Bob Reddy, Author at Diocese of Venice

Thousands of Catholic school students return to classroom

Posted on August 20, 2026August 20, 2026 by Bob Reddy

In addition to anticipation, excitement and joy, some tears were shed on the first day of School as more than 6,400 students returned the week of Aug. 10, 2026, for the 2026-2027 academic year at the 15 Catholic schools in the Diocese of Venice.

Most of the tears were from parents who were reminded that their children are growing up. Calls of “Love you!” “Miss you already!” “One more hug!” “Have a great day!” “Have fun!” sounded through the hallways. Some of the younger students had their own trouble leaving their parents behind on the first day, but most calmed down once they reached their first classroom. Once settled in the classroom, the students found new wonders to explore and quickly learned that they had many new friends.

Meanwhile, the older students dove right into classwork and made preparations for a long school year. Each of the students left after that first day knowing that many new and exciting possibilities await them, on many levels, during the coming months.

Bishop Emilio Biosca Agüero, O.F.M. Cap., was joined by Father John Belmonte, SJ, Diocesan Superintendent of Catholic Education, for the morning prayer on Aug. 11, at Epiphany Cathedral Catholic School in Venice.

Bishop Emilio offered the opening prayer before saying that he wished they would have a good school year, before blessing the students and faculty with holy water.

In addition, at the conclusion of Mass at St. Catherine Parish in Sebring on Aug. 9, Bishop Emilio blessed the school children who were present, many of whom attend St. Catherine Catholic School.

At St. Charles Borromeo Catholic School in Port Charlotte, the students arrived for the first full day of school on Aug. 11 with big smiles, backpacks ready, and high-fives all around. From the moment families pulled up in the car line and kids hopped out, the excitement was contagious! The morning assembly in the main courtyard was joyful as the students were eager to begin a new year of learning.

The Catholic high schools, Cardinal Mooney in Sarasota, Bishop Verot in Fort Myers, and St. John Neumann in Naples, each had staggered starts to the year, with freshmen arriving first and the rest coming in as the week progressed.

At Neumann, the New Student Orientation offered a first taste of life on campus. Students walked through their class schedules, toured campus, found their lockers and parking spots, and got ready for the year ahead. They also had the chance to enjoy lunch and get a first taste of the new offerings from the school’s new cafeteria.

At Bishop Verot, the freshmen came to school on Aug. 7, for their orientation – locally known as FISH Camp – for a full introduction to life at Verot. On the first day of school for all students, Aug. 11, an annual Senior Sunrise took place. This tradition has become a special way to welcome the next graduates – the Class of 2027 – back to campus for the start of their final year at Verot. Seniors had a chance to spend some time together before the school day officially began, their last first day of high school is in the books, and the year is already off to a great start.

The Class of 2030 at Cardinal Mooney experienced a little bit of everything that makes the school special. They were welcomed to campus, celebrated Mass together, and heard from the deans, guidance department, athletics, campus ministry, and community service teams. They also learned all about the Cardinal Mooney House System and took time to walk through their schedules and get familiar with their new home.

As the week progressed, the more than 6,400 students at all 15 Catholic schools settled into the rigors of a balanced education centered on Christ.

Keep up with the latest diocesan Catholic school news throughout the coming year by subscribing to The Florida Catholic by visiting www.dioceseofvenice.org/news.

Cathedral bells lifted into tower

Posted on August 20, 2026 by Bob Reddy

The morning of Aug. 11, 2026, marked the next step in Epiphany Cathedral’s renovation.

Four custom bronze bells were installed in a 75-foot tower at Epiphany in Venice.

The procedure was a delicate maneuver that required near-perfect weather, with little to no wind. The stifling heat was an annoyance, but the work crews remained focused on their task. A crane was used to lower the assembly in pairs, with the largest – Star of Bethlehem – and Melchior being installed first. They are mounted in pairs by a steel yoke/headstock and bearings which hold the bells in place and allow for mechanical pivoting when they are rung.

Msgr. Patrick Dubois, Cathedral rector, was overjoyed by this significant milestone in the project that began in June 2024.

“How exciting! This is great,” Msgr. Dubois said after he gave the bells a final ring before being lofted into the air. “These will ring when it’s time for prayer; when it’s time for Mass; when it’s time for different liturgies – the Chrism Mass, funerals, baptism and weddings. We can call everyone to pray at that time.”

The new church bells are made of cast bronze and together weigh 3,658 lbs. They were crafted by Marinelli Pontifical Bell Foundry of Agnone, Italy, the oldest bell foundry in the world, now in its 27th generation as a family-run business. The Marinelli bells are well-known for their elegant form and distinctive, resonant sound, and are richly decorated with custom inscriptions and artistic reliefs, including the Diocese of Venice Crest.

Pasquale Marinelli, a representative of the foundry in Italy, was present to watch the installation of the bells. He wanted to see the conclusion of this important project, explaining through a translator that the bells were born from the earth, and forged in fire. Now they are becoming part of the mystic element between the music of the bells and heaven.

