable among us from abuse while raising awareness to prevent abuse from happening. The program educates thousands each year, working to provide education for all employees (clergy, religious and laity), and those volunteers and others regularly working with minors and vulnerable adults. The program provides information on the issue of abuse of children, including the detection, prevention, and reporting of child abuse. The Safe Environment Program has a component which includes training sessions for children and young people in Catholic schools. A key component of the Safe Environment initiative is that it includes a background check for all employees and volunteers.

The Diocese of Venice annually undergoes a comprehensive audit by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Secretariat of Child and Youth Protection to ensure that the Diocese is in compliance with current directives.

Report any abuse against minors to the Florida Department of Children and Families at 800-962-2873. Further, if Diocesan personnel or volunteers are involved, also notify the Diocesan Victims Assistance Coordinator, Susan Benton, at 941-416-6114.

For more detailed information about what the Diocese of Venice does to prevent abuse and the Safe Environment program, please visit https://dioceseofvenice.org/offices/programs/safeenvironment/.

PRAYER FOR HEALING VICTIMS OF ABUSE

The Secretariat of the USCCB encourages the faithful to recite the following Prayer for Healing Victims of Abuse.

God of endless love, ever caring, ever strong, always present, always just:

You gave your only Son to save us by his blood on the cross.

Gentle Jesus, shepherd of peace, join to your own suffering the pain of all who have been hurt in body, mind, and spirit by those who betrayed the trust placed in them.

Hear the cries of our brothers and sisters who have been gravely harmed, and the cries of those who love them. Soothe their restless hearts with hope, steady their shaken spirits with faith. Grant them justice for their cause, enlightened by your truth.

Holy Spirit, comforter of hearts, heal your people’s wounds and transform brokenness into wholeness. Grant us the courage and wisdom, humility and grace, to act with justice. Breathe wisdom into our prayers and labors. Grant that all harmed by abuse may find peace in justice.

We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Courtesy of the Secretariat of Child and Youth Protection of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

 

UNA ORACIÓN DE SANACIÓN VÍCTIMAS DE ABUSO

Dios del amor infinito, Siempre presente, siempre justo;

Tú nos cuidas y nos proteges Y nos diste a tu único Hijo Para salvarnos con su sangre en la cruz.

Jesús manso, pastor de la paz, Dígnate unir a tu propio sufrimiento

El dolor de todos los que han sido heridos De cuerpo, mente y espíritu

Por parte de aquellos que traicionaron la confianza puesta en ellos.

Escucha el clamor de nuestros hermanos y hermanas Que han sido lastimados gravemente, Así como el clamor de aquellos que los aman. Dales la esperanza que mitigue el desosiego de sus corazones, Dales la fe que calme sus espíritus perturbados. Concédeles justicia para su causa, Ilumínalos con tu verdad.

Espíritu Santo, consolador de corazones, Cura las heridas de tus hijos e hijas

Y devuelve la integridad a lo que ha sido quebrantado. Concédenos el valor y la sabiduría, La humildad y la gracia, para actuar con justicia. Sopla tu sabiduría en nuestras oraciones y empeños. Que todos los que han sido heridos por el abuso

encuentren paz y justicia.

Te lo pedimos por Cristo, nuestro Señor. Amén.

“Jesus, I trust in You”- Divine Mercy Sunday

Posted on by Bob Reddy

The Second Sunday of Easter, or Divine Mercy Sunday, completes the Octave of Easter, a celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ and the blessing of His continuing presence in our midst. The Gospel reading for Divine Mercy Sunday, April 27, 2025, recalls the encounter between St. Thomas (the doubting Apostle) and Jesus after the Resurrection.

Divine Mercy Sunday celebrates the mercy of Jesus as reminded to us by St. Maria Faustina Kowalska, a religious sister who lived a humble life, to whom Jesus appeared. St. Faustina was born in Krakow, Poland and lived from 1905-1938. She was canonized by St. John Paul II in 2000, who at that time also declared the Second Sunday of Easter as Divine Mercy Sunday. This celebration also honors St. Faustina’s vision of Jesus Christ, and His message of love and peace for the world.

