Editor’s Note: Father Joseph Waters is the Judicial Vicar of the Diocese of Venice. He shares his thoughts on Bishop Frank J. Dewane, who is also a canon lawyer.
I first met Bishop Frank Dewane in 1984 when we were students together at the Pontifical North American College in Rome. Our rooms were located on the same hallway, and we became friends. When Bishop Dewane returned to Florida as Bishop of Venice, we naturally reconnected. Shortly thereafter, he sought my assistance with several canonical matters, and I began traveling to Venice regularly.
In 2015, I began assisting the Diocese of Venice in a more permanent capacity by serving as Judicial Vicar, a position that had become vacant. Since that time, I have spent two days each week in Venice, leading the Marriage Tribunal and assisting with a variety of canonical matters.
Over these 11 years as Judicial Vicar, Bishop Dewane and I have worked closely together. During that time, I have come to value not only his friendship and mentorship, but also his remarkable pastoral leadership. As a Successor of the Apostles, he has demonstrated a profound love for the Church and a deep commitment to the pastoral care of God’s people. I remain grateful for the confidence and trust he has placed in me and for the opportunity to serve alongside him. Through our shared work, our friendship has grown stronger.
During his years as Ordinary of the Diocese of Venice, Bishop Dewane has faced significant physical challenges, including major surgeries and lengthy periods of recovery. Throughout those trials, he has shown extraordinary courage, resilience, and fidelity to his apostolic responsibilities. His unwavering commitment to his ministry during difficult times has been a powerful witness to his love for Christ and Holy Mother Church.
I will forever treasure these years of collaboration and friendship. The work was not always easy and often required me to stretch both my canonical expertise and pastoral sensitivity. Yet it has been a privilege and a joy to accompany Bishop Dewane in his service to the Church as Bishop of Venice.
As he enters retirement, I offer him my heartfelt gratitude, prayerful best wishes, and the assurance of my continued prayers. May this new chapter of his priestly and episcopal ministry be filled with peace, renewed strength, and many blessings from the Lord whom he has served so faithfully.
