adoration Archives - Diocese of Venice

Jubilee Youth Pilgrimage to DeSoto Eucharistic Monument April 26

Posted on April 11, 2025April 11, 2025 by Bob Reddy

All youth of the Diocese of Venice are invited to join together for a Jubilee Youth Pilgrimage to the DeSoto Eucharistic Monument in Bradenton on April 26, 2025.

This Youth Pilgrimage will be a day of prayer, reflection, adoration and celebration of the Eucharist in the context of the Jubilee Year 2025. Inspired by the Jubilee theme “Pilgrims of Hope,” this event invites youth to grow in their faith, embrace renewal, and strengthen their commitment to Christ. Adoration and Mass on site at the Monument will be celebrated by Bishop Frank J. Dewane.

The Pilgrimage is from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Riverview Pointe Preserve (adjacent to the DeSoto National Memorial), 8250 DeSoto Memorial Highway on the Manatee River in Bradenton. This location is the home of the Diocesan Eucharistic Memorial and 60-foot Cross which were dedicated in 1996 to recognize the long history of Catholics in Southwest Florida.

The history of Catholics in the region dates to the 16th Century when Hernando de Soto landed on the coast with 12 priests with the intention of spreading Catholicism to Native Americans of the southeast United States. Diocesan Masses have been celebrated at this location three times, first at the 1996 dedication, then by Bishop Dewane in 2009 to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the founding of the Diocese, and again in 2019 for the 35th anniversary.

Diocesan Youth and Young Adult Outreach Director Andres Prias said the Pilgrimage will offer the youth of the Diocese a time for reflection on the Jubilee Year 2025 and will help them on their journey of conversion as “Pilgrims of Hope,” as they seek to grow closer to the Lord, cultivating hope in their hearts, and bringing hope to others.

The Pilgrimage coincides with the Jubilee of Teenagers in Rome, which falls on the same weekend as the canonization of Carlo Acutis, the First Millennial Saint. Acutis was a computer programmer who died of leukemia at the age of 15, in 2006, and is known for his devotion to the Eucharist and for using his tech skills to create a website cataloging Eucharistic miracles and Marian apparitions.

In addition to the Youth Pilgrimage, a fourth Youth Jubilee Adoration Night is scheduled for May 2, at St. Paul Parish, 1330 E. Oak. St., Arcadia. The program is from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., and includes a talk about Jubilee Year 2025, as well as group Adoration. The evening also includes prayer, music, and the opportunity to take part in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, all before concluding with Benediction. While the Youth Jubilee Adoration Nights are geared toward younger Catholics, with youth-centric music and talks, all are welcome. Earlier Youth Adoration Nights took place Jan. 16, at St. Agnes Parish in Naples and Jan. 31, at St. Andrew Parish in Cape Coral, and March 22, at St. Patrick Parish in Sarasota. There is no cost to attend, but registration is requested at https://dioceseofvenice.regfox.com/jubilee-2025-adoration-nights-. For more information about the Youth Pilgrimage or Youth Adoration Nights, contact Andres Prias at prias@dioceseofvenice.org or 941-441-1122.

The Youth Pilgrimage is one of several events that have been hosted with the Diocese of Venice in conjunction with the Jubilee Year 2025. For example, on March 29 there was a Diocesan Eucharistic Conference held in Punta Gorda which drew more than 1,800. Additional events are being planned throughout the year.

For more information on the Jubilee Year 2025, please visit at https://dioceseofvenice.org/jubilee-2025-pilgrims-of-hope/.

The Jubilee Prayer

Father in heaven,

may the faith you have given us

in your son, Jesus Christ, our brother,

and the flame of charity enkindled

in our hearts by the Holy Spirit,

reawaken in us the blessed hope

for the coming of your Kingdom.

May your grace transform us

into tireless cultivators of the seeds of the Gospel.

May those seeds transform from within both humanity and the whole cosmos

in the sure expectation

of a new heaven and a new earth,

when, with the powers of Evil vanquished,

your glory will shine eternally.

May the grace of the Jubilee

reawaken in us, Pilgrims of Hope,

a yearning for the treasures of heaven.

May that same grace spread

the joy and peace of our Redeemer

throughout the earth.

To you our God, eternally blessed,

be glory and praise for ever.

Amen

2025 Diocesan Eucharistic Conference deepens faith, brings joy

Posted on April 4, 2025April 4, 2025 by Bob Reddy

Renewed with a passion for the Most Holy Eucharist, nearly 2,000 of the faithful participated in the Diocese of Venice Eucharistic Conference in Punta Gorda on March 29, 2025.

The day-long Eucharistic Conference was held in recognition of the third and final year of the National Eucharistic Revival, and carried the theme of “Becoming Eucharistic Missionaries,” which built upon the message of the Jubilee Year 2025, “Pilgrims of Hope.”

“We gather for a special occasion in the life of the Diocese – gathered together to come to know God and Jesus Christ in the Real Presence of the Most Holy Eucharist,” Bishop Frank J. Dewane said during the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass which opened the Conference. “God is stirring up the hearts of you good people. The Holy Spirit is filling you up with grace and zeal – setting our hearts ablaze with His love.”

Bishop Dewane said it is divine intervention for all of us to be united around the Blessed Sacrament, and that this third Diocesan Eucharistic Conference unites the faithful with others across the nation. This was done because the faithful of the Catholic Church have witnessed a loss of a sense of God’s holiness and ultimately the reduction of the role of the Lord in our lives.

“Open your hearts and souls to the Real Presence of Jesus Christ, and come to know His presence in the Holy Eucharist over and over again in the life you live,” Bishop Dewane said.

The Bishop also explained how the National Eucharistic Revival was divided into separate parts, with the opening year a Diocesan Revival, then a Parish Revival, and now the Church is in the missionary period, which has four pillars: Eucharistic encounter, Eucharistic identity, Eucharistic life, and Eucharistic mission.

These pillars serve as a guidance to feel the Lord’s presence in the Most Holy Eucharist and to become more the man or woman of God we are called to be.

The key to being a successful Eucharistic Missionary is having regular encounters with the Eucharist, by going to Mass and Adoration regularly, Bishop Dewane explained. By doing this we can continue to form our identities through ongoing religious formation and prayer, thus coming to know His presence within ourselves, in our world, and in each other as we are all made in the image and likeness of God.

“To accomplish this, your Eucharistic life must be grounded in the family, parish and neighborhood because you will be nourished and you will help nourish others,” Bishop Dewane said. “Ultimately, we must pass on our belief, just as Jesus did. Journey with someone and become Eucharistic Missionaries.”

Bishop Dewane expressed his joy at the large number of participants in the Diocesan Eucharistic Conference and encouraged the faithful to bring the zeal and joy of the Holy Spirit to their family, friends and Parish.

“I know you can do it because it is through your love, and the presence of Jesus Christ there amongst you, that your hearts minds and souls will begin to change,” the Bishop concluded.

The event, part of a nationwide effort called for by the Catholic Bishops of the United States to revive belief in, and reverence for, the Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the Most Holy Eucharist, began with Mass, celebrated by Bishop Dewane at the Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center in Punta Gorda. The event, held last year at Bishop Verot Catholic High School, was moved to a larger venue in 2025 to ensure all who wished to attend could do so.

