Author: Bob Reddy

All encouraged to attend 12th Annual Veterans Day Catholic Mass

Posted on by Bob Reddy

The Diocese of Venice will be hosting the 12th Annual Veterans Day Catholic Mass on Thursday, Nov. 11, 2021, at the Sarasota National Cemetery in honor of all the men and women who have served our country and continue to serve to this day.

The Mass, preceded by an opening ceremony at 2:45 p.m., will allow the faithful an opportunity to honor veterans and pray for them, many of whom are laid to rest at the Sarasota National Cemetery. All are welcome to attend the Mass. Active military personnel are asked to wear their uniforms for the occasion.

Organized by the Diocese of Venice, with the support of the Knights of Columbus, the annual Mass started in 2010, just two years after the National Cemetery was dedicated. Since that time, the cemetery and Mass have grown. More than 25,000 veterans and their spouses are interred in the National Cemetery since opening.

In 2019, some 1,500 attended the Mass. Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, the 2020 Mass was livestreamed from Epiphany Cathedral in Venice as Hurricane Eta struck Florida.

Bishop Frank J. Dewane said it is a special privilege that the Diocese of Venice celebrates this Mass for the intention of our veterans each year. “We gather to thank all the men and women who served, and continue to serve, in the armed forces for what they have done so that we can live as we do today. We also comfort those who mourn, honoring those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.”

The opening ceremony will include patriotic music, hymns, as well as the Presenting and Posting of the Colors. The Mass, concelebrated by priests from across the Diocese of Venice, will follow immediately.

After the Mass, Bishop Dewane and concelebrating priests, escorted by the Knight of Columbus Color Corps, will proceed to the nearby graves where they will stand in silent prayer as “Taps” is played.

A military display will be nearby with flags representing the branches of the U.S. Armed Forces including the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, and Merchant Marines.

Sarasota National Cemetery is located on State Road 72 (exit 205 at Clark Road), approximately four miles east of Interstate 75. A water station and restrooms will be in place for the ceremony. There is ample on-site parking available for those in attendance. There will be handicapped parking and golf carts available to shuttle those who need extra assistance. Everyone is encouraged to arrive early.

Equestrian Order celebrates Feast Day

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Bishop Frank J. Dewane celebrated Mass for the Knights and Dames of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem on Oct. 25, 2021, the Feast of Our Lady of Palestine, at Epiphany Cathedral in Venice.

Bishop Dewane praised the Knights and Dames for their commitment to the protection of the Holy Land and for having the courage to stand up as examples of men and women of faith who through their thoughts and hearts commit to service in response to the call of the Lord.

The Bishop spoke about the continuing struggles of Christians in the Holy Land, something the Knights and Dames of the Order are very familiar with. Of particular concern is the loss of faith among the younger generations which has created a disconnection from the peaceful teachings of Jesus Christ. The Bishop urged the Knights and Dames to be part of the greater solution of inspiring the younger generations to remain in Holy Land.

The annual Mass fell on the Order’s Patroness Feast Day, Our Lady of Palestine, which was approved by the Holy See in 1933. The Feast Day asks all to join in praying to the Virgin Mary for special protection of Palestine and the Holy City of Jerusalem.

Sir John J. DeStefano, KGCHS, the President of the Diocese of Venice Section of the Equestrian Order, helped organize the Mass and expressed his gratitude to Bishop Dewane for his continued support of the Knights and Dames of the Order.

The Equestrian Order is the only lay institution of the Vatican State charged with the task of providing for the needs of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem and for all the activities and initiatives which are necessary to support the Christian presence in the Holy Land. The Order is present in nearly 40 countries worldwide.

The Order of the Holy Sepulchre exists within the local Dioceses and works closely with the Universal Church in unity of prayer and communion of purpose. Knights and Dames of the Order care greatly for the fate of this land, and endeavor to sustain and aid the charitable, cultural and social works and institutions of the Catholic Church in the Holy Land.

In exercising its mission in support of the Christians in the Holy Land, the Order of the Holy Sepulchre spiritually and financially supports structures pertaining to the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem (schools, seminars, centers), both through stable and continuous projects as well as projects that can vary from year to year depending on the needs.