The bells were blessed on May 16, 2026, by Bishop Frank J. Dewane.

Baker Liturgical Art, a leading nationwide company dedicated to liturgical design, restoration and renovation, was commissioned by Bishop Dewane to complete a major restoration and renovation of Epiphany Cathedral, including the creation of the 75-foot bell tower and custom church bells.

The bells are of particular significance, as they represent more than simply architectural additions; they are living instruments of praise, inviting hearts to prayer and lifting the soul toward heaven.

The four bells are named after the Magi, or Wise Men, who visited Jesus at His birth, as well as after the Star that led the Magi to Jesus. Hence the bells are called Melchior, Gaspar, Balthazar and The Star of Bethlehem.

The renovation and reconstruction of Epiphany Cathedral began in June 2024, and work is expected to be completed by Thanksgiving this year.

Among the major new aspects of the Cathedral will be a marble reredos (altarpiece) with a large-scale mosaic of the Epiphany, and new liturgical appointments including altar, ambo, cathedra (bishop’s chair), baptismal font, stained glass windows, mosaic stations of the cross, new pews, and more. In addition, a statue of the pieta will be added adjacent to the Memorial Garden, which will remain undisturbed.

Since the reconstruction began, Mass has been held in the Parish Hall, the original Epiphany Parish church.

Some naming opportunities for liturgical elements of the cathedral are still available. To learn more, visit www.epiphanycathedral.org/naming-opportunities, or contact William Slayton at slayton@epiphanycathedral.org or call 941-615-0284.

Totus Tuus 2026 – Record number of children and teens complete summer program

Posted on August 20, 2026August 20, 2026 by Bob Reddy

By Jim Gontis, Special to the Florida Catholic

Jesus said, “By their fruits you will know them” (Mt. 7:16).

For the fifth consecutive year, the summer, parish-based evangelization and catechetical Totus Tuus program has borne much good fruit. The term “Totus Tuus” is a Latin term meaning “Totally Yours.” The phrase signifies that Mary always leads us to her Son, Jesus, helping us to become more fully His disciples through her maternal intercession The program was brought to the diocese in 2022 by Bishop Frank J. Dewane.

The Totus Tuus outreach has grown each year in the number of host parishes and participants. In 2026, a record number of children and teens participated; more than 1,800 young people attended Totus Tuus. The number of participating parishes hosting the camp program also reached its all-time high of 20.

The national Catholic program is designed as a seven-week Catholic summer camp in which young adults, mostly college aged missionaries, serve different parishes for a week at a time as camp counselors and catechists. The goal is to focus on helping children and teenagers to encounter Jesus Christ.

The 18 young adults who became diocesan missionaries this year came from parishes within the diocese, as well as outside. The young adult missionaries received extensive training at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center in Venice. They were then split into teams of five or six and travelled to parishes who agreed to host the Catholic camps.

The missionaries all emphasized that the work is often tiring, even exhausting. At the same time, they were unanimous in saying that it was an excellent experience, and among the most important things they have ever done. Missionary leader and Georgia native, Rhiana Patterson, a recent graduate from Belmont Abbey College, said, “Totus Tuus has been so foundational in my life. The Lord has given me so much during this summer to grow in my faith, vocation, and spiritual life.”

Cristian Venancio, a missionary from Holy Cross Parish in Palmetto, who is entering St. John Vianney Seminary in Miami, said of his Totus Tuus experience, “I will carry what I’ve received in Totus Tuus with me in the seminary and throughout my life.”

The Totus Tuus weeklong summer camps have a strong emphasis on the Eucharist, the Rosary, solid Catholic teaching and devotion, and helping to build up within the children and teens a sense of the sacred and joy.

Mother Therese Nikopoia Klobe, SSVM, Director of Religious Education at St. Michael’s Parish, Wauchula, said it was a joy to have the Totus Tuus missionaries and camp at the parish. “The missionaries excelled in the classroom and teaching the children the love of Our Lady and the Holy Rosary.” One of Mother Nikopoia’s regular students, Ariana said, “I had such a great time at the Totus Tuus summer camp. The instructor was very interactive. He made it such a fun experience.”

In the daily catechetical lessons, this year’s Totus Tuus program emphasized the 10 commandments, as well as learning about, and praying, the five Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary. It also provided a great deal of grace for those attending through their reception of the sacraments, and in particular through the celebration of the daily Mass, opportunities to go to Confession, and Eucharistic Adoration. It was a lot of fun, with time dedicated to songs, skits, games, peppered in throughout the day.

The evenings were for students in grades 7-12, and included team-building exercises, faith-based testimony by a different missionary each night, and small group discussions, songs and games. The evenings concluded with Night Prayer from the Liturgy of the Hours. Each Tuesday or Wednesday night focused on Eucharistic Adoration and Confession. By the end of the week, many teenagers were feeling uplifted, more hopeful, and many came to deeper conversion.