The response to the Diocesan Eucharistic Conference was overwhelmingly positive with many impressed to see so many fellow Catholics from the far reaches of the Diocese coming together to the celebrate the Most Holy Eucharist.

Diane Kemper of St. Charles Borromeo Parish in Port Charlotte loved all aspects of the day, but said the Mass and closing group Adoration gave her great inspiration. “It was a beautiful day. My heart is full of love for the Lord.”

Maria Gomez of St. Agnes Parish in Naples had a similar experience saying she feels she became a part of the National Eucharistic Revival. “This was great. I was so happy to be a part of something so special. Everyone opened their heart to the Real Presence, and that is wonderful.”

James Crawford of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Venice found solace in the Conference, noting how the entire day focused his heart on the Most Holy Eucharist, something he said doesn’t happen as easily as he would like. “I relearned how to love Christ in the Real Presence.”

The day included private Adoration and concluded with group Adoration and closing Benediction. In addition, many took the opportunity to avail themselves of the Sacrament of Reconciliation with long lines. There were also thought-provoking talks by nationally known Catholic speakers, in both English and Spanish. The reaction from Conference participants was inspiring.

The keynote speaker was Dr. Scott Hahn, an internationally renowned author and speaker who is a convert to Catholicism. The title of his talk was “Hearts Burning, Eyes Open: Lessons from Jesus on the Road to Emmaus.”

Hahn centered his talk around St. Luke’s account of the journey to Emmaus. He explained — much like Jesus must have done with the two disciples — how the stories and prophecies of the Old Testament parallel, foretell and find fulfillment in the life and death of Jesus. Those parallels go back to Genesis, course through the lives of Moses and Abraham, and echo the events of Exodus.

“Are we noticing a pattern yet?” Hahn asked after giving dozens of examples. He stressed that the New Testament is “theologically unintelligible apart from the Old,” and its fulfillment in the New Testament “surpassed the wildest dreams of the holiest Jews.”

At the Last Supper, Jesus celebrated another Passover, that of the New Covenant, which was consummated with the sacrifice at Calvary.

“If the Eucharist is just a meal, then Calvary is just an execution,” Hahn stressed.

And just as the Emmaus disciples recognized Jesus in “the breaking of the bread,” the Mass is “the means by which we recognize the resurrected Lord’s body, blood, soul and divinity,” Hahn said. “His own resurrected body is what we call the Real Presence. Regrettably, many take it for granted and don’t really see how truly fantastic these Sacred Mysteries really are.”

At this climax of the three-year National Eucharistic Revival, Hahn said it is time to stoke the fire. “This is not to conjure up the warm fuzzy feelings, and not to pretend that it is actually better than it is, because we can’t find the words to express just how great the Real Presence is. St. John Paul II called it a ‘Eucharistic Amazement.’ This is who we are as Catholic. This is our baptismal birthright. This is our Sunday obligation. We have to do it. Brothers and sisters – we get to do it!”

Following the keynote address, there were sessions offered in English and Spanish. Additional speakers include Kimberly Hahn, Mary Ann Wiesinger Puig, and Andrés Arango.

Each speaker offered the faithful the opportunity to become part of the greater National Eucharistic Revival and to leave with their hearts and minds aflame for the love of Jesus, His Catholic Church, and especially His Real Presence in the Most Holy Eucharist.

Third Youth Jubilee Adoration Night a success

Posted on March 27, 2025 by Bob Reddy

The third Youth Jubilee Adoration Night in the Diocese took place March 22, at St. Patrick Parish in Sarasota. Youth from across Sarasota County, including Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School took part in group Eucharistic Adoration as part of the Jubilee Year 2025. Earlier Youth Jubilee Adoration Nights took place Jan. 16, at St. Agnes Parish in Naples and Jan. 31, at St. Andrew Parish in Cape Coral.

At St. Patrick Parish, the guest speaker was Father Alan Baldarelli, Parochial Vicar at Our Lady of the Angels Parish in Lakewood Ranch, who encouraged the youth to become true “Pilgrims of Hope” by using the gifts given to them by God to carry the message of the Lord to others.

The evening also include prayer, music, and the opportunity to take part in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, all before concluding with Benediction. While the Youth Jubilee Adoration Nights are geared toward younger Catholics, with youth-centric music and talks, but all are welcome. Each Adoration Night is 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The final opportunity to participate is: Friday, May 2, St. Paul Parish, 1330 E. Oak. St., Arcadia. There is no cost to attend, but registration is requested at https://dioceseofvenice.regfox.com/jubilee-2025-adoration-nights-. For more information contact Andres Prias at prias@dioceseofvenice.org or 941-441-1122.

Diocesan Jubilee Year offerings updated March 21

Posted on March 25, 2025 by Bob Reddy

Throughout the Jubilee Year 2025, a special holy year of grace, hope, and pilgrimage that happens at least once every 25 years, Pope Francis is calling all Catholics to go on a journey of conversion as “Pilgrims of Hope,” seeking to grow closer to the Lord, cultivating hope in their hearts, and bringing hope to others.

The Diocese of Venice is hosting five pilgrimage sites, as well as several events which brings to life the Jubilee’s theme: “Pilgrims of Hope.” The Diocesan website is a clearinghouse of information regarding Jubilee Year 2025 activities in the Diocese, as well as general information about the Jubilee Year.

Below is a list of some of the activities taking place within the Diocese of Venice where the faithful can participate in the Jubilee Year.

Five Diocesan Pilgrimage Sites

Bishop Frank J. Dewane has designated five locations as Jubilee pilgrimage sites within the Diocese of Venice. Each of these sites (Epiphany Cathedral in Venice, St. John XXIII Parish in Fort Myers, St. John the Evangelist Parish in Naples, St. Paul Parish in Arcadia, and Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center in Venice), will include expanded times for Mass, Adoration, and Confession, as well as Lenten programming. Each of the sites will also be open to individual or large group pilgrimages. Recall that the Holy Doors established by Pope Francis are limited to five pilgrimage sites in Rome.

Jubilee Indulgence

One grace that “Pilgrims of Hope” may obtain during the Jubilee Year is an indulgence. This grace is granted by the Holy Father to anyone who travels to any sacred jubilee site, whether in Rome, or a locally designated sacred site. The Jubilee Indulgence is a concrete manifestation of God’s mercy and is a gift of grace specific to the Holy Year. To gain an indulgence during Jubilee Year 2025, the faithful can undertake a pilgrimage or pious visit to a Jubilee Site, including those designated by the Bishop. The person seeking the plenary indulgence must participate in Holy Mass or any of the following: celebration of the Word of God, Liturgy of the Hours, the Way of the Cross, Marian Rosary, or a penitential celebration which ends with individual confession. Further requirements to obtain an indulgence, including the usual conditions – the person must be detached from sin and repentant; receive the Sacraments of Penance and Holy Communion; and pray for the intentions of the Holy Father. These usual conditions may be met specifically at a Jubilee Site or at one’s own Parish but should be done on the same day or within a few days of the act of indulgence. Additional information about receiving a Jubilee Indulgence can be found at https://dioceseofvenice.org/jubilee-2025-pilgrims-of-hope/.