Worldwide there are about 22,000 Knights and Dames of the Order in 52 countries. In 1926 the Order was founded in the United States of America, and has today grown to 10 lieutenancies, with the Southeastern Lieutenancy comprising of Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and South Carolina.

The ‘CASE’ to Educate About Cyber Awareness

Posted on by Bob Reddy

With the proliferation of digital devices in everyday life, the Diocese of Venice has taken proactive measures to protect children from the online world’s moral pitfalls by giving its education professionals the knowledge and resources to teach cyber awareness to elementary and middle school students.

On Oct. 20-21, 2021, principals, teachers and directors of religious education (DRE) and catechists across the Diocese participated in an in-depth “train the trainers” course on how to apply the Cyber Awareness Safety Education (CASE) curriculum in their classrooms.

Led by Liz Repking, founder of Cyber Safety Consulting, the course teaches students about internet safety in a fun, interactive way. CASE encourages small group discussions of real-life internet experiences with a feedback loop to school parents. This approach provides greater retention and understanding among students and enables them to effectively apply these lessons to their online life.

The classes for DREs and catechists were held on Oct. 20, 2021 at St. Martha Parish in Sarasota and at Our Lady of Light Parish in Fort Myers on Oct. 21, 2021. During the evening of both days the training by Repking was tailored for principals and teachers and took place at St. Martha Catholic School in Sarasota and St. Francis Xavier Catholic School in Fort Myers. The training was part of the Virtus Protecting God’s Children lesson plans for Diocesan religious educators.

The presentations were a follow-up of the Safe Haven Sunday workshops presented by Repking in April 2021. Those presentations to principals, DREs and parents and were titled, “Protecting God’s Children Online in a Hyper Digital Age.” Repking spoke about keeping children safe from cyber bullying, online predators, sexting, online gaming, and how to help children create an escape plan when trouble arises.

Safe Haven Sunday (March 6-7, 2021) was presented by the Diocese Office of Family Life and Department of Catholic Education to provide families with basic tools and practical tips for adults to create a safer digital environment for themselves and their children.

John Carkeet provided information to this report.

News Briefs for the Week of October 29, 2021

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Saints Devotional Project: Junior Catechist Training

The Diocese of Venice Department of Catholic Education welcomed eighth graders and their teachers and parents from all 15 Catholic schools to its first Saints Devotional Project Junior Catechist Training Oct. 22, 2021, at Epiphany Cathedral Catholic School in Venice. This Diocesan-wide project centers on hand-picked pairs of eighth graders from each school to catechize their fellow students by traveling classroom to classroom to give formal presentations about the Saints, Name Days and the Catholic devotion to the saints. These students were chosen through their demonstration of outstanding leadership, excellent instruction and unwavering devotion. The Saints Devotional Project offers opportunities to highlight the importance of leadership in the Faith, evangelization, and discipleship. The training seminar gave the junior catechists the tools and resources they need to conduct classes, while their parents and teachers participated in an orientation that outlined the significance of the devotional project.

Science experiments wow students

Science was on the agenda for students at St. Mary Catholic Academy in Sarasota on Oct. 20, 2021. The students had fun using their hands on experiments, mixing substances such as sugar, salt, vegetable oil and sand with water to predict if they were suspensions or solutions. This was followed by a great discussion as the students predicted what they thought would happen and what they saw with their own eyes.

Parish holds living rosary celebration

St. Paul Parish in Arcadia held a special living rosary celebration on World Mission Sunday, Oct. 24, 2021. The youth of the Parish led the reading of the different decades of the rosary and stood in for the different beads. They were divided into five different groups, wearing distinctive colors, representing different mission countries throughout the world.

Cathedral students stand up to bullying

Students from Epiphany Cathedral Catholic School in Venice took part in Unity Day activities on Oct. 20, 2021, by wearing orange and standing together vowing an end to bullying. Among the lessons learned was that all should follow the example of Jesus Christ and be kind to one another, no matter what. The students also went outside and stood in the soccer field spelling out the words “BE KIND” as a drone took a photo of everyone.

