Bishop Emilio Biosca Agüero, O.F.M. Cap., celebrated his first Masses as a newly ordained bishop first for his family and then for the cathedral.
On July 12, about 16 hours following the conclusion of his episcopal ordination, Bishop Emilio was celebrating the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass in his new role for the first time.
The new bishop chose this first Mass to take place at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center in Venice where many family members stayed while participating in the celebratory event surrounding the ordination.
With about 30 family members present, Bishop Emilio came forward as a bishop, but for those present he was also a son, a brother, a cousin, a nephew, an uncle, or a friend. The support he was given was profound.
During the Mass, his parents renewed their wedding vows in celebration of their upcoming 65th wedding anniversary which will take place July 29.
“They were married at 7 a.m. at Our Lady of Sorrows Church in Camaguey (Cuba), and it was a small wedding with the reception at a neighboring house, in a garden. There are pictures. It was so simple and beautiful. I am so blessed that much of the family is here to celebrate together,” Bishop Emilio said.
A day earlier, after bringing forward the gifts during the ordination, Bishop Emilio’s parents, Emilio Rodolfo Biosca Sr. and Maria del Carmen Agüero, laid their hands upon their son’s forehead in prayer. After renewing their vows, their son returned the gesture and prayed over them, now as a bishop.
Both parents expressed joy in seeing their son ordained as a bishop but admitted they were still in a bit of shock. Emilo Sr. said he felt the renewal of the wedding vows was a perfect way to coimplete the celebrations. “He is our son and we are very proud of him and are a bit sad we won’t see him as much, but he is where God wants him.”
First public Mass
Following a brief breakfast with his family, Bishop Emilio then went to Epiphany Cathedral to celebrate his first public Mass. The cathedral is a traditional location for the first Mass of a newly ordained bishop, and also where he would normally have been ordained the day before.
However, Bishop Emilio was ordained at St. John XXIII church in Fort Myers due to the ongoing reconstruction of the cathedral.
Bishop Emilio said that fact did not detract from the reality that the cathedral is his new home. He said he was impressed that the Mass was celebrated in the former parish hall, and that it, had originally been the church for many years.
“It may have been a hall for a long time, but it has been made into a beautiful place to worship God,” he said. “I feel blessed to be here and will make frequent visits, for Mass, adoration and anything else you have taking place. I live just a short walk away.”
Following the Mass, the bishop greeted the parishioners who were eager to meet and have their photo taken with him. Bishop Emilio often stayed to meet with cathedral priests, deacons, staff and ministry volunteers to learn more about how the parish operates.