Next Youth Jubilee Adoration Night March 22

The Office of Youth and Young Adult Outreach is offering Youth Jubilee Adoration Nights as part of the Jubilee Year 2025. The evenings include Eucharistic Adoration, an inspirational talk, prayer, music, and the opportunity to take part in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, concluding with Benediction. While the Youth Jubilee Adoration Nights are geared toward younger Catholics, with youth-focused music and talks, all are welcome. Each Adoration Night is 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Upcoming opportunities to participate are: Saturday, March 22, St. Patrick Parish, 7900 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota; and Friday, May 2, St. Paul Parish, 1330 E. Oak. St., Arcadia. There is no cost to attend. For more information contact Andres Prias at 941-441-1122 or prias@dioceseofvenice.org.

Twenty-Four Hours for the Lord

For the Jubilee Year, the Holy Father has called upon some Churches to observe a 24 Hours for the Lord event on March 28. Please check with your local Parish for designated times for the Sacrament of Confession. (Please note that this will be in addition to the designated Lenten Confession times for the Diocese of Venice, which will be held this year from 4 – 8 p.m., Friday, April 11, and 9 a.m.-noon, Saturday, April 12.)

OLPH Jubilee Year of Hope Retreat April 11-13

Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center, 3989 S. Moon Drive, Venice, is hosting a Jubilee Year of Hope Retreat, April 11-13, 2025 (Palm Sunday Weekend), from Friday, 3 p.m. through Sunday at 1 p.m. The retreat is themed: “A Path to Healing Your Broken Heart,” and will be presented by Father Shawn Monahan, OMV. “This Jubilee, let us walk together on the journey of healing, restoring our hearts and preparing ourselves to receive Christ with open arms. With prayer and reflection, you’ll explore the parts of your heart that need healing. The retreat will help you surrender your brokenness to Jesus, trusting in His ability to heal and restore. You will experience spiritual renewal and rediscover the peace and joy that Christ brings in this Jubilee Year of Hope.” Father Monahan is an experienced guide who has a passion for helping others heal the wounds that come from living in a broken world so that they may experience a more abundant life in Christ. Register at www.olph-retreat.org and click on “Schedule of Events.”

As the Jubilee Year continues, please visit https://dioceseofvenice.org/jubilee-2025-pilgrims-of-hope/ frequently for updates on the latest Diocesan Jubilee Year activities.

The Jubilee Prayer

Father in heaven,

may the faith you have given us

in your son, Jesus Christ, our brother,

and the flame of charity enkindled

in our hearts by the Holy Spirit,

reawaken in us the blessed hope

for the coming of your Kingdom.

May your grace transform us

into tireless cultivators of the seeds of the Gospel.

May those seeds transform from within both humanity and the whole cosmos

in the sure expectation

of a new heaven and a new earth,

when, with the powers of Evil vanquished,

your glory will shine eternally.

May the grace of the Jubilee

reawaken in us, Pilgrims of Hope,

a yearning for the treasures of heaven.

May that same grace spread

the joy and peace of our Redeemer

throughout the earth.

To you our God, eternally blessed,

be glory and praise for ever.

Amen

Diocesan Jubilee Year offerings

Posted on February 13, 2025 by Bob Reddy

The Diocese of Venice will be hosting five pilgrimage sites, as well as several events which bring to life the Jubilee’s theme: “Pilgrims of Hope.” The Diocesan website, https://dioceseofvenice.org/jubilee-2025-pilgrims-of-hope/, will be a clearinghouse of information regarding Jubilee Year 2025 activities in the Diocese as well as general information about the Jubilee Year.

Below is a list of some of the activities taking place within the Diocese of Venice where the faithful can participate in the Jubilee Year.

Five Diocesan Pilgrimage Sites

Jubilee Indulgence

One grace that “Pilgrims of Hope” may obtain during the Jubilee Year is an indulgence. This grace is granted by the Holy Father to anyone who travels to any sacred jubilee site, whether in Rome, or a locally designated sacred site. The Jubilee Indulgence is a concrete manifestation of God’s mercy and is a gift of grace specific to the Holy Year. To gain an indulgence during Jubilee Year 2025, the faithful can undertake a pilgrimage or pious visit to a Jubilee Site, including those designated by the Bishop. The person seeking the plenary indulgence must participate in Holy Mass or any of the following: celebration of the Word of God, Liturgy of the Hours, the Way of the Cross, Marian Rosary, or a penitential celebration which ends with individual confession. Further requirements to obtain an indulgence, including the usual conditions are: the person to be detached from sin and repentant; receive the Sacraments of Penance and Holy Communion; and pray for the intentions of the Holy Father. These usual conditions may be met specifically at a Jubilee Site or at one’s own Parish but should be done on the same day or within a few days of the act of indulgence. Additional information about receiving a Jubilee Indulgence can be found at https://dioceseofvenice.org/jubilee-2025-pilgrims-of-hope/.

One-day Eastern Deanery Eucharistic Pilgrimage Feb. 15

Parishes in the Eastern Deanery will be hosting a special one-day Eucharistic Pilgrimage on Saturday, Feb. 15. The pilgrimage will visit the Parishes of St. James, St. Catherine, Our Lady of Grace, St. Michael the Archangel, and St. Paul (a designated Diocesan Jubilee Year Pilgrimage Site). This is a unique opportunity to respond to the call of the ongoing National Eucharistic Revival Mission and to celebrate the Jubilee Year of Hope.

The Eucharistic Pilgrimage begins at 7:30 a.m., at St. James Parish, 3380 Placid View Drive, Lake Placid, and will include Mass, a Eucharistic Procession and breakfast. Pilgrims will then travel by their own vehicle to St. Catherine Parish, 820 Hickory St., Sebring, for a 10 a.m. Eucharistic Procession. The next stop will be at Our Lady of Grace Parish, 595 E. Main St., Avon Park, for a noon Eucharistic Procession, followed by lunch. Pilgrims will then proceed to St. Michael the Archangel Parish, 408 Heard Bridge Road, Wauchula, for a 3 p.m. Eucharistic Procession, followed by snacks. The final stop will be at St. Paul Parish, 1330 E. Oak St., Arcadia, for a 6 p.m. Mass, which will be followed by food. Pilgrims can participate in as many of the stops as they wish. For more information, please contact Sister Maria Nikopoia, SSVM, at m.nikopoia@servidoras.org or call 863-232-9284.

Theology on Tap in Sarasota February 20

Theology on Tap, a monthly program for young adults in their 20s and 30s, provides an opportunity to explore faith topics in a relaxed and social setting in the Sarasota area. Theology on Tap will next gather at 7 p.m., Feb. 20, at Oak & Stone, 5405 University Parkway, Sarasota. The speaker for February is Father Daniel Scanlan, Parochial Vicar at St. Thomas More Parish in Sarasota. His talk is titled: “Pilgrims of Hope: Reflection on the Jubilee Year 2025.” The evening begins with food and refreshments with presentations, and discussions about the Catholic Faith beginning about 8 p.m. There is no cost to attend. Please email Andres Prias at prias@dioceseofvenice.org with any questions.

Youth Jubilee Adoration Nights

The Office of Youth and Young Adult Outreach is offering Youth Jubilee Adoration Nights as part of the Jubilee Year 2025. The evenings include Eucharistic Adoration, an inspirational talk, prayer, music, and the opportunity to take part in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, all before concluding with Benediction. While the Youth Jubilee Adoration Nights are geared toward younger Catholics, with youth-centric music and talks, all are welcome. Each Adoration Night is 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Upcoming opportunities to participate are: Saturday, March 22, St. Patrick Parish, 7900 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota; and Friday, May 2, St. Paul Parish, 1330 E. Oak. St., Arcadia. There is no cost to attend, but registration is requested at https://dioceseofvenice.regfox.com/jubilee-2025-adoration-nights-. For more information contact Andres Prias at prias@dioceseofvenice.org or 941-441-1122.