St. Faustina wrote in her diary from private revelation that Jesus told her: “I want to grant a complete pardon to the souls that will go to Confession and receive Holy Communion on the Feast of My Mercy (Diary 1109). The soul that will go to Confession and receive Holy Communion will obtain complete forgiveness of sins and punishment (Diary 699).”

The image of the Divine Mercy was created by St. Faustina who was told to paint the image of Jesus as she saw Him. The painting has the saying at the bottom: “Jesus, I Trust in You.” The rays emanating from the Sacred Heart of Jesus represent water (white) – which makes souls righteous — and blood (red) — which is the life of souls, Jesus told St. Faustina.

Many Parishes throughout the Diocese hold Divine Mercy services and several have novenas of prayer leading up to the Sunday. The popularity of Divine Mercy has been embraced by many diverse communities throughout the Diocese.

At St. Joseph Parish in Bradenton, Divine Mercy Sunday included the traditional afternoon prayer service, incorporating the Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, a reflection from Father Rafal Liganza, Pastor of St. Joseph, a recitation of the Divine Mercy Litany, singing of the Divine Mercy Chaplet, and Solemn Benediction.

Debbie Sutherland helped to organize the Divine Mercy prayer service at St. Joseph, saying that she developed a deep devotion to the celebration 10 years ago.

“It is about what Jesus represents in offering His mercy to all of us,” Sutherland said. “This devotion has changed my life, literally saving me and bringing me closer to the Lord.”

At St. John the Evangelist Parish in Naples, the Divine Mercy celebration included a presentation by Sister Teresa de la Fuente, Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy (St. Faustina’s religious order). St. John the Evangelist was one of several Parishes in the Diocese to also offer the opportunity to venerate a first-class relic of St. Faustina.

Exhibit shows off work of millennial saint

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Even though the canonization of Carlo Acutis, the world’s first millennial saint, was postponed due to the passing of Pope Francis, the life of the young man was still celebrated April 26 and 27, 2025, at St. Patrick Parish in Sarasota.

While the multi-day celebration was supposed to coincide with the canonization in Rome for the Italian teenager on April 27, Sue Thompson, St. Patrick Director of Religious Education, said it was good that the event still happened.

“While we are disappointed that the canonization was postponed, it is important for young people to learn about this inspiring young man and his love for the Eucharist and passion for technology,” Thompson said.

The central focus of the celebration was the traveling Eucharistic Miracles of the World exhibit. The exhibit, with 170 panels, includes a visual story of different Eucharistic Miracles from across the globe. Carlos Acutis researched and catalogued the miracles onto a website before he died in 2006 from leukemia at the age of 15.

The exhibit was borrowed by Thompson from a colleague in the Diocese of St. Augustine. As part of the exhibit, the faithful moved from panel-to-panel, and learned about the confirmed Eucharistic miracles that have taken place through the centuries. The panels represent what the future-saint posted on a website before his passing.

For two full days, the exhibit was on display in the Parish Hall, with scores of people participating, often before or after Mass. Prayer cards and other prayer aids, as well as books about Carlo Acutis were made available. Playing on a large screen was a loop of several videos recounting the life of Carlo Acutis. In addition, a group of 118 journeyed to a downtown Sarasota movie theater to see the premier of “Carlo Acutis: Roadmap to Reality.”

Among those who viewed the exhibit was Caroline Bradford who is a seasonal resident from Indiana. She was fascinated by such a young person being named a saint and has her own passion for Eucharistic miracles. She said she loved how the exhibit, with its different miracles, offered the full story behind each event, the significance of the miracle on the local community, as well as the images.

“Each one is different and wonderful,” Bradford said. “It’s amazing such a young man could accomplish so much.”

Others had similar responses to the exhibit with young people noting their own affinity for the soon-to-be saint.

The original plan was for the exhibition to open in the predawn hours of April 27, the day of scheduled canonization, so young people at the Parish could gather to watch the event live from Rome. The canonization was to be presided over by Pope Francis but will now be presided over by the new Holy Father on a date to be announced.