Some lessons showed their effects in tangible and powerful ways. Liliana Ronderos, Faith Formation Director at St. Joseph Parish in Bradenton explained, “We had a special Totus Tuus camp this year. After lessons and discussions on the sacraments were presented during camp, two campers, a 6th grade girl and a 5th grade boy, cousins, asked their parents for Baptism. They were baptized on the last day of camp, surrounded by family members, their fellow campers, and the Totus Tuus missionaries.”

Father Vincent Clemente, pastor of St. James Parish in Lake Placid, summed up the Totus Tuus experience this way, “Children who participate in Totus Tuus appreciate the Catholic Church and the sacraments more. They get to know their faith better.”

“Totus Tuus!” Amen.

Prayers uplifting for new bishop

Posted on August 20, 2026August 20, 2026 by Bob Reddy

Bishop Emilio Biosca Agüero, O.F.M. Cap., has been the Shepherd of the Diocese of Venice for little more than one month. In that time, he has visited three dozen parishes and many missions.

As the rigorous schedule continues through the end of August, Bishop Emilio said the one thing that has surprised him about being a bishop is that so many people are praying for him.

“At each stop, people come up to me and say they are praying for me,” Bishop Emilio said during an Aug. 12, 2026, visit to Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Venice. “I feel those prayers. They mean so much to me. It is hard to describe the effect and strength those prayers are giving me as I move forward in my duties as the shepherd of the diocese.”

Between Aug. 6 and 12, Bishop Emilio visited 10 parishes, and five missions, primarily in the eastern part of the Diocese. Visits have included the celebration of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, as well as small meetings with parish staff and volunteers, and often personal time with the priests.

The intention of this tour of the diocese is to visit the priests, deacons, religious and faithful at their parishes to get to know them in their own place, before Bishop Emilio goes to Rome for a new bishops’ formation course and retreat in early September.

Bishop Emilio said he will take the prayers and hopes of the people of the Diocese to the tombs of St. Peter and St. Paul in early September.

The tour is a quick way for the bishop to get a “lay of the land,” and a first missionary orientation to the Diocese. A visit to each school will follow in late September and October.

During a stop at St. Michael Parish in Wauchula, Bishop Emilio said that in all of his assignments as a Capuchin priest, first in Papua New Guinea, then Cuba, and at a parish in Washington, D.C., he entered each with goal of giving himself completely to the place.

“At each stop, I went to go to stay forever,” he explained. “So, this is a fact-finding tour as I try to learn everything I can about each parish, which I am finding are all unique, as well as getting to know the priests. I do this because I am giving myself completely to the Diocese, in my heart and in my soul.”

Upcoming parish visits include the following: (Aug. 14) Our Lady Queen of Martyrs, and St. Jude; (Aug. 15) St. Thomas More, Sarasota, and St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, Parrish; (Aug. 16), Church of St. Patrick, Sarasota, and Holy Cross, Palmetto; (Aug. 17) St. John XXIII, Fort Myers; (Aug. 18) St. Francis Xavier, Fort Myers, and St. Raphael, Lehigh Acres; and (Aug. 19) St. Charles Borromeo and San Antonio, Port Charlotte.

Please check with the local parish for a schedule of public events.

News briefs for the week of Aug. 14, 2026

Posted on August 20, 2026August 20, 2026 by Bob Reddy

Music from Episcopal Ordination

Relive or hear for the first time the beautiful music of the Episcopal Ordination Mass! The New Shepherd: Lighting the Lantern is a music playlist from the Mass and includes a recording of the Mass Homily by His Eminence Seán Cardinal O’Malley, O.F.M. Cap. Please share!

Assumption – Aug. 15

The Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Aug. 15, 2026, is not a holy day of obligation this year because it falls on a Saturday. On this day the Church acknowledges and celebrates the fact that Mary, the Mother of God, was assumed into Heaven, body and soul, at the end of her earthly life. “The Most Blessed Virgin Mary, when the course of her earthly life was completed, was taken up body and soul into the glory of heaven, where she already shares in the glory of her Son’s Resurrection, anticipating the resurrection of all members of his Body” (CCC 974).

Death penalty prayer vigil Aug. 18

Please join us at San Pedro Parish, 14380 Tamiami Trail, North Port, in the Chapel at 5:15 p.m., Aug. 18, 2026, for a Prayer Vigil to pray for the end of the death penalty in Florida. We pray for everyone involved in the execution process; the doctor administering the execution, all of the witnesses, a conversion of the condemned, the victims and their families. The vigil will coincide with the scheduled execution of William Silvia, who is set to become the 13th person executed in Florida this year. The vigil lasts less than an hour and includes hymns, a Gospel reading, reflections, intercessions, and a praying of the Rosary. A pause will take place at 6 p.m., the time Florida executions take place. All are welcome and encouraged to attend.