Lego rover helps students explore

Fifth graders from St. Catherine Catholic School in Sebring built a Lego rover as part of a STREAM (Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) project in mid-October 2021. This project helped the students explore ways scientists and engineers reach remote places, create and program “Milo” the Science Rover, and document how Milo can help discover a special plant specimen.

Boosterthon raises money for school

St. Andrew Catholic School students participated in a Boosterthon Fun Run on Sept. 21, 2021, in Cape Coral. The students had fun running while a big thanks went out to families and extended families who helped the school reach its goal of $30,000. The money will go toward allowing more flexible seating options for students in many of the classrooms.

Christ the King Novena Nov. 12-20

On the last Sunday of each liturgical year, the Church celebrates the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, or Christ the King. This year, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) urges all Catholics to take part in a Christ the King Novena from Nov. 12-20, 2021. During the nine days preceding the Solemnity, the USCCB asks all to offer their prayers to Christ the King for the freedom of the Church. The USCCB Committee for Religious Freedom, in its core document “Our First, Most Cherished Liberty: A Statement on Religious Liberty,” urged that “the Solemnity of Christ the King – a feast born out of resistance to totalitarian incursions against religious liberty – be a day specifically employed by bishops and priests to preach about religious liberty, both here and abroad.” A link to the novena can be found at www.dioceseofvenice.org.

Diocesan Phase of Synod inaugurated with Mass

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Bishop Frank J. Dewane inaugurated the beginning of the Diocesan Phase of the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, “For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, and Mission,” with a Mass Oct. 17, 2021 at Epiphany Cathedral in Venice.

Participating in the Mass were more than a dozen priests, as well as some 300 people from across the Diocese, representing many Parishes, various movements, Third Orders and many more.

In his opening remarks, Bishop Dewane said: “We ask the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts, our minds, and our souls, as we begin this journey.” Later, the Bishop said, “In this whole process, we have to make hopes flourish… to stimulate trust, one with the other.”

The Bishop explained that during the Diocesan Phase there will be a series of listening sessions which will take place in each part of the Diocese in the coming months. The goal of these sessions is to discern the Word of God in Scripture, what those Words are saying to us while remembering the living Mission of the Church. Bishop Dewane said this process must be based on co-responsibility in the Church, or an accurate synthesis with what was said in a process that is transparent and fair.

The sessions are being planned to allow for the maximum opportunity for as many of the faithful to participate as possible. A complete schedule of the listening sessions will be announced soon.

A reception in the Cathedral Parish Hall was full of anticipation as those present expressed their excitement for the opportunity for the faithful to provide input in planning for the future of the Universal Catholic Church.

Bishop Dewane stressed that the entire process will last more than two years, with the local listening session focused on transparency as the Diocese will record each session to ensure all that is said is heard.

“We want people to speak out, and as the Holy Father likes to say, ‘the Catholic Church is a field hospital;’ we are meeting to start binding up wounds,” Bishop Dewane said. “We will be there to listen, and to do it with a warm heart. We will search for healing and will increase the regard for one another. It is the common mission that we share what is most important.”

The entire effort to gather input from Dioceses around the world is viewed by many Church observers as the most deliberate, long-term and long-range process of seeking input for any Synod up to this point.

“While what comes from our Diocese will go to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), we are not tasked with putting together a document. We are tasked to listen, to get input, put it together and ensure the points that are made at the Diocesan level.

For more details on the Synodal Process, please visit the Diocese of Venice website at a www.dioceseofevenice.org.

2021 Diocesan Youth Rally Nov. 6

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Young people from all over Southwest Florida will journey to a one-of-a-kind event to experience a spiritually fulfilling encounter with Jesus Christ – the 2021 Diocese of Venice Youth Rally.

Bishop Frank J. Dewane invites high school-aged teens to join him for a day that offers the Sacraments, music, speakers, a vocations/Catholic College fair and lots of fun! A key part of the day includes a large group Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, which will lead into the celebration of the Mass.

“The Diocese is blessed to have everyone back together under one roof for the 2021 Diocesan Youth Rally,” Bishop Dewane said. “In 2020 we were apart for obvious reasons. Now is the time to bring our youth back together – celebrating our Faith and glorifying God.”