To honor Pope Francis, there was an image on display as well as a book for people to offer their condolences. Children were also encouraged to write notes of remembrance to Pope Francis on heart-shaped paper.

Thompson said there will be some sort of commemoration of Carlo Acutis when the canonization is rescheduled, but it will not include the Eucharistic Miracles exhibit, as it was only loaned to the Parish for the weekend.

Masses honoring Pope Francis celebrated at Parishes

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Parishes throughout the Diocese of Venice have been holding Memorial Masses in the wake of the death of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025.

Bishop Frank J. Dewane celebrated a Diocesan-wide Mass to commemorate the papacy of Pope Francis on April 24, at Our Lady of Lourdes in Venice.

Subsequently, Parishes throughout the region have followed suit with many of the Masses in honor of Pope Francis, first the Masses of the Day within the Octave of Easter with the repose of the soul of Pope Francis as the intention. Following the Octave of Easter Parishes followed the Mass for the Dead, where the celebrating priests wore red vestments and prayer intentions were for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis.

At St. Agnes Parish in Naples, the Mass to honor Pope Francis was April 25, Friday within the Octave of Easter in English and Spanish, with Father Bob Kantor, Pastor, and Father Alejandro Giraldo-Roldan, Parochial Vicar, concelebrating.

Speaking of Pope Francis, Father Kantor said at the opening of the Mass that “this is a Mass to acknowledge his life and service to Our Lord, and for the special place he had in the Church as the successor to the Apostle .In a way we gather as do for a funeral, because we mourn the death in the family. This time it is our Holy Father, someone who served faithfully and to his last breath proclaimed the Gospel of Jesus Christ.”

Father Kantor later reflected upon the extraordinary mercy and humility Pope Francis brought to his papacy, reminding the Catholic faithful that Jesus’ death and resurrection brought with it mercy from God for us all.

“He described the Church as a field hospital, an instrument of healing for those in need,” Father said. “He stressed this fact over and over again, with a Year of Mercy (2016) and ministering to those on the margins of the Church.”

Father Kantor encountered Pope Francis during World Youth Day pilgrimages, first in 2013 to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, months after Pope Francis was elected Pope, and then again in Krakow, Poland in 2016. The papal message to the youth, which resonates to this day: “I’m inviting you to set out on a journey to discover life along the path of love and to seek the face of God – do not set out as mere tourists but as true pilgrims.” That message is reflected in the ongoing 2025 Jubilee Year, with its message calling all to be “Pilgrims of Hope.”

Father Giraldo-Roldan said having Pope Francis be the first Pope elected from the Americas will always be close to his heart, himself being from Columbia. He also appreciated how the Holy Father made himself accessible to the people, personally interacting with many sharing his true love for all.

Prior to the Mass at St. Agnes was a Holy Hour, with Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and the prayer intentions also said for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis.

Similar Memorial Masses took place throughout the Diocese leading up to the end of the mourning period on May 4. Prayer intention at Masses will then shift to calling for the Holy Spirit to guide the College of Cardinals in the voting for the next Pope during the coming Conclave.

News Briefs for the week of May 2, 2025

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Appointment

After consultation, Bishop Frank J. Dewane announces the following:

Father Franckel Fils-Aime, assigned for post graduate study at Pontifical North American College in Rome effective April 10, 2025, and thus is relieved of his duties as Parochial Vicar of St. Peter the Apostle Parish in Naples

 

Two from Mooney receive accolades for basketball success

The star player and head coach of the State Championship Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School Lady Cougars, who won the FHSAA 3A Championship on March 1, 2025, have both received top honors for their success this year. Senior Kali Barrett was voted the Florida Dairy Farmer 2025 3A Girls Basketball Player of the Year, while Head Coach Marlon Williams was named the Florida Dairy Farmers 2025 Class 3A Girls Basketball Coach of the Year. The Lady Cougars won the first State Championship in school history in March with a 27-9 record, finishing on a 17-game winning streak after starting the season 7-9. The program is rooted in hard work, discipline, and in the heart – and it showed every step of the way. Congratulations Kali and Coach Williams!