Parish Marriage Retreat Aug. 22

Ave Maria Parish invites all married couples to the Annual Marriage Retreat, Aug. 22, 2026, at Ave Maria Catholic Academy, 4955 Seton Way, Ave Maria, for a special day dedicated to strengthening marriages through faith, prayer, and fellowship. The retreat is from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and will be led by Father Leandro Fernandez. The cost is $125 per couple, which includes breakfast and lunch. Childcare is available for $15 per child. Register HERE.

Young Adult Retreat Sept. 13, 2026

The Diocese of Venice is hosting a young adult retreat 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Sept. 13, 2026, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center, 3989 South Moon Drive, Venice. DISCERN: “Hearing God’s Voice in Everyday Life” will be led by Mother Nikopoia, SSVM. Learn how to recognize God’s voice in the middle of everyday life. Come for a day dedicated to prayer, reflection, and learning how to discover God’s will. Registration fee of $35 per person includes morning coffee and pastries, lunch and retreat materials. Contact Andres Prias, prias@dioceseofvenice.org, or 941-441-1122. for more information.

Thank and honor our priests

Priesthood Sunday is September 27, 2026. What is “Priesthood Sunday?” Priesthood Sunday is a special day set aside to honor the priesthood. It is a day to reflect upon and affirm the role of the priesthood in the life of the Church. In the Diocese of Venice, the Venice Diocesan Council of Catholic Women offer a unique opportunity to all to honor your priest, and to support our future priests, on this special day. Simply send a donation of any amount, along with the name of your priest, and the VDCCW will send a note to your priest letting him know he has been honored by you, and that a donation (undisclosed amount) has been made to the Diocesan Seminarian Fund to support future priests, in his name. Send your donation today to Cornelia Zanetti, Seminarian Fund Guardian, 5808 Gulf Drive, #204, Holmes Beach, FL 34217. Please make checks payable to the VDCCW Seminarian Fund. Thank you!

Pennies for Babies!

The Pennies for Babies Fund is a Catholic Charities Diocese of Venice initiative that supports pregnant mothers and their newborn babies in need. It is part of the Diocese’s widespread Walking with Moms in Need program. The fund raises money to provide critical assistance to expectant mothers and newborns. If you wish to help mothers and babies in need, please consider giving to the Pennies for Babies Fund. Send checks (not cash) to Catholic Charities Pennies for Babies Fund, 1000 Pinebrook Road, Venice, FL 34285. With questions, please contact Tavia Ames, ames@dioceseofvenice.org, 941-441-1101.

Save the Date!

Preparations have begun for the annual Diocese of Venice Eucharistic Rosary Congress, October 3-9, 2026. This year’s theme is My spirit rejoices in God my Savior. At Parishes throughout the Diocese, the Eucharistic Rosary Congress will unfold slightly differently but usually will begin with the celebration of daily Mass and end with Mass at the same time the next day; in the 24 hours between the two Masses, there is perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, with the five decades of the Rosary being prayed every hour. Many parishes will also have the Sacrament of Penance available at different points throughout the schedule. The goal is that each parish participates according to their particular circumstances and that the Holy Eucharist is being adored and the Rosary prayed every hour of every day, somewhere in the Diocese of Venice, from October 3-9. This abundance of prayer will undoubtedly draw down from the Lord many graces upon our families, the Diocese, the Church Universal, the nation, and the world. More information will be available soon, including a list of participating parishes.

Save the Date!

Married and engaged couples are invited to the sixth annual Together in Holiness Marriage Conference on Oct. 24, 2026, from 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at Our Lady of Light Parish in Fort Myers. Spend quality time with your spouse, hear from dynamic national and local speakers, and enhance your marriage through the Sacraments. Registration: $64/couple and $5/child for on-site childcare. An Early Bird discount is available through September 14 as well as scholarships upon request. This conference is presented by the Diocese of Venice and the St. John Paul II Foundation. To register, visit www.forlifeandfamily.org/events/th26-vnfl/ With questions, contact Jim Gontis, gontis@dioceseofvenice.org.

Holiday Bereavement Outreach Retreats

Those grieving the loss of a loved one are invited to “There Is Hope: Coping with the Death of a Loved One During the Holidays”, a Catholic bereavement retreat led by Deacon Henry deMena and offered at four locations throughout the Diocese of Venice on Nov. 3-6, 2026. All retreats are from 8:30 a.m. to noon, at the following parishes: Nov. 3, Our Lady of Lourdes, Venice; Nov. 4, Sacred Heart, Punta Gorda; Nov. 5, St. Paul, Arcadia; Nov. 6, St. Agnes, Naples. For more information, please contact Jim Gontis at 941-486-4754.

Catholic Charities summer appeal continues

Every day, Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, serves the most vulnerable population in the Diocese’s 10 counties by feeding, housing, empowering, and helping all in need. This summer, you can be the one that makes a difference. Your acts of kindness have the power to transform lives. The Catholic Charities “Summertime and the Giving is Easy” appeal needs your support. The giving is easy! To donate, visit Summertime Giving, or mail a check to Catholic Charities, “Summertime and the Giving is Easy,” 1000 Pinebrook Road, Venice, FL 34285. If you have any questions, please call 941-488-5581. The appeal continues through August.