The 2021 Youth Rally is from noon until 8:30 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 6, 2021, at the Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center in Punta Gorda. The theme for the Rally is “Sent” which comes directly from the Bible – “As you sent me in the world, so I sent them in the world” (John 17:18).

“The benefit of the Youth Rally is huge,” Joshua Mazrin, Diocese of Venice Director of Evangelization and Acting Director of Youth and Young Adult Outreach, explained. “This isn’t just a yearly event, it’s a catalyst for the Faith. The Youth Rally evokes actual change in people’s lives.”

Mazrin said past participants have shared how the Diocesan Youth Rally allowed them to encounter God in ways they never had before.

“This year will be especially powerful with a time for Eucharistic Adoration allowing each person to come up close to and more personal with Christ,” Mazrin continued. “These moments are a true experience with God’s love. Youth also get to live out their Faith with their friends. Many even make new friends at the Youth Rally. The experience with God is in the context of a fun, energetic event.”

For the 2021 Rally, the Diocese is thrilled to bring David Calavitta and Kelly Colangelo. For inspirational musical entertainment, the Francis Cabildo Band will perform.

Calavitta is a passionate Catholic in love with Christ and his Church and currently serves as the director of Creative and Marketing for Life Teen International. Colangelo has dedicated her life to bringing others into a radical relationship with Christ. She speaks internationally, has appeared on EWTN’s Life on the Rock, and has been a contributor to Life Teen and Chastity Project blogs. She currently serves as the director of Youth Ministry at a parish in northwest Florida. Meanwhile, Francis Cabildo is a singer-songwriter and worship leader from Southern California who hopes to bring people closer to the Lord through his music.

All the faithful within the Diocese are asked to support this important event with their prayers. Raise your voices to the Lord for our Youth!

For further information or to register youth, please contact your local Youth Director, Director of Religious Education, Scout Leader, or Campus Minister.

To watch a video promotion of the 2021 Diocesan of Venice Youth Rally, please visit www.dioceseofvenice.org.

Joshua Mazrin can be reached at 941-484-9543 or mazrin@dioceseofvenice.org.

 

Pregnancy Solutions celebrates new location

Posted on by Bob Reddy

With a new location near the Murdock area of Port Charlotte, Pregnancy Solutions has a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to moms and dads experiencing unexpected, unplanned, or even is some cases, unwanted pregnancies.

Bishop Frank J. Dewane took part in an Open House on Oct. 13, 2021 and said a blessing for the continued success of Pregnancy Solutions in their new location at 950 Tamiami Trail, Suite 105. The Port Charlotte previous location was across from an abortion doctor’s office which closed during the summer. The other locations are in Venice and North Port.

“It is great to be with so many like-minded people,” Bishop Dewane said during the Open House. “Bless this center, and all those who walk in. Bless the lives it will contribute to, both the giving of new life, but also for those who need to be restored in spirit and body.”

Jaqueline Zdrojowy, Executive Director of Pregnancy Solutions, welcomed the Bishop, as well as members of the advisory board and other honored guests representing several Diocesan Parishes, the Knights of Columbus and Venice Diocesan Council of Catholic Women.

Pregnancy Solutions is the only Pro-Life pregnancy center in Charlotte County after merging with Pregnancy Careline Center earlier in 2021. Zdrojowy explained how Pregnancy Solutions started operation 20 years ago in 2001 with the help of Sister Mary Judith Delaney, SHCJ, who served at Sacred Heart Parish in Punta Gorda, and in the first year they saw no clients.

Compare that to the first 10 weeks at the new location which included 196 individual visits, including 84 ultrasounds, 99 pregnancy tests and much more, Zdrojowy continued. Other services include offering pregnancy options, adoption referrals, material support, parenting classes, support for men, and after abortion support.

The most encouraging statistic Zdrojowy shared was 72, the number of women who have had a change of heart from being abortion determined to choosing life and carrying their child to term. This has occurred since the start of the year through all of its three locations.

“We are just so excited to partner with you,” Zdrojowy said of the groups which previously supported Pregnancy Careline Center. “You are truly an extension of the local Church and the local Church is the hope of the world. We believe we cannot do what we do without the support of the local Church.”