Twenty-Four Hours for the Lord

On March 28, during the Jubilee Year, the Holy Father called upon all Churches to observe a 24 Hours of the Lord event. Please check with your local Parish for Eucharistic Adoration hours, with designated times for the Sacrament of Confession. (Please note that this will be in addition to the designated Lenten Confession times for the Diocese of Venice, which will be held this year from 4-8 p.m., Friday, April 11, and 9 a.m.-noon, Saturday, April 12.)

Third Diocese of Venice Eucharistic Conference

The third Diocese of Venice Eucharistic Conference will take place Saturday, March 29, at the Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center in Punta Gorda. The theme for the day-long event is inspired by the Jubilee Year 2025 while also building upon the three-year National Eucharistic Revival. The theme for the Conference is “Becoming Eucharistic Missionaries” into the Jubilee Year 2025, and it offers an opportunity to celebrate the Catholic faith with others.

The Diocesan Eucharistic Conference will feature Mass celebrated by Bishop Frank J. Dewane, dynamic presentations by nationally renowned Catholic speakers including Dr. Scott Hahn, Kimberly Hahn, Mary Ann Wiesinger-Puig, and Andrés Arango. There will also be breakout sessions in Spanish. In addition, there will be Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, the opportunity for Confession, as well as Catholic vendors and exhibitors. The cost to attend is $35. per person and includes lunch. To register, please visit https://dioceseofvenice.regfox.com/eucharistic-conference. For more information, contact Jim Gontis at 941-486-4754 or gontis@dioceseofvenice.org.

As the Jubilee Year continues, please visit https://dioceseofvenice.org/jubilee-2025-pilgrims-of-hope/ frequently for updates on the latest Diocesan Jubilee Year activities.

The Jubilee Prayer

Father in heaven,

may the faith you have given us

in your son, Jesus Christ, our brother,

and the flame of charity enkindled

in our hearts by the Holy Spirit,

reawaken in us the blessed hope

for the coming of your Kingdom.

May your grace transform us

into tireless cultivators of the seeds of the Gospel.

May those seeds transform from within both humanity and the whole cosmos

in the sure expectation

of a new heaven and a new earth,

when, with the powers of Evil vanquished,

your glory will shine eternally.

May the grace of the Jubilee

reawaken in us, Pilgrims of Hope,

a yearning for the treasures of heaven.

May that same grace spread

the joy and peace of our Redeemer

throughout the earth.

To you our God, eternally blessed,

be glory and praise for ever.

Amen

Jubilee Year 2025 resources now available

Posted on February 11, 2025 by Bob Reddy

As the Universal Church progresses through the Jubilee Year 2025, as established by Pope Francis, the Diocese of Venice will be hosting five pilgrimage sites, as well as several events which bring to life the Jubilee’s theme: “Pilgrims of Hope.”

The Diocese of Venice website, Jubilee 2025: Pilgrims of Hope – Diocese of Venice, will be a clearinghouse of information regarding Jubilee Year 2025 activities in the Diocese as well as general information about the Jubilee Year.

The Jubilee Year includes the option to go through Holy Doors by making a pilgrimage to the major Papal Basilicas in Rome. In addition, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops have also designated specific shrines within the country to serve as special pilgrimage sites.

Meanwhile, the five Jubilee Pilgrimage Sites designated Bishop Frank J. Dewane within the Diocese of Venice present local opportunities to participate and celebrate the Jubilee Year. Each of these sites (Epiphany Cathedral in Venice, St. John XXIII Parish in Fort Myers, St. John the Evangelist Parish in Naples, St. Paul Parish in Arcadia, and Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center in Venice), will include expanded times for Mass, Adoration, and Confession, as well as Lenten programming. Each of the sites will also be open to individual or large group pilgrimages. Recall that the Holy Doors established by Pope Francis are limited to five pilgrimage sites in Rome.

Bishop Dewane said it is his prayer that the faithful of the Diocese take advantage of the grace of the Jubilee Year and visit at least one of the Jubilee Pilgrimage Sites.

“This is an opportunity to join the faithful from around the world in participating in special Jubilee Year activities,” Bishop Dewane said. “We must be people of hope in the way we live our lives, in our faith, and within our community. We also have an obligation to take the hope the Lord gives us and be a beacon of hope for others.”

A Jubilee Year is a special holy year of grace and pilgrimage that happens at least once every 25 years. The Pope can call for extraordinary jubilee years, such as the 2016 Year of Mercy. During the Jubilee, Catholics are encouraged to make a pilgrimage to Rome. For pilgrims who can’t travel to Rome, the Bishops of the world were encouraged to designate local pilgrimage sites for the Jubilee.

.Pope Francis opened the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica before Mass on Christmas Eve, officially launching the Jubilee Year 2025. Passing through a Holy Door during the Jubilee symbolizes entry into a new life in Christ and the beginning of a journey of conversion.

One grace that “Pilgrims of Hope” on the Jubilee may obtain is the “Jubilee indulgence.” This grace is granted by the Holy Father to anyone who travels to any sacred jubilee site, whether in Rome, the Holy Land, or a locally designated sacred site.

The Jubilee Indulgence is a concrete manifestation of God’s mercy and is a gift of grace specific to the Holy Year. To gain an indulgence during Jubilee Year 2025, the faithful can undertake a pious pilgrimage to a Jubilee Site, including those designated by the Bishop. The person seeking the plenary indulgence must participate in Holy Mass or any of the following: celebration of the Word of God, the Liturgy of the Hours, the Via Crucis, the Marian Rosary, or a penitential celebration, which ends with individual confession. Additional information about receiving a Jubilee Indulgence can be found at https://dioceseofvenice.org/jubilee-2025-pilgrims-of-hope/.

Jubilee Year 2025, a year filled with special spiritual, artistic, and cultural events in Rome, will conclude during the Christmas Season 2025. Two of the biggest events of the Jubilee of Hope will be the canonizations of Blessed Carlo Acutis, during the Jubilee of Teenagers on April 27, and Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, during the Jubilee of Young People on Aug. 3. In addition, there will be a celebration of the Jubilee of Families, Children, Grandparents, and the Elderly on the weekend of May 30 – June 1.

Youth Jubilee Adoration Nights

The second Youth Jubilee Adoration Night in the Diocese took place Jan. 31, at St. Andrew Parish in Cape Coral. Youth from St. Andrew, as well as St. Katharine Drexel Parish in Cape Coral and Bishop Verot High School in Fort Myers, took part in group Eucharistic Adoration as part of the Jubilee Year 2025. The first Youth Jubilee Adoration Night took place Jan. 16, at St. Agnes Parish in Naples.

At St. Andrew, guest speaker Kyle Van Duser encouraged the youth to become true “Pilgrims of Hope” by using the gifts given to them by God to carry the message of the Lord to others. To do this, they must deepen their relationship with the Lord by regularly attending Mass, going to Confession and doing Works of Mercy. By doing these things, they will serve as a beacon of hope for others to follow, living out their mission as “Pilgrims of Hope.”