 

Mother’s Day Mass and Brunch at OLPH

Father Greg Cleveland, OMV, presents, “Precious and Hidden: Reflections on Motherhood,” on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 11, 2025, at 3989 S. Moon Drive, Venice. Continental breakfast at 9:30 a.m. is followed by a morning conference, Mass with Mother’s Day Blessing, lunch, and the afternoon conference and optional Rosary Walk. Register online at www.olph-retreat.org and click on “Schedule of Events.”

 

Students collect food for local community

Students at St. Francis Xavier Catholic School in Fort Myers completed a service project for Lent that included collecting peanut butter and jelly for the Community Cooperative, a soup kitchen and food bank. Students collected an astounding 1,400 jars, packing up and delivering them on April 16, 2025. This is a great example of how Catholic school students live out their Catholic values through service and generosity.

 

Theology on Tap May 15 in Sarasota

Calling all young adults! Come enjoy an evening of faith, fellowship and fun at Theology on Tap on the third Thursday of every month. The May 15, 2025, gathering will feature a talk by Father Leland Thorpe, OMV, who assists at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center in Venice. The talk is titled “Behold Your Mother: Thoughts on Mary in Mary’s Month.” Theology on Tap is a program for young adults in their 20s and 30s, providing an opportunity to explore faith topics in a relaxed social setting. The evenings are held at Oak & Stone, 5405 University Parkway, University Park, and begin with food and refreshments at 7 p.m., and presentations and discussions about the Catholic Faith beginning at 8 p.m. For more information, or with questions, contact Andres Prias, prias@dioceseofvenice.org.

 

St. Mary Academy Golf Tournament May 18

St. Mary Academy is hosting their 12th Annual Golf Tournament with a shotgun start at 1 p.m., May 18, 2025, at University Park Country Club, 7671 The Park Blvd, Sarasota. This is a best-ball tournament, and the cost is $150 per player. Participants will receive a goody bag, drinks, snacks, prizes, awards, and a sit-down BBQ dinner buffet. The event supports St. Mary Academy, which educates students with special learning needs. Contact Connie Taft, Director of Development and Marketing at 941-366-4010 ext. 318 or ctaft@stmarysarasota.org for more information and to register.

 

Apply NOW to be a Totus Tuus Summer Camp Missionary

Time is running out to apply to become a Diocese of Venice Totus Tuus Summer Camp Missionary. The deadline to apply is May 8. Totus Tuus is an exciting Catholic Parish Catechetical Camp for students in grades 1 – 12. The weeklong day camp held at Parishes in the Diocese of Venice is led by trained, paid missionaries. Missionary applications for the summer 2025 camp are now being accepted from anyone, age 18 or older, with an authentic, dynamic Catholic faith who is actively living the teachings of the Catholic Church. One year of college/work is preferred, but mature recent high school graduates will be considered. This is a great summer experience for anyone who wants to work in ministry, education, or with children in other settings. Please visit https://dioceseofvenice.org/totustuus2025/ for more information, or to apply.

 

Eucharistic Conference at Ave Maria May 16-18

The 2025 Mary, Mother of the Eucharist Conference is scheduled for May 16 – 18, 2025, at Ave Maria University. The theme is “Be it done to me according to thy word” (Luke 1:38). The Conference will include talks from Father Chris Alar, Dr. Edward Sri, Mary Healy, Mother Adela Galindo of the Servants of the Pierced Hearts of Jesus and Mary, Jon Niven, and Deacon Mark Miravalle. The Conference will include Mass, Adoration, lodging and meals. Registration is $190 per person. For more information and to register, please visit https://www.aveconferences.com/.

 

Ave Maria Youth Conference July 11-13

The 2025 Ave Maria University “Proclaim” Youth Conference is July 11-13, 2025. 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 https://www.aveconferences.com/.