At Pregnancy Solutions, you do not need insurance to receive the free services which includes ultrasound and pregnancy tests. Free diapers, baby formula, and baby clothes are available for moms and dads who participate in the program classes. All that is needed is a photo ID during the first appointment.

Pregnancy Solutions

Locations:

  • 504 E. Venice Ave., Venice 34285,
  • 950 Tamiami Trail, Suite 105, Port Charlotte 33953,
  • 4500 S. Biscayne Drive, Suite G, North Port 34287.

Website: www.pregnancysolutions.org

Phone for all locations: 941-408-7100

Wish list

Diapers all sizes (newborn to Size 3 is greatest need)

Baby clothes – boys and girls (3T boys greatest need)

2021 Pregnancy Solutions Banquet – The 19th Annual Fundraising Banquet for Pregnancy Solutions of Port Charlotte, the only a pro-life pregnancy center in Charlotte County, is from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Tuesday, November 2, at Isles Yacht Club, 1780 West Marion Avenue, in Punta Gorda. The meal is complimentary; an opportunity to make a financial gift will be extended. Visit www.pregnancysolutions.org for details or to donate if you are unable to attend, or call 941-408-7100.

 

White Mass held for medical professionals

Posted on by Bob Reddy

For the past 18 months or more, physicians, nurses and allied health professionals have been on the front lines in the battle against the COVID Pandemic.

On Oct. 16, 2021, they were formally recognized for their dedication to the service of others during a White Mass at St. Agnes Parish in Naples. Many of those present wore white coats, the signature clothing of the medical profession.

“For your example I am deeply grateful,” said Father Michael Orsi, Parochial Vicar at St. Agnes. “More than me being grateful, you gave witness to numerous people – the patients who were critically ill under your care; and to their families… You gave a tremendous witness to the world with your love, care and concern for fellow human beings. You put the Gospel into action.”

Father Orsi added that many try to think of themselves growing up and becoming heroes and he wondered what the medical professionals felt every time they reported to the Intensive Care Units at the local hospitals for their next shift to care for the sick and dying during the Pandemic.

“I know I was scared when I went to the ICU,” Father Orsi said of his role in ministering to the sick and dying in a different way as priest. “No disease is going to get in the way of my work on behalf of the people of God and you let nothing get in your way because you are dedicated to the care of God’s people.”

During the Mass there was a blessing of the stethoscopes, led by Father Bob Kantor. Afterwards, a breakfast and lecture were held in the Parish Hall.

The keynote speaker was Paul Hiltz, the President and CEO of Naples Community Healthcare System who spoke on “Spiritual Leadership in a Secular Healthcare Setting.” Hiltz stressed the importance of spirituality in medicine and shared his experiences since the beginning of the Pandemic and the challenges of serving the physical and spiritual needs of the patients, families and staff.

Following the lecture, Dr. Michael Gloth moderated a discussion with panelists: Father Orsi, Hiltz, Lawrence Antonucci, President and CEO of Lee Health, and Scott Lowe, CEO of Physicians Healthcare System. Each CEO shared the challenges faced during the Pandemic saying Southwest Florida is fortunate to have three health systems which work together rather than in competition. The CEOs also offered their thoughts on the importance of faith in healthcare, agreeing that it is proven in many studies that patients with a strong faith have better recovery outcomes than those who have none. This is also true for family members who serve as the support for patients during and after their stay in the hospital.

The panel also took questions from those attending the lecture. For their participation, the medical professionals were eligible to earn Continuing Medical Education credits.

It was noted afterwards that the 2021 White Mass brought together the largest number of people since it first began several years ago.

News Briefs for the Week of October 22, 2021

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Bishop celebrates Mass for students in Sebring

Bishop Frank J. Dewane celebrated Mass for the students at St. Catherine Catholic School in Sebring on Oct. 18, 2021. The Mass is the latest in a series of Masses celebrated by the Bishop for students at each of the 15 Diocesan Catholic schools. During the Mass, which took place on the Feast of St. Luke the Evangelist, Bishop Dewane encouraged the students to focus on developing their prayer life each day.