Pray for Safety! Hurricane Season

The 2026 Atlantic hurricane season continues through November 30. With a history of these storms producing destruction in the region, please pray for safety. To view or download a Prayer for Safety in Hurricane Season in English or Spanish languages, visit the Diocese of Venice website.

Volunteers needed for Prison Outreach

Join the team of Diocesan volunteers who enter county jails and state prisons within the 10-county Diocese of Venice to do pastoral outreach, distribute the Eucharist and facilitate programs. Priests, Deacons, and lay volunteers are encouraged to assist in this ministry. Volunteers will first participate in an orientation program before entering the facility and will shadow experienced volunteers until they feel comfortable. Times and days vary by facility. Please contact Joe Mallof at 224-217-7139 or Bob Hiniker 863-558-0407 to learn where you can fit into this joyful opportunity.

Support After Abortion help available

Are you or someone you know struggling because of a past abortion? You are not alone. Healing retreats and support are available for anyone who has experienced an abortion, including mothers, fathers and other family members who have been hurt. For help, or to learn more about the Diocese of Venice support after abortion program, Project Rachel, simply call or text 941-412-5860, or email project.rachel@dioceseofvenice.org, in English or Spanish. All contacts are confidential.

OLPH seeks volunteers

Many hands make light work. Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center in Venice is seeking volunteers. Aid the Diocesan retreat center in providing a peaceful, welcoming atmosphere for those who come seeking transformation in Christ. Areas of need include: gardening, dishwashing, dining room, answering the phones and more. For more information, or to sign-up, please call 941-486-0233, or email info@olph-retreat.org.

Catholic schools get ready for new year

Posted on August 11, 2026 by Bob Reddy

Bob Reddy, Florida Catholic

With the opening day of the 2026-2027 academic year for the 15 Diocese of Venice Catholic Schools just days away, the faculty and staff are working tirelessly to get ready for an influx or new and returning students.

To help start the new year right, the annual Diocesan Back to School All-Teacher Mass and Assembly took place Aug. 5, 2026, at St. Cecilia Parish and Bishop Verot Catholic High School in Fort Myers. The Mass fell on the feast of the Dedication of the Basilica of St. Mary Major, the first church dedicated to Our Lady in the history of the west.

Bishop Emilio Biosca Agüero, O.F.M. Cap., celebrated the Mass and said this feast day and the gathering should serve as an opportunity for everyone to reconsecrate and rededicate themselves to the care of Our Lady as they begin the new year.

“This Mass with all the teachers and principals is one of the first I have celebrated since I was ordained three weeks ago,” Bishop Emilio said. “I will be going to each of your schools to spend the day there so there is time for you to show me around and for me to learn your history, and what ways in which the diocese can help you all more.”

Bishop Emilio said while serving as a missionary in Cuba he was inspired to learn about the Salesians of St. John Bosco and told the gathered educators that what they can copy from their example “is the zeal and the interest. Then to listen, to find out, and to build something that will work. That is what missionaries do everywhere, and you, as teachers and educators, are called to do the same.”

“St. John Bosco left many practical counsels for educators,” the bishop said. “Here are four of his best-known counsels to teachers, presented with direct quotations and sources:”

Be present among your students. “The teacher who is seen only in the classroom and nowhere else is a teacher and nothing more; but if he goes into recreation with the boys, he becomes a brother.” Letter from Rome (10 May 1884) St. John Bosco, Letter from Rome, May 10, 1884.
Win hearts through kindness rather than punishment. “The practice of this system is wholly based on the words of St. Paul: ‘Charity is patient; charity is kind…'” The Preventive System in the Education of the Young (1877) John Bosco
Make yourself loved before seeking to be obeyed. “Let every educator strive to make himself loved if he wishes to be feared. He will attain this great end if he makes it clear by his words and still more by his deeds that all his care and solicitude are directed solely towards the spiritual and temporal welfare of his pupils.” Regulations for the Houses of the Society of St. Francis de Sales St. John Bosco, Regulations for the Houses of the Society of St. Francis de Sales, Appendix B.
Give advice and correction with charity. “Spend as much time as you can with your pupils. Try to offer a kind word to them whenever you see the need. This is the great secret of becoming the master of their hearts.” The Preventive System in the Education of the Young John Bosco, The Preventive System in the Education of the Young (1877).

“These four counsels capture the heart of Don Bosco’s educational philosophy: presence among students, loving kindness, earning affection through genuine care, and offering personal, charitable guidance rather than relying on punishment,” Bishop Emilio said.

While growing up, Bishop Emilio was a beneficiary of the Catholic education and recalled how he and his fellow students would know “which teachers believed in God and which ones didn’t. They were just different, because everything seeps through… that relationship with God is seen, because your faith is alive in you, and you are working and alive with the faith. That is transmitted to the students. They see that.”

Following the Mass, Bishop Emilio fielded questions submitted by the teachers with Father John Belmonte, SJ, Diocesan Superintendent of Catholic Education, serving as moderator.