The evenings include an inspirational talk, prayer, music, and the opportunity to take part in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, all before concluding with Benediction. While the Youth Jubilee Adoration Nights are geared toward younger Catholics, with youth-centric music and talks, but all are welcome. Each Adoration Night is 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Upcoming opportunities to participate are: Saturday, March 22, St. Patrick Parish, 7900 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota; and Friday, May 2, St. Paul Parish, 1330 E. Oak. St., Arcadia. There is no cost to attend, but registration is requested at https://dioceseofvenice.regfox.com/jubilee-2025-adoration-nights-. For more information contact Andres Prias at prias@dioceseofvenice.org or 941-441-1122.

One-day Eastern Deanery Eucharistic Pilgrimage

Coming to the Eastern Deanery on Feb. 15 will be a special Eucharistic Pilgrimage which will visit the Parishes of St. James, St. Catherine, Our Lady of Grace, St. Michael, and St. Paul (this is a designated Diocesan Jubilee Year Pilgrimage Site). This is a unique opportunity to respond to the call of the ongoing National Eucharistic Revival Mission and to celebrate the Jubilee Year of Hope.

Pilgrims will then proceed to St. Michael Parish, 408 Heard Bridge Road, Wauchula, for a 3 p.m. Eucharistic Procession, followed by snacks. The final stop will be at St. Paul Parish, 1330 E. Oak St., Arcadia, for a 6 p.m. Mass, which will be followed by food. Pilgrims can participate in as many of the stops as they wish. For more information, please contact Sister Maria Nikopoia, SSVM, at m.nikopoia@servidoras.org or call 863-232-9284.

Third Diocese of Venice Eucharistic Conference

In addition to previously mentioned activities, the third Diocese of Venice Eucharistic Conference will take place Saturday, March 29, at the Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center in Punta Gorda. The theme for the day-long event is inspired by the Jubilee Year 2025 while also building upon the three-year National Eucharistic Revival. The theme for the Conference is “Becoming Eucharistic Missionaries” and it offers an opportunity to celebrate the Catholic faith with others.

The Diocesan Eucharistic Conference will feature dynamic presentations by nationally renowned Catholic speakers including Dr. Scott Hahn, Kimberly Hahn, Mary Ann Wiesinger-Puig, and Andrés Arango. There will also be breakout sessions in Spanish. The event will include Mass celebrated by Bishop Frank J. Dewane. In addition, there will be Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, the opportunity for Confession, as well as Catholic vendors and exhibitors. The cost to attend is $35. per person and includes lunch. To register, please visit https://dioceseofvenice.regfox.com/eucharistic-conference. For more information, contact Jim Gontis at 941-486-4754 or gontis@dioceseofvenice.org.

Twenty-Four Hours for the Lord

As the Jubilee Year continues, please visit https://dioceseofvenice.org/jubilee-2025-pilgrims-of-hope/ frequently for updates on the latest Diocesan Jubilee Year activities.

The Jubilee Prayer

Father in heaven,

may the faith you have given us

in your son, Jesus Christ, our brother,

and the flame of charity enkindled

in our hearts by the Holy Spirit,

reawaken in us the blessed hope

for the coming of your Kingdom.

May your grace transform us

into tireless cultivators of the seeds of the Gospel.

May those seeds transform from within both humanity and the whole cosmos

in the sure expectation

of a new heaven and a new earth,

when, with the powers of Evil vanquished,

your glory will shine eternally.

May the grace of the Jubilee

reawaken in us, Pilgrims of Hope,

a yearning for the treasures of heaven.

May that same grace spread

the joy and peace of our Redeemer

throughout the earth.

To you our God, eternally blessed,

be glory and praise for ever.

Amen

2025 Catholic Schools Week celebrations: Mass, youth rally, service, fun

Posted on February 11, 2025 by Bob Reddy

Catholic Schools Week 2025 is in the books. The celebration of Catholic education in the Diocese of Venice included a wide variety of events, among these were the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, a middle school youth rally and much more.

Sponsored by the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA), the week (Jan. 26 to Feb. 1, 2025) provides an annual opportunity to share the good news about Catholic Schools. The theme, “Catholic Schools: United in Faith and Community,” focuses on the important spiritual, academic, and societal contributions provided by a Catholic education firmly rooted in the Truth of the Gospel.

Bishop Frank J. Dewane celebrated a Mass for Catholic school students in Collier County at St. Elizabeth Seton Parish in Naples on Jan. 31. The Mass, which included concelebrating priests from Parishes throughout Collier County, involved the eighth graders from St. Elizabeth Seton and St. Ann Catholic schools in Naples, Donahue Catholic Academy of Ave Maria in Ave Maria, and affiliated Royal Palm Academy in Naples. In addition, the entire student body of St. John Neumann Catholic High School in Naples participated, having walked from their nearby campus to the Mass, and afterward escorted the younger students back for a day of food, fun and games.

The Mass fell on the Memorial of St. John Bosco, priest, founder of a religious order and supporter of youth and Catholic education. The students at St. John Neumann are very familiar with St. John Bosco, as the school is led by religious women who are Salesian Sisters of St. John Bosco.

Bishop Dewane said it is appropriate for everyone to come together to worship the Lord at the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, the Supreme Prayer within the Church.

“Using the inspiration of St. John Bosco, as Catholic school students you are called to live your faith day in and day out,” Bishop Dewane said. “Don’t just wait for a religious class or Mass to do this. You know a lot of people your age who are not at Mass. You must do what you can, living out your faith as it should be lived. Build your lives so that you are the witness that Christ will hold up for everyone else to see as the example of how to live a better life. When the Lord says, ‘Who is the greatest?’ If it is not you, why not? Do something about it. Work to respond to the call of the Lord by living morally grounded lives by using the Gifts of Christ every day.”

A Diocesan Catholic Middle School Rally took place on Jan. 30, 2025, at the Marriot Sanibel Harbour Resort and Spa in south Fort Myers. The Rally included 929 seventh and eighth grade students from St. Ann, St. Elizabeth Seton, Donahue Catholic Academy, St. Andrew in Cape Coral, St. Francis Xavier in Fort Myers, St. Charles Borromeo in Port Charlotte, Epiphany Cathedral in Venice, St. Mary Academy in Sarasota, St. Martha in Sarasota, St. Joseph in Bradenton, and St. Catherine in Sebring.

The Rally was divided into three parts, a talk and musical presentation by Shevin McCullough of Studio 3:16, Catholic Trivia led by Jennifer Falestiny, Diocesan Curriculum Coordinator, and Eucharistic Adoration and Benediction led by Father John Belmonte, SJ, Diocese Superintendent of Catholic Education.

Each student was given a pair of sunglasses because Father Belmonte said, “the light of Christ has been so bright in your lives today,” that they must wear sunglasses.

McCullough, of Studio 3:16, which develops resources and an online Catholic kids TV show, focused on fostering children’s understanding and love of Christ, and used his musical talents to inspire the students with key motivational messages: “Pray! Act! – Trust! Act!”” Let’s Go! Live for God!” “Do Whatever He Tells You!” and “Fighting the Good Fight!”

Madison Shipley of St. Francis Xavier Catholic School in Fort Myers said the Youth Rally was fun and that McCoullough’s message resonated with her.