VDCCW Retreat held

The Venice Diocesan Council of Catholic Women hosted a retreat on Oct. 16, 2021 at Epiphany Cathedral in Venice. The bilingual retreat included talks from Father Janusz Jancarz, Spiritual Moderator for the VDCCW and Pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Venice; Father Claudio Stewart, Diocesan Director of Hispanic Ministries, and Father Thomas Heck, a retired priest of the Diocese. The women also participated in Mass, adoration and praying of the rosary.

Students celebrate Chaplain’s birthday

The students at St. Martha Catholic School and St. Mary Catholic Academy in Sarasota serenaded their Chaplain, Pallottine Father Fausto Stampiglia, to a rendition of “Happy Birthday” on October 15, 2021. The more than 500 students gathered outside, near the main entrance of the two schools, as Father Stampiglia was delighted by the outpouring of love from the students. As a special surprise, in honor of Father, a wall-mounted sculpture of St. Mary and St. Martha with Jesus was unveiled and is now on permanent display outside of the front lobby of the schools. Happy Birthday Father Fausto!

Heading Up ‘STREAM’

The Diocese of Venice Department of Education hosted its first Middle School Robotics Coaches and Teachers training seminar Oct. 15, 2021 at its Innovation & Simulation Teaching & Learning Lab at Epiphany Cathedral Catholic School in Venice. Led by Jennifer Falestiny, curriculum coordinator at the Diocese of Venice in Florida, the seminar challenged teachers to build Lego robots then program them to complete various logistical and mechanical challenges on a 3D map. The seminar is part of a comprehensive training program to help teachers prepare their students for the FIRST Lego Lead Challenge in 2022. This and other competitions encompass the Diocese of Venice’s Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STREAM) strategic initiatives.

New mural completed in Naples

What an amazing experience for St. Ann Catholic School in Naples to enjoy and participate in the creation of a beautiful mural. Artist Marcus Zotter created the work which spans the wall between two classrooms in the main courtyard. Included in the image is a cross, two doves, angel wings, a dolphin (the school mascot) and a beach. While the mural was being created, art students at St. Ann’s assisted in creating different aspects of the work.

Parent Book Club in Sarasota

Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School Theology Teacher Timothy Shipe hosted a Cougar Parent Book Club on Oct. 13, 2021 in Sarasota. A large number of parents joined in to study Trent Horn’s, “Why We Are Catholic?” book. The discussions about the Faith were lively and interesting, taking place in the school’s multi-media lab. All are welcome to join. Contact tshipe@cmhs-sarasota.org.

Students gain engineering skills

Fifth-grade students at Donahue Academy of Ave Maria Catholic School built bridges on Oct. 14, 2021, while sixth-grade students used engineering skills to build a ballista, a trebuchet and two kinds of catapults as part of the study of medieval history.

Sophomore retreat in Naples

Sophomores at St. John Neumann Catholic High School in Naples covered the campus Oct. 14, 2021 and enjoyed every aspect of their class retreat. It was a day that included skits and projects, discussions and reflections, prayer and adoration, and, of course, fun and games. In Neumann style, the class of 2024 celebrated Faith, family, sports, school, independence and friendship. “When you pass through waters, I will be with you; through rivers, you shall not be swept away.” – Isaiah 43:2a

Students go on “Safari”

Kindergartners at St. Martha Catholic School in Sarasota went on an amazing “Nature Safari” Oct. 14, 2021. They trekked to the front field and searched for soil, sun, butterflies, spider webs, grass, flowers and more. They then went to the pond to collect water samples, which they studied using eye-droppers, hand lenses, and mini forceps. It was a great adventure!

 

 

Our Lady of the Rosary honored

Posted on by Bob Reddy

At the concluding Mass of the inaugural Diocese of Venice Traveling Rosary Congress Bishop Frank J. Dewane stressed the importance of prayer – citing the rosary as prayer which allows for an intimate conversation with God.

“We find throughout Scriptures that persistence and perseverance is necessary for each of us in our prayer life,” said Bishop Dewane on Oct. 7, 2021, the Memorial of Our Lady of the Rosary, at Epiphany Cathedral in Venice. “Many pray the rosary every day and it has become an integral part of your life. A devotion to Our Lady through the rosary provides strength, drawing us closer to the Lord.”