Many of the questions focused on the bishop’s background and his plans for the schools. Admittedly, Bishop Emilio said he is still learning about the diocese, having only been ordained little more than three weeks ago (July 11).

In addition to the Mass and assembly, new teachers went through an orientation meeting where they learned about the various diocesan employment policies and standards.

Parish visits continue to be a priority for new bishop

Posted on August 11, 2026August 11, 2026 by Bob Reddy

Bob Reddy, Florida Catholic

In the first three weeks of the episcopal rule of Bishop Emilio Biosca Agüero, O.F.M. Cap., he has managed to visit 25 parishes and other entities while learning about the Diocese of Venice, its priests and its people.

At each stop, Bishop Emilio, who spent 22 years in missionary service and most recently as the head of a poor immigrant parish in the nation’s capital, tells the faithful that he was as surprised as anyone at being named bishop of the Diocese of Venice.

“Perhaps if I had served for 30 years in a parish it might have been more believable, but as a Capuchin this was definitely unexpected,” Bishop Emilio said during a homily Aug. 2, 2026, at St. John the Evangelist Parish, Naples.

The bishop admits that in such a short period of time, there is still much he must learn about the diocese. “I am doing what I have done in each new place I have been assigned; going around to learn the history and background of a place and getting to know the people where they are.”

Before the conclusion of Mass at St. John the Evangelist Parish in Naples, Bishop Emilio joined the concelebrating priests in blessing the youngest children who have not yet received their first Holy Communion. The bishop then offered a prayer of sending forth for four Diocese of Venice seminarians, John Crowley, Jesse Gomez, Jasper Hartley, and Jacob Weipert, who were altar servers during the Mass. Gomez is returning to seminary, while the other three are entering formation in the coming days. Gomez and Weipert are parishioners at St. John the Evangelist, while Crowley is from St. Katharine Drexel Parish in Cape Coral, and Hartley is from St. Andrew Parish in Cape Coral. A parish family picnic followed, with Bishop Emilio greeting many at the reception.

At Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Immokalee, during the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass on July 30, Bishop Emilio shared more of his immigrant family history, being the first born in the U.S. to immigrant parents from Cuba. He also told the large immigrant community that he is aware of their struggles and concerns and explained how his parish in D.C. handled the immigration crisis through a system of direct accompaniment, helping in any way possible: spiritually, financial and legally.

Bishop Emilio later took questions from the faithful about a variety of topics before everyone gathered in the parish hall for a celebration that included a variety of food, lively music, and opportunities for the faithful to speak with the new bishop and take a photo to capture the moment.

“It is so wonderful to have Bishop Emilio here with us,” said Father Teofilo Ramirez, pastor of Our Lady of Guadalupe. “We welcome you and we pray for you as you take on your role as our shepherd.”

Earlier that same day, following a Mass at Ave Maria Parish in Ave Maria, Bishop Emilio shook hands with well-wishers for about 90 minutes as each person patiently waited their turn to greet the new bishop. He later received a brief tour of neighboring Ave Maria University.

Parishes visited between July 30 and Aug. 2, included: Ave Maria, Ave Maria; Our Lady of Guadalupe Immokalee; and St. Ann, Corpus Christi, St. Peter the Apostle and St. John the Evangelist, all in Naples.

Bishop Emilio plans to visit each parish in the Diocese of Venice by the end of August, to better serve in his role as bishop. He is also looking forward to a September trip to the Vatican for a special gathering of new bishops. The August schedule also will allow for more expeditious travel throughout the large diocese, before the Season, and an influx of snowbirds, begins. A more formal pastoral visit to parishes will take place in the following year or so when there is less urgency.

Upcoming visits include, St. Michael, Wauchula (Aug. 7), Our Lady Queen of Heaven, LaBelle (Aug. 7), St. Margaret, Clewiston (Aug. 8), St. Joseph the Worker, Moore Haven (Aug. 8), St. Catherine, Sebring (Aug. 9), Our Lady of the Angels, Lakewood Ranch (Aug. 10), Incarnation, Sarasota (Aug. 11); San Pedro, North Port (Aug. 12), Our Lady of Lourdes, Venice (Aug. 12), and St. Martha, Sarasota (Aug. 13). Please check with each parish for a schedule of public events.

Death penalty prayer vigil held

Posted on August 11, 2026 by Bob Reddy

The State of Florida has executed 12 people thus far in 2026 – triple the number of executions carried out by any other state during the same period. The state may be headed to another gruesome record year. Last year, Florida carried out 19 executions, the most of any year since the state reinstated the death penalty in 1976.

On July 28, Florida executed two people in the same day, James Duckett and Dominick Occhicone. A prayer vigil seeking an end to the death penalty took place that evening at San Pedro Parish, North Port. Everyone involved in the execution process was prayed for; the doctor administering the execution, the witnesses, the victims and their families, and they prayed for a conversion of the condemned, and an end to the death penalty.