 

Respect Life volunteers needed

Do you have a passion for life?  The Diocese of Venice needs you!  We are looking for volunteers and leaders interested in becoming involved in local respect life activities with their Parish. Many new families are moving to Southwest Florida, and we need your help! It’s very rewarding work! To get involved, please contact Tavia Ames, ames@dioceseofvenice.org, or 941-441-1101.

Diocese of Venice commemorates passing of Pope Francis

Posted on by Bob Reddy

The Diocese of Venice is saddened by the April 21, 2025, passing of Pope Francis who will be mourned and commemorated throughout the Diocese.

A Diocesan-wide Mass, celebrated by Bishop Frank J. Dewane and concelebrated by the priest of the Diocese, was held April 24, 2025, at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Venice. Many clergy participated, as hundreds of the faithful attended to honor Pope Francis.

Known for his humble pontificate, Bishop Dewane expressed his profound sadness at the passing of Pope Francis, and his view of the Holy Father as a dedicated and caring Shepherd.

“Pope Francis served as Bishop of Rome from March 13, 2013, until his death. In possession of a true pastor’s heart, his concern for the poor and those on the peripheries, as well as his devotion to the Blessed Mother, were among the hallmarks of his Papacy,” Bishop wrote in the letter to the faithful.

Bishop Dewane said he was blessed to have met with Pope Francis on a number of occasions, and was touched by the Holy Father’s humility, sense of humor, and profound concern for “the other.”

A photo of Pope Francis was on display before the altar during the Mass, and a condolence book was made available. This book will be kept at the Catholic Center during the period of mourning for visitors to sign. In addition, the Diocese of Venice website has an online form where the faithful can fill out their messages of condolence at https://dioceseofvenice.org/condolences-for-pope-francis/. The condolences will be sent to the Vatican at the end of the mourning period.

Personal Memories of Holy Father from Bishop Dewane

The Bishop’s first encounter with Pope Francis took place in April 2014. Bishop Dewane spoke to Pope Francis in Italian, a common language for the pair, and they discussed Florida, and most importantly what the Diocese was doing for the youth. The Bishop described the annual Youth Rally, and how large groups from the Diocese took part in World Youth Day.

A year later, Bishop Dewane was among the select few to greet Pope Francis during the 2015 World Meeting of Families gathering with U.S. Bishops at St. Matthew Cathedral in Washington, D.C. At that time, Pope Francis and the Bishop spoke about environmental issues related to the publication of the Encyclical “Laudato Si,” and on the treatment of migrant workers.

In addition to these meetings, whenever Bishop Dewane was in Rome for business, and the Holy Father had a General Audience, Bishop Dewane would participate. While these encounters were necessarily brief, the warmth and care Pope Francis had for the faithful in the Diocese was always clearly conveyed.

Parish and school honor Holy Father

In response to the passing of Pope Francis, Parishes and Diocesan Catholic schools are honoring the passing of Pope Francis in a variety of ways.

First, the death of the Holy Father was announced at all Masses. Black bunting was placed at the main entrance of churches as a visible sign of mourning. In addition, Parishes placed a photo of Pope Francis in a prominent location, either in the narthex or sanctuary of respective churches. These were set up to allow the faithful an opportunity to offer their prayers and veneration in honor of the Holy Father.

Prayer intentions have been added at all Masses. Parishes are celebrating Masses for the repose of the Pope’s soul, with the first scheduled after the Diocesan-wide Mass and into the following week. Many Parishes also scheduled a Holy Hours in honor of Pope Francis.

At Epiphany Cathedral Catholic School in Venice, students gathered on April 22 to pray the Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be in honor of the Holy Father. Then the bell of Santa Maria Chapel, at Epiphany Cathedral Catholic School in Venice, tolled 88 times at noon to mark the passing of Pope Francis, a toll for each year of his life. The tolling of the bells took place at all churches in the Diocese. This is a traditional practice to announce the death of a Pope to the community at-large.

At Epiphany Cathedral Catholic School, middle school students tolled the bell, while Principal Deacon Michael Pipitone and Cathedral Rector Msgr. Patrick Dubois led the students in prayer.