The Bishop described the rosary as a prayer which developed over time, with the combination of the beads telling the story of God’s whole message, each building to open one’s heart to a great love of the Lord. As a result, praying the rosary helps create a pathway for everyone to open a conversation with the Lord, an essential component in one’s Faith life.

For example, St. Mother Theresa often referred to the power of rosary, calling everyone to pray it and live it and persevere. And the Venerable Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen said: “The rosary is the book of the blind, where souls see and there enact the greatest drama of love the world has ever known.”

This is why we meditate on the Mysteries and on the prayers, Bishop Dewane explained. “By doing so you become part of this history. Our Lady calls us to prayer and to acknowledge her Son. You do this by being the instruments of the Lord and calling others to come forth. Miracles will happen within us and within those around us because of our prayers and communications with the Lord.”

The Diocesan Traveling Rosary Congress took place at nine Parishes and commenced on Sept. 30, with opening Masses at Incarnation Parish in Sarasota and St. Katharine Drexel Parish in Cape Coral. At each location, the opening Mass was followed by 24 hours of Perpetual Adoration and hourly praying of the rosary before ending with Mass. With the many difficulties in the world today, whether they be hardships of antiquity or new troubles, the Rosary Congress was presented as a unique opportunity to place all prayer intentions and the needs of the faithful into the loving arms of the Mother of God. Other Parishes which participated in the Travelling Rosary Congress were: St. John the Evangelist in Naples; St. Martha in Sarasota; Our Lady of the Angels in Lakewood Ranch; Christ the King in Sarasota; St. Elizabeth Seton in Naples; St. Frances Xavier Cabrini in Parrish; and Epiphany Cathedral.

The Diocese of Venice has continued to foster its devotion to the Blessed Mother. Our Lady of Mercy is the Patroness of the Diocese. Under this patronage, the Diocese was formally consecrated to Our Lady during Advent of 2017. The fruits of this consecration have been tremendous as Our Lady offers her special care through her powerful intercession. With these past years dedicated to St. Joseph, beginning with the Diocese of Venice’s Year of St. Joseph (March 19, 2020), and now in the Universal Church’s year dedicated to St. Joseph (Dec. 8, 2020 to Dec. 8, 2021), the Rosary Congress was timed to set the Holy Family as an example for all families.

The Memorial of Our Lady of the Rosary directly commemorates the 1571 naval Battle of Lepanto. The Holy League (a naval coalition of European Catholic maritime states) defeated the vastly superior Ottoman navy in the Gulf of Patras near modern day Greece, overcoming tremendous odds after Pope Pius V called upon all Catholics to pray the rosary for victory. This victory successfully halted the spread of the Ottoman Empire into Rome and beyond. The Feast Day is also referred to as Our Lady of Victory.

Other commemorations

As October is dedicated to Our Lady, and Oct. 7 is dedicated to Our Lady of the Rosary, Diocesan Catholics schools have taken the opportunity to help instill a great appreciation for praying the rosary at all grade levels.

For example, the third graders at St. Andrew Catholic School in Cape Coral celebrated Rosary Day on Oct. 7. Students had fun creating and praying the Rosary. Students also played games and participated in a variety of rosary activities, including forming a living rosary where each students had a part.

Donahue Catholic Academy of Ave Maria in Ave Maria held an Our Lady of Rosary Procession from the school to the Parish Church about a ½ mile away. The high school boys carried an Our Lady of Rosary statue while the high school girls led the praying of the rosary along the way. Everybody processed reverently, praying together. Once at the church, Our Lady was placed in front of the pulpit, everyone participated in Mass.

At Jesus the Worker Parish in Fort Myers, the Memorial of Our Lady of the Rosary is cause for celebration, as Our Lady is Patroness of Guatemala. A Mass was celebrated on Oct. 7 and a parish-wide celebration took place on Oct. 10 with a large procession through the Parish parking lot leading into Mass. The Mass was followed by festivities outside with food and music celebrating the Guatemalan culture all in honor of Our Lady.

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