The bishops of Florida have spoken out, inviting Catholics and all people of good will to reflect more deeply on the death penalty in light of Catholic teaching and today’s criminal justice system.

The bishops’ recent pastoral letter reaffirms the Catholic Church’s longstanding commitment to the dignity of every human person. While recognizing the profound suffering experienced by victims of violent crime and their families, respect for human dignity extends even to those convicted of the most serious offenses. Because modern correctional systems can effectively protect society through life imprisonment without parole, the Church concludes that executions are no longer morally justified. The bishops’ statement can be found here: https://files.ecatholic.com/…/260727DeathPenaltyPastora…

The next execution in Florida is scheduled Aug. 18. A prayer vigil will take place at San Pedro Parish, in the chapel, 14380 Tamiami Trail, North Port, for each scheduled execution. The vigil begins at 5:30 p.m., and lasts less than an hour and includes hymns, a Gospel reading, reflections, intercessions and a praying of the Rosary. A pause takes place at 6 p.m., the time most executions take place. All are welcome and encouraged to attend.

Our Lady of Mercy, pray for us!

Summer enrichment camp makes lasting impacts

Posted on August 11, 2026 by Bob Reddy

A trip to Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Orlando might not seem like a big occasion for most Floridians, but for the children in the Catholic Charities Positive Youth Development Program, a recent trip was a chance to create lasting memories, enjoy new experiences, and simply be kids.

The Disney trip was the capstone to an exciting summer of learning and adventure for more than two dozen elementary and middle school students from low-income families who are struggling academically.

The Catholic Charities program works to empower the students through an afterschool tutoring program, and summer enrichment camp. The program’s success comes from recognizing that an essential foundation of self-sufficiency is achieving academic success. The Positive Youth Development program provides the foundation to meet this fundamental life goal.

Based out of the Juan Diego Center of Catholic Charities, which sits on the campus of St. Leo the Great Parish, the program provides academic tutoring with social skills development, community resources education, and case management.

The summer camp is a balance of academics and fun. In addition to going to Disney, the group embarked on an unforgettable journey to the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum on the Big Cypress Reservation in Hendry County. Owned and operated by the Seminole Tribe of Florida, the museum’s name, Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki, means “a place to learn, a place to remember.” Our students did just that as they explored the rich history, culture, and traditions of the Seminole Tribe while gaining a deeper appreciation for Florida’s heritage. From interactive exhibits to experiencing the beauty of the surrounding natural environment, the day was filled with discovery, learning, and connection. Everyone was grateful for the unique opportunities which broadened the horizons of the campers and helped them better understand the diverse cultures that make our communities so special.

Earlier in the summer, the children had a visit from Konstantin Soukhovetski, director of education & community engagement for the Grand Piano Series. The students learned about how music has the power to inspire, educate, and connect us. Through this special educational outreach experience, our students had the opportunity to engage with world-class musicians and discover the transformative power of the arts.

Representatives from Adams Animal Encounters visited the campers offering the children an amazing opportunity to learn about reptiles, invasive species, and the importance of protecting Florida’s wildlife.

The summer was not all about receiving support from others, it was also about sharing their time, talents, and compassion with the community. They had a service day at another Catholic Charities locations, Guadalupe Social Services in Immokalee, helping serve food and hand out groceries. Their willingness to serve reminds them that even small acts of kindness can make a big difference.

Another highlight of the summer was when the campers were able to connect, via remote video, with Bonita Springs native Manuel Ortiz, who currently serves as a company commander in the XVIII Airborne Corps of the U.S. Army, leading more than 70 soldiers in readiness, training, resource management, and mission execution.

Ortiz shared his educational journey, career path, and how serving in the Armed Forces transformed his life. His story inspired students to think about leadership, perseverance, and the many possibilities available to them as they plan for their futures.

The Disney trip and many of the other activities the campers participated in were thanks to the direct support of the parishioners at St. Leo the Great. For the Disney trip, in addition to tickets and food, each child was given extra Disney dollars so that they could purchase gifts for themselves or their family. St. Leo the Great staff and parishioners call this annual outpouring of support a joint effort of love and outreach to underprivileged children in the community.

News briefs for the week of August 7, 2026

Posted on August 11, 2026August 11, 2026 by Bob Reddy

Welcome to our new shepherd, Bishop Emilio!

Thank you to all who joined and prayed with the Diocese of Venice during the Bishop Emilio’s Ordination weekend, either in person or via livestream. Recordings of the livestreams from both Solemn Vespers and the Ordination and Installation Mass can be accessed here. Bishop Emilio’s remarks after Mass are also available at the same link. More information about our new bishop can be found on the Diocese’s website.

Assumption – Aug. 15

The Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Aug. 15, 2026, is not a holy day of obligation this year because it falls on a Saturday. On this day the Church acknowledges and celebrates the fact that Mary, the Mother of God, was assumed into Heaven at the end of her earthly life. “The Most Blessed Virgin Mary, when the course of her earthly life was completed, was taken up body and soul into the glory of heaven, where she already shares in the glory of her Son’s Resurrection, anticipating the resurrection of all members of his Body” (CCC 974).