Msgr. Dubois was blessed to have worked at the Vatican early in Pope Francis’ Papacy. While working for the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life, Msgr. Dubois said he would have occasional working meetings with the Holy Father and saw how passionate he was about the family and the elderly.

“The Holy Father valued grandparents and elders, knowing how important they are to connecting our faith across generations,” Msgr. Dubois said. “This touched me personally.”

By being at the Vatican, Msgr. Dubois’ parents were able to meet the Holy Father several times, including once when they were presented a rosary.

“That shows who he was as a man of God, the leader of the Church, meeting with people on their level and spreading the love of Christ to others,” Msgr. Dubois said.

Events impacted by Death of Pope Francis

The previously scheduled Jubilee Year Youth Pilgrimage to the DeSoto Eucharistic Monument in Bradenton on April 26 has been postponed. This event will be rescheduled at a later date. Notifications will go out to respective Parish religious education and youth directors. If you have any questions, contact Andres Prias at prias@dioceseofvenice.org, or 941-441-1122.

An event commemorating the canonization of Carlo Acutis scheduled to take place on April 27 at Epiphany Cathedral, 350 Tampa Ave. W., Venice, has been postponed and will be rescheduled to coincide with the new date of canonization. The Divine Mercy Sunday Holy Hour, scheduled for 3 p.m., will still take place.

At St. Patrick Parish in Sarasota, the two-day commemoration of the canonization of Carlo Acutis will continue with a modified schedule. Eucharistic Miracles of the World exhibit (created by the future saint) in the Parish Hall, 7900 Bee Ridge Road, from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. April 26, and from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. April 27, when a Divine Mercy Sunday celebration will begin. On both days, several videos about the young future Saint’s life will be shown throughout the day.

EASTER: Spreading the Good News of the power of Light over Darkness

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Throughout the Universal Church the faithful gathered for a joyous celebration on Easter; that is the Resurrection of Our Lord, the Summit of the Catholic Faith.

This celebration comes after the holiest of weeks which began with the entrance of Jesus into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday and included the suffering and death of Our Lord. The Resurrection on Easter completes the journey for Jesus when death was conquered. This moment marks the beginning of a new journey of belief and hope for all the faithful, Bishop Frank J. Dewane said during the Easter Vigil Mass, April 19, 2025, at Epiphany Cathedral in Venice.

“Humanity has never really known a single night so powerful as tonight, during this Easter Vigil – so majestic, so holy – the greatest night, when the power of death is conquered,” Bishop Dewane said. “Our Faith flows from our belief in the Resurrection. Christ’s victory over sin and death means new life for us all – from darkness to light, from suffering to joy. Easter is the proof of God’s love for humanity.”

The Easter Vigil, which takes place after sunset on Holy Saturday night, “is the greatest and most noble of all solemnities and it is to be unique in every single Church,” according to the Roman Missal. At Epiphany Cathedral, the Vigil began in darkness before the Easter fire was kindled and the Paschal (Passover) Candle was lit, and then carried down the main aisle by a Deacon, into the darkened church with the proclamation that Christ is our Light.

The Gospel reading tells of the three women who went to the tomb of Jesus to complete the anointing of Jesus’ body properly, even though they knew a great stone was in their way. The women were carried by their faith, hope and love for Jesus Christ because following a great darkness, the sun had risen that Easter morning.

“We must continually grow closer to the Lord, seeking His help, and proclaiming that He is risen,” Bishop Dewane said. “By living faith, hope, and love, in our own lives, just as those women did, the stones which keep us from the Lord will be moved out of our way, because we are each called to enter into the tomb and be with Christ, seeing, understanding and expressing that belief each day.”

During this Mass, the faithful heard Salvation history proclaimed in numerous Scripture readings. It is also at this time when the Bishop/priests confer the Sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation for the catechumens and candidates. At Parishes throughout the Diocese of Venice, there were 552 women and men who entered fully into the Catholic Church, a huge number for a Diocese the size of Venice. Among that number are 13 Diocesan Catholic school students and four Catholic school faculty.