During Catholic Schools Week, each Diocesan Catholic School participated in a service project which focused on raising funds to support Catholics Schools in the Los Angeles area which were devastated by the early January wildfires. This is an opportunity for these students to give back as Diocese of Venice Catholic Schools have been recipients of kindness from Catholic schools across the country in the wake of hurricanes such as Irma, Ian, Helene and Milton.

Other activities which took place during Catholic Schools Week included field days, celebration of family, the nation, the community and more, all while sharing the benefits of Catholic Education with the community.

The 15 Diocesan Catholic Schools educate more than 6,500 students, which serve as an investment in the future. These Catholic School students serve as the heart of the Diocese, building the Catholic leadership of tomorrow. Catholic schools are located in Bradenton, Sarasota, Venice, Port Charlotte, Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Naples, Sebring, and Ave Maria.

Each school offers a comprehensive STREAM (science, technology, religion, engineering, art, and math) learning model which is combined with the Diocesan curriculum called, “The Gifts of Christ: Truth, Beauty, Goodness, Affability, Fortitude, Humility, and Prudence,” creating students of good moral character equipped to succeed in the world of today.

The January edition of “Witnessing Faith with Bishop Dewane” included a discussion on Catholic Schools Week with Diocesan Curriculum Coordinator Jennifer Falestiny. The program is available at https://dioceseofvenice.org/our-bishop/relevant-radio-podcasts/.

To learn more about Diocese of Venice Catholic Schools, please visit https://dioceseofvenice.org/catholicschools.

Diocesan Jubilee Year offerings

Posted on February 6, 2025 by Bob Reddy

Throughout the 2025 Jubilee Year, a special holy year of grace, hope, and pilgrimage that happens at least once every 25 years, Pope Francis is calling all Catholics to go on a journey of conversion as “Pilgrims of Hope,” seeking to grow closer to the Lord, cultivating hope in their heart, and bringing hope to others.

Below is a list of some of the activities taking place within the Diocese of Venice where the faithful can participate in the 2025 Jubilee Year.

Five Diocesan Pilgrimage Sites

Bishop Frank J. Dewane has designated five locations as Jubilee pilgrimage sites within the Diocese of Venice. These Pilgrimage Sites in the Diocese are Epiphany Cathedral in Venice, St. John XXIII Parish in Fort Myers, St. John the Evangelist Parish in Naples, St. Paul Parish in Arcadia, and Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center in Venice. Bishop Dewane said, “In designating the retreat center and four Parishes, located in each of the geographical regions (Deaneries) of the Diocese of Venice, it is my prayer that the faithful of the Diocese take advantage of the grace of the Jubilee Year, and visit the Jubilee Pilgrimage Site and be filled with hope.” The public schedule for each of the Diocese of Venice Pilgrimage Sites will be posted the first week in February at https://dioceseofvenice.org/ and on social media.

Eucharistic Pilgrimage in Eastern Deanery Feb. 15

A Eucharistic Pilgrimage will visit the parishes of St. James, St. Catherine, Our Lady of Grace, St. Michael, and St. Paul, on Saturday, Feb.15, 2025. This is a unique opportunity to respond to the call of the Eucharistic Revival Mission and celebrate the 2025 Jubilee Year of Hope declared by Pope Francis. The pilgrimage begins at 7:30 a.m., at St. James Parish, 3380 Placid View Drive, Lake Placid, and will include Mass, a Eucharistic Procession and breakfast. Pilgrims will then travel by their own vehicle to St. Catherine Parish, 820 Hickory St., Sebring, for a 10 a.m. Eucharistic Procession. Next will be at Our Lady of Grace Parish, 595 E. Main St., Avon Park, for a noon Eucharistic Procession, followed by lunch. Pilgrims will then proceed to St. Michael Parish, 408 Heard Bridge Road, Wauchula, for a 3 p.m. Eucharistic Procession, followed by snacks. The final stop will be at St. Paul Parish, 1330 E. Oak St., Arcadia (this is a designated Diocesan Jubilee Year Pilgrimage Site), for a 6 p.m. Mass, which will be followed by food. Pilgrims can participate in as many of the stops as they wish. For more information, please contact Sister Maria Nikopoia, SSVM, at m.nikopoia@servidoras.org or call 863-232-9284.

Youth Jubilee Adoration Nights

Youth Jubilee Adoration Nights present young Catholics the opportunity to take part in group Eucharistic Adoration as part of the 2025 Jubilee Year. The evenings include prayer and conclude with Benediction. There will also be the opportunity to take part in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. While these special Youth Jubilee Adoration Nights are geared toward younger Catholics, with youth-centric music and talks, all are welcome. Each Adoration Night is 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Remaining opportunities to participate are: Saturday, March 22, St. Patrick Parish, 7900 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota; and Friday, May 2, St. Paul Parish, 1330 E. Oak. St., Arcadia. There is no cost to attend, but registration is requested at https://dioceseofvenice.regfox.com/jubilee-2025-adoration-nights-. For more information contact Andres Prias at prias@dioceseofvenice.org or 941-441-1122.

Save the Date! 3rd Eucharistic Conference in Diocese of Venice!

As part of the three-year National Eucharistic Revival called for by the Bishops of the United States, and part of the 2025 Jubilee Year, the Diocese of Venice will host its third Eucharistic Conference on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at the Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center in Punta Gorda. The theme for day-long event is “Becoming Eucharistic Missionaries” and it offers an opportunity to celebrate your Catholic faith with others and be inspired during this 2025 Jubilee Year. The Eucharistic Conference will feature dynamic presentations by nationally renowned Catholic speakers including Dr. Scott Hahn, Kimberly Hahn, Mary Ann Wiesinger-Puig, and Andrés Arango. There will also be breakout sessions in Spanish. The event will include Mass celebrated by Bishop Frank J. Dewane. In addition, there will be Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, the opportunity for Confession, as well as Catholic vendors and exhibitors. The cost to attend is $35. per person and includes lunch. To register, please visit https://dioceseofvenice.regfox.com/eucharistic-conference. For more information, contact Jim Gontis at 941-486-4754 or gontis@dioceseofvenice.org.

The Jubilee Prayer

Father in heaven,

may the faith you have given us

in your son, Jesus Christ, our brother,

and the flame of charity enkindled

in our hearts by the Holy Spirit,

reawaken in us the blessed hope

for the coming of your Kingdom.

May your grace transform us

into tireless cultivators of the seeds of the Gospel.

May those seeds transform from within both humanity and the whole cosmos

in the sure expectation

of a new heaven and a new earth,

when, with the powers of Evil vanquished,

your glory will shine eternally.

May the grace of the Jubilee

reawaken in us, Pilgrims of Hope,

a yearning for the treasures of heaven.

May that same grace spread

the joy and peace of our Redeemer

throughout the earth.

To you our God, eternally blessed,

be glory and praise for ever.

Amen

Youth Adoration Night – part of Diocesan Jubilee Year commemoration

Posted on January 27, 2025January 27, 2025 by Bob Reddy

Opening one’s heart to the love of Jesus Christ through Eucharistic Adoration is an opportunity that must be cherished as we are all invited on a journey with God.

This is the idea behind Youth Jubilee Adoration Nights taking place throughout the Diocese of Venice as part of the 2025 Jubilee Year as established by Pope Francis. The theme for the special year is “Pilgrims of Hope.”