Prayer to Mary, Assumed into Heaven

O Immaculate Mary, Assumed into heaven,
you who are most blessed in the vision of God:
of God the Father who exalted you among all creatures,
of God the Son who willed that you bear Him as your Son and that you should be His Mother,
of God the Holy Spirit who accomplished the human conception of the Savior in you.
O Mary, most pure
O Mary, most sweet and beautiful
O Mary, strong and thoughtful woman
O Mary, poor and sorrowful
O Mary, virgin and mother
woman very human like Eve, more than Eve.
You are near to God by your grace and by your privileges
in your mysteries
in your mission, in your glory.
O Mary, assumed into the glory of Christ
in the complete and transfigured perfection of our human nature.
O Mary, gate of heaven
mirror of divine light
ark of the Covenant between God and mankind,
let our souls fly after you
let them fly long your radiant path,
transported by a hope that the world does not contain eternal beatitude.
Comfort us from heaven, O merciful Mother,
and guide us along your ways of purity and hope
till the day of that blessed meeting with you
and with your divine Son
our Savior, Jesus. Amen!

Comedy night a success

San Pedro Parish in North Port hosted a comedy night on Aug. 1, 2026, featuring Catholic comedian Steve Simeone. The evening was an overwhelming success as Simeone entertained a sold-out crowd. All proceeds from the evening will go to benefit the “Reason for Our Hope Campaign.”

Pennies for Babies!

The Pennies for Babies Fund is a Catholic Charities Diocese of Venice initiative that supports pregnant mothers and their newborn babies in need. It is part of the Diocese’s broader Walking with Moms in Need program. The fund raises money to provide critical assistance to expectant mothers and newborns. If you wish to help mothers and babies in need, please consider giving to the Pennies for Babies Fund. Send checks (not cash) to Catholic Charities Pennies for Babies Fund, 1000 Pinebrook Road, Venice, FL 34285. With questions, please contact Tavia Ames, ames@dioceseofvenice.org, 941-441-1101.

Save the Date!

Married and engaged couples are invited to the sixth annual Together in Holiness Marriage Conference on Oct. 24, 2026, from 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. at Our Lady of Light Parish in Fort Myers. Spend quality time with your spouse, hear from dynamic national and local speakers, and rejuvenate your marriage through the Sacraments. Registration: $64/couple and $5/child for on-site childcare. An Early Bird discount is available through September 14 as well as scholarships upon request. This conference is presented by the Diocese of Venice and the St. John Paul II Foundation. To register, visit www.forlifeandfamily.org/events/th26-vnfl/ With questions, contact Jim Gontis, gontis@dioceseofvenice.org.

Theology on Tap in Sarasota Aug. 13

Calling all young adults! Join Catholic young people from across the Diocese for an evening of fellowship, faith and fun! Theology on Tap is an opportunity for young adults in their 20’s and 30’s to explore faith topics in a relaxed social setting. Theology on Tap meets on the third Thursday of every month at Oak & Stone, 5405 University Parkway, University Park. No need to register in advance. Next month, the group will meet on Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, 7 p.m. Featured speaker is Father John Belmonte, SJ, Superintendent of Catholic Education for the Diocese of Venice. To learn more, contact Andres Prias, prias@dioceseofvenice.org 941-441-1122.

Catholic Charities summer appeal continues

Pray for Safety! Hurricane Season

Walking with Moms in Need spotlight

The Venice Area Pregnancy Care Center is a valued partner in the Diocese of Venice’s Walking with Moms in Need program. Serving families throughout southern Sarasota County, this center operates solely through volunteers and donations, providing compassionate material support to mothers, babies, and families facing difficult circumstances. The center is in need of donations, such as diapers (size large), toddler-sized clothing for boys, and more. Whether you’re seeking assistance, looking to volunteer, or hoping to donate needed items, your support can make a meaningful difference in the lives of local families, especially mothers and children in need. To learn more, visitwww.vapcc.org.

Celebrate Priesthood Sunday and support seminarians

The faithful are being asked to support, encourage and educate future priests through the Venice Diocesan Council of Catholic Women Seminarian Fund. The Diocese is currently educating 21 men at various seminaries, and a donation of any amount would be a great help. The way the VDCCW supports seminarians is through celebrating Priesthood Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026. To do this in a special and lasting way, the VDCCW will facilitate sending an “IN HONOR OF” card to your parish priest. This is a gift that keeps on giving as all proceeds support the VDCCW Seminarian Fund (The donation amount will not be revealed to the recipient). To take part, please send the name of the priest you would like to honor, along with your donation, made out to VDCCW Seminarian Fund to: Cornelia Zanetti, Seminarian Fund Guardian, 5808 Gulf Drive, #204, Holmes Beach, FL 34217.

Volunteers needed for Prison Outreach

Support After Abortion help available

OLPH seeks volunteers