At Epiphany Cathedral, Bishop Dewane presided over one baptism, while a group of 14 were confirmed. The Bishop lauded the catechumen and candidates for having the courage and strength to hear the call of the Lord in their lives and respond in a definitive way.

“We must all act with strength and courage in response to the call of the Lord in our lives,” Bishop Dewane said. “We have each been given graces and with that we must live our lives to the fullest. We do this as the apostles and the early Christians did, building the Church we are all a part of today. We must do our part to build up His Church. This Church is not perfect. It falters because it is human and divine. It is the divine that will keep it alive. That is what we celebrate at Easter.”

The newly confirmed at Epiphany Cathedral could not hold back their excitement upon receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation at the Easter Vigil. Sarah Desquesnes, who received three sacraments, baptism, confirmation and First Holy Communion, couldn’t stop smiling because of the overwhelming joy and love of Christ she felt come upon her during the Mass.

The celebration of Easter is not confined to a single day, in fact, throughout the next 50 days the Easter Season is celebrated “in joyful exultation as one Feast Day, or better as one ‘great Sunday.’”

The first days make up the Octave of Easter and are celebrated as solemnities of the Lord. On the 40th day of the Easter Season, Catholics celebrate the Ascension of the Lord (May 29, which is moved to the following Sunday on June 1 in most Dioceses in the U.S., including the Diocese of Venice), and for the nine days following, in preparation for the coming of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost (June 8).

Catholic schools inspire new Catholics

Posted on by Bob Reddy

An amazing thing took place this year at Bishop Verot Catholic High School in Fort Myers – 12 students have decided to fully enter the Catholic Church, 5 at the Easter Vigil.

The students are among 552 catechumens and candidates who have gone through the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults in the Diocese and will be fully entered into the Church by Pentecost (June 8, 2025).

At Bishop Verot, the school has an active afterschool program to offer basic religious instruction to interested students. This is made available because not all students at Bishop Verot are Catholic, and even those who are might not be practicing or may not have received all the sacraments beyond baptism or First Holy Communion.

Jonathan Gadomski, Verot Director of Campus Ministry said there have been one or two students a year who have fully entered the Church in the past. However, in the early parts of the 2024-2025 academic year more students than ever expressed interest and now the 12 have completed their instruction. “It was really wonderful to see.”

Meeting after school once a week, and more often as needed, the number of interested students grew rapidly. The 8 graduating seniors pointed to the Live Jesus Retreat, which opens each school year, as a catalyst that tipped the balance for some to make further inquiries about the Catholic faith.

Isabella Lentz said the retreat focused on building character and how to live your life, something that really motivated her to take action and become a doer of her faith. “It really opened my mind.”

The Verot after-school program is done in conjunction with the students’ home Parishes. Gadomski said each student must register with a Parish religious education program and this is where much of their religious instruction takes place. The school supplements this effort and helps support students through their discernment process.

“We are here as a resource and can quickly answer any questions the students have,” Gadomski said. “Our weekly meeting parallels what they are learning at the Parish and their individual theology classes support that experience as well.”

Sophia Gebara was born Catholic but didn’t practice because her parents allowed her to make a choice about her own faith. Throughout her time at Verot, Sophia said she learned more about her faith in theology classes and decided the time was right to go ahead with the process of entering the Church.

Not knowing where to begin her discernment, Sophia said it was the support from the Campus Ministry team which helped her make the decision to fully enter the Church by going to the Sacrament of Reconciliation, receiving First Holy Communion and being confirmed. “The teachers were great at explaining everything. This was the right decision for me, and I feel relieved and blessed that this day has come.”

With the help of the different theology teachers, plus the enthusiastic support of Chaplain Father David Portorreal and other assisting priests, each of the students was able to make their first confession at the school.

The good news does not end at Bishop Verot, as one student at Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School in Sarasota, and four faculty at St. Ann Catholic School in Naples also entered the Church during the Easter Vigil.

The 12 students at Verot are not the only ones who entered the Church through Diocesan Catholic schools. Also entering was a student at Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School in Sarasota, and four faculty from St. Ann Catholic School in Naples.