The first gathering was Jan. 16, 2025, at St. Agnes Parish in Naples, one of four stops which include time to spend in the presence of the Lord in the Most Holy Sacrament, as well as guest speakers. The Adoration Nights are the first in a series of numerous opportunities within the Diocese of Venice to participate in the larger 2025 Jubilee Year.

These special Jubilee Year Youth Adoration Nights are geared toward younger Catholics, with youth-centric music and talks, but all are welcome. For example, about 75 from the middle school and high school youth groups of St. Agnes participated in the evening, but so did another 50 adults, including those from the Parish Women’s Emmaus Movement group.

The evening started in prayer and an introduction by Andres Prias, Diocesan Youth and Young Adult Director, who explained that his first day in his own youth group, 20 years earlier, included Eucharistic Adoration, and it changed his life. “The Adoration Nights for young people are a meaningful initiative to strengthen our Catholic faith and hope in Christ among the youth.”

Sister Juliana Alfonso, FMA, a teacher at St. John Neumann Catholic High School in Naples, spoke about the Jubilee theme, “Pilgrims of Hope,” which means we are being invited to take part in a journey with God.

“This is journeying away from where we have been toward a joyful, hope-filled place the Lord wants to bring you to during this Jubilee Year,” Sister Juliana said.

While taking this pilgrimage is easier said than done, considering all the bad things happening in the world, Sister Juliana explained how the Lord doesn’t promise life will be easy, but does promise to take on any pain and sadness with us as He accompanies us on our journey.

“I invite you to have strength during the times this year when you fall, or when you are thinking about how you have fallen, that you allow Jesus to be the reason you get back up,” she said. “I also invite you to keep an eye out for the people who don’t have a reason to get back up, that you can reach out and you can be an encouragement to them.”

Jim Gontis, Diocesan Evangelization Director, offered an overview of why Catholics adore the Blessed Sacrament.

“You are going to put yourselves in front of Jesus Christ, truly present, body, blood, soul and divinity, fully God and fully man present in the Blessed Sacrament – the living Lord Jesus, the same Jesus who died on the cross and rose from the dead more than 2,000 years ago,” Gontis said.

The evening was a chance for youth to participate in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, an opportunity to receive the Lord’s mercy. Gontis cited the diary of St. Faustina Kowalski, when she wrote that Jesus appeared before her and said, “all the sins in the world are but a drop in the ocean of my mercy.” Many took advantage of this opportunity.

Each Youth Jubilee Adoration Night is 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and concludes with Benediction. Upcoming opportunities to participate are on the following dates and locations: Friday, January 31, St. Andrew Parish, 2628 Del Prado Blvd., Cape Coral; Saturday, March 22, St. Patrick Parish, 7900 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota; and Friday, May 2, St. Paul Parish, 1330 E. Oak. St., Arcadia. To register visit dioceseofvenice.regfox.com/jubilee-2025-adoration-nights-. There is no cost to attend. For more information contact Andres Prias at prias@dioceseofvenice.org or 941-441-1122.

Additional Diocesan Jubilee Year events of note

Eucharistic Pilgrimage in Eastern Deanery Feb. 15

Five Parishes in the Eastern Deanery will be hosting a Eucharistic Pilgrimage, which will visit the parishes of St. James, St. Catherine, Our Lady of Grace, St. Michael, and St. Paul, on Saturday, Feb.15, 2025. This is a unique opportunity to respond to the call of the Eucharistic Revival Mission and celebrate the 2025 Jubilee Year declared by Pope Francis. The pilgrimage begins at 7:30 a.m., at St. James Parish, 3380 Placid View Drive, Lake Placid, and will include Mass, a Eucharistic Procession and breakfast. Pilgrims will then travel by their own vehicle to St. Catherine Parish, 820 Hickory St., Sebring, for a 10 a.m. Eucharistic Procession. Next will be at Our Lady of Grace Parish, 595 E. Main St., Avon Park, for a noon Eucharistic Procession, followed by lunch. Pilgrims will then proceed to St. Michael Parish, 408 Heard Bridge Road, for a 3 p.m. Eucharistic Procession, followed by snacks. The final stop will be at St. Paul Parish, 1330 E. Oak St., Arcadia (this is a designated Diocesan Jubilee Year Pilgrimage Site), for a 6 p.m. Mass, which will be followed by food. Pilgrims can participate in as many of the stops as they wish. For more information, please contact Sister Maria Nikopoia, SSVM, at m.nikopoia@servidoras.org or call 863-232-9284.

Save the Date! 3rd Eucharistic Conference in Diocese of Venice!

As part of the three-year National Eucharistic Revival called for by the Bishops of the United States, and part of the 2025 Jubilee Year, the Diocese of Venice will host its third Eucharistic Conference on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at the Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center in Punta Gorda. The theme for day-long event is “Becoming Eucharistic Missionaries” and it offers an opportunity to celebrate your Catholic faith with others and be inspired during this 2025 Jubilee Year. The Eucharistic Conference will include dynamic presentations by nationally renowned Catholic speakers, including Dr. Scott Hahn, Kimberly Hahn, Mary Ann Wiesinger-Puig, and Andrés Arango. There will also be breakout sessions in Spanish. The event will also include Mass, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, the opportunity for Confession, and Catholic vendors and exhibitors. The cost to attend is $35. per person and includes lunch. To register, please visit https://dioceseofvenice.regfox.com/eucharistic-conference. For more information, contact Jim Gontis at 941-486-4754 or gontis@dioceseofvenice.org.

Five Diocesan Pilgrimage sites

Bishop Frank J. Dewane has designated five locations as Jubilee pilgrimage sites within the Diocese of Venice. These pilgrimage sites in the Diocese are Epiphany Cathedral in Venice, St. John XXIII Parish in Fort Myers, St. John the Evangelist Parish in Naples, St. Paul Parish in Arcadia, and Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center in Venice. Bishop Dewane said, “In designating the retreat center and four Parishes, located in each of the geographical regions (Deaneries) of the Diocese of Venice, it is my prayer that the faithful of the Diocese take advantage of the grace of the Jubilee Year, and visit the Jubilee pilgrimage site and be filled with hope.” The public schedule for each of the Diocese of Venice pilgrimage sites will be announced in the coming weeks and posted at https://dioceseofvenice.org/ and on social media.

The Jubilee Prayer

Father in heaven,

may the faith you have given us

in your son, Jesus Christ, our brother,

and the flame of charity enkindled

in our hearts by the Holy Spirit,

reawaken in us the blessed hope

for the coming of your Kingdom.

May your grace transform us

into tireless cultivators of the seeds of the Gospel.

May those seeds transform from within both humanity and the whole cosmos

in the sure expectation

of a new heaven and a new earth,

when, with the powers of Evil vanquished,

your glory will shine eternally.

May the grace of the Jubilee

reawaken in us, Pilgrims of Hope,

a yearning for the treasures of heaven.

May that same grace spread

the joy and peace of our Redeemer

throughout the earth.

To you our God, eternally blessed,

be glory and praise for ever.

Amen

News Briefs for the Week of January 17, 2025

Posted on January 22, 2025 by Bob Reddy

Appointment

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

Father Victor Caviedes is relieved of his duties as Parochial Vicar of St. Jude Parish, Sarasota, effective Dec. 17, 2024.