Father John Belmonte, SJ, Diocese of Venice Superintendent of Catholic Education, said he was ecstatic when he heard the news about the 12 Bishop Verot students, and one Cardinal Mooney student, entering the Church.

“That great news from Bishop Verot was followed by learning about the student from Cardinal Mooney and then four of our faculty who are entering the faith,” Father Belmonte said. “Jesus Christ is truly working wonders in the Diocese of Venice Catholic Schools! We are blessed and grateful!”

2025 Easter Triduum celebrated in Diocese

Posted on by Bob Reddy

The summit of the Liturgical Year is the Easter Triduum, from the evening of Holy Thursday to Easter Sunday. Though chronologically three days, they are liturgically one day unfolding for us the unity of Christ’s Paschal Mystery.

The single celebration of the Triduum marks the end of the Lenten Season and leads to the Mass of the Resurrection of the Lord at the Easter Vigil.

The liturgical services that take place during the Triduum are:

  • Mass of the Lord’s Supper
  • Good Friday of the Lord’s Passion (Good Friday)
  • Mass of the Resurrection of the Lord (Easter Vigil)

Thousands of the faithful of the Diocese of Venice gathered at Parishes for the celebration of the Triduum, April 17-19, 2025.

The Mass of the Lord’s Supper at St. Catherine Parish in Sebring included the commemoration when Jesus Christ instituted the Sacrament of Holy Communion prior to His arrest and crucifixion. It also observes His institution of the priesthood. This Liturgy included the presentation of the oils blessed and consecrated by Bishop Frank J. Dewane during the April 15 Chrism Mass, at St. John the Evangelist Parish in Naples, which will be used for the Sacraments in the Parishes throughout the year. Later was the traditional washing of the feet, reenacting Jesus washing the feet of the Disciples. Following the Prayer after Communion, the Mass concluded with a procession to transfer the Holy Eucharist to a place of repose in the Parish Hall. This action left the tabernacle vacant until the Easter Vigil.

 

On Good Friday of the Lord’s Passion, the faithful at St. Katharine Drexel Parish in Cape Coral participated in the liturgy. This celebration is not a Mass, as the hosts offered at Communion were consecrated on Holy Thursday. The liturgy included the reading of the Passion from the Gospel of John. Next was the presentation of the cross, brought forth by the priest and unveiled as the priest sang: “This is the wood of the cross, on which hung the salvation of the world,” and the congregation responded: “Come let us adore.” The faithful were then encouraged to venerate the cross. The cross at St. Katharine Drexel was brought to each section of the church and the faithful came forward and venerated by a touch, a bow, or a genuflection.

Either prior to, or after, the Good Friday Liturgy, many Parishes hosted the Stations of the Cross, sometimes led by children or including a dramatic retelling, often by Catholic school students.

For the second year in a row, a public Stations of the Cross took place in downtown Venice, starting at Epiphany Cathedral and proceeding into nearby Centennial Park and then down Venice Avenue. Approximately 500 took part, including members of the youth group, as the streets were temporarily blocked for the occasion. In addition, faithful from St. Martha, St. Patrick, St. Thomas More, Incarnation, St. Jude and Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Parishes Sarasota took part in the annual Sarasota Ministerial Association Good Friday Stations of the Cross on Main Street. More than 1,000 participated with several Catholic priests and deacons leading the readings at the different stations.

On Holy Saturday, the only Mass of the day is the Easter Vigil. This is also the day when many of the faithful have Easter Baskets blessed. These baskets are filled with food to be served on Easter Sunday and candies to be given to children. At San Pedro Parish in North Port, nearly 500 baskets were brought to the altar steps to be blessed. Father Nathan Marzione, OMV, offered the blessing in both Polish and English.

On Easter Sunday, several Parishes celebrated Mass at sunrise while extra Masses were added to accommodate the increased numbers common for this holiest of days.

Many Parishes also hosted fun for children which often included Easter egg hunts either on the Saturday or following a Children’s Liturgy on Sunday.

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