Faith & Wine Lee County Jan. 23

The Faith & Wine Lee County will have its next gathering of the season at 6:30 p.m., Jan. 23, 2025, at St. John XXIII Parish, Parish Life Center, 13060 Palomino Lane, Fort Myers. The speaker is Stephanie Burke, and the title of the talk is “The Perfume of Our Tears: God Heals Broken Hearts.” Tickets are $28 and includes dinner with wine followed by the presentation and the opportunity to connect with other faith-based women. For more information and to register online please visit faithandwineleecounty.com.

Jubilee Adoration Nights

As part of the 2025 Jubilee Year, the Diocese of Venice Office of Youth and Young Adults is hosting Jubilee Adoration Nights at several Parishes in the coming months. These Jubilee Adoration Nights, which include guest speakers and time to spend in the presence of the Lord in the Most Holy Sacrament, are the first in a series of opportunities within the Diocese of Venice to participate in the larger 2025 Jubilee Year as established by Pope Francis. The motto for the special year is “Pilgrims of Hope.” Each Jubilee Adoration Night is 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on the following dates and locations: Friday, January 31, St. Andrew Parish, 2628 Del Prado Blvd., Cape Coral; Saturday, March 22, St. Patrick Parish, 7900 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota; and Friday, May 2, St. Paul Parish, 1330 E. Oak. St., Arcadia. These special Jubilee Year Adoration Nights are geared toward youth, with youth-centric music and, in some cases talks, but all are welcome.

Catholic Charities Annual Christmas Appeal needs your support!

The Annual Catholic Charities Christmas Appeal is still underway and needs your support! The Christmas Appeal continues through January 2025 and is Catholic Charities’ largest annual fundraiser, which is critical to meeting the operating needs of this social service organization. Gifts provide funding for the many Catholic Charities programs and services available throughout Southwest Florida. Your generosity enables Catholic Charities to serve those seeking help all year long. To donate please mail a contribution to Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, Inc., 1000 Pinebrook Road, Venice, FL 34285, or visit https://catholiccharitiesdov.org/donate.

Young Adult Evening with Padre Pio in Sarasota

Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Parish, 833 Magellan Drive, Sarasota, is hosting a Catholic Young Adult Evening with St. Padre Pio, on Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025. The evening begins with the opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation at 3 p.m., followed by 4 p.m. Mass with prayer intentions for the saint. Following Mass, there will be the praying of the St. Padre Pio Rosary, prayer devotions and a blessing with a first-class relic. Participants will also be encouraged to attend a dinner at Olive Garden. For details and to reserve your seat for dinner, please contact Erica Lesak at elesak@sjcfl.org.

Sunshine State Championship Steak Cook-Off Jan. 25 in Ave Maria

The 15th Annual Sunshine State Championship Steak Cook-Off is 2 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Jan. 25, 2025, in the Ave Maria Town Center. Tickets are $30 in advance ($35 the day of the event), and include a 16 oz. boneless ribeye, potato salad and water. Dinner is served at 5 p.m. The day will also include an arts and crafts festival, beer vendors, live music and a bounce house. Tickets are available now at www/sssco.org. All proceeds benefit local charities supported by the Knights of Columbus.

Witnessing Faith radio show Jan. 31

Join Bishop Frank J. Dewane for his monthly radio program on Relevant Radio on 106.7 FM and 1410 AM in Fort Myers and 93.3 FM and 1660 AM in Naples. “Witnessing Faith with Bishop Dewane” can be heard at 8:30 a.m. on Jan. 31, 2025, and will include a talk about Catholic Schools Week. Outside of the listening area, access to the program is available at https://dioceseofvenice.org/our-bishop/relevant-radio-podcasts/.

Sidewalk Advocacy Training in Naples Feb. 1

Learn how to help abortion-minded women choose life through loving counsel on Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025, from 9:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. at St. John the Evangelist Parish, 625 111 Ave. N., Naples. Lunch and workbook will be provided. For more information or to register, contact Cyrille Velasco the local leader of Sidewalk Advocates for Life at cyrillevelasco@gmail.com.

2025 Catholic Charities Ball Feb. 1 in Sarasota

The 2025 Catholic Charities Ball will be held at the St. Regis Longboat Key Resort, 1601 Gulf of Mexico Drive, at 6 p.m., Feb. 1, 2025, to benefit the programs and services in Sarasota County. Please join Catholic Charities for an elegant evening to celebrate the program’s mission to serve all of those in need who come for help, regardless of race or religion. “Creating Miracles Through Faith and Service.” Tickets are $500. Register at https://one.bidpal.net/ccb2025/welcome. For more information, call 941-376-7854 or email CCBall@ccdov.org.

Milestone Anniversary Masses Feb. 1 and March 8

All couples celebrating 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, or more than 50 years of marriage are invited by Bishop Frank J. Dewane to an Anniversary Mass in their honor. The Diocese hosts two Anniversary Masses each year (one in the northern part of the Diocese and the second in the southern part) to accommodate the demand. The first Mass is at 11 a.m., Feb. 1, 2025, at St. Leo the Great Parish, 28290 Beaumont Road, Bonita Springs. The second Mass is at 11 a.m., March 8, 2025, at St. Thomas More Parish, 2506 Gulf Gate Drive, Sarasota. A luncheon follows each Mass. Free pictures with Bishop Dewane will also be available for the couples. To register for either Mass, please contact your local Parish office for reservations no later than one week before the event you choose to attend. For additional information, please contact Jim Gontis at 941-484-4754 or gontis@dioceseofvenice.org.

“Invite One Back” Training Feb. 8 in Arcadia

Learn how to invite others back to Mass in a non-confrontational way Saturday, February 8 from 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. at St. Paul Parish Hall, 1330 E. Oak St, Arcadia. This one-day workshop will teach participants person-to-person evangelization and is co-sponsored by the Diocese of Venice and St. Paul Street Evangelization (SPSE). The cost is $20 per person and includes all materials as well as breakfast and lunch. This training will be in English. Online registration is required at stpaulse.com/venice.

Pre-Lenten Retreat at OLPH

February’s Monthly Day of Prayer at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center, 3989 S. Moon Drive, Venice, will be presented by Father Leland Thorpe, OMV. Father Thorpe will reflect on how we can prepare now to have our best Lent yet when it begins in a talk titled: “Better than Chocolate: Preparing to Have Your Best Lent Yet.” Treat yourself to a day of peace and spiritual growth on either Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025, and Wednesday, Feb. 12. The day begins at 9:30 a.m. with continental breakfast, and includes two conferences, lunch, Eucharistic Adoration, the opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation, private meditation, and prayer. The day concludes with 2:30 p.m. Mass. To register, please visit olph-retreat.org/month.

Eucharistic Pilgrimage in Eastern Deanery Feb. 15

Five Parishes in the Eastern Deanery will be hosting a Eucharistic Pilgrimage, which will visit the parishes of St. James, St. Catherine, Our Lady of Grace, St. Michael, and St. Paul, on Saturday, Feb.15, 2025. This is a unique opportunity to respond to the call of the Eucharistic Revival Mission and celebrate the 2025 Jubilee Year declared by Pope Francis. The pilgrimage begins at 7:30 a.m., at St. James Parish, 3380 Placid View Drive, Lake Placid, and will include Mass, a Eucharistic Procession and breakfast. Pilgrims will then travel by their own vehicle to St. Catherine Parish, 820 Hickory St., Sebring, for a 10 a.m. Eucharistic Procession. Next will be at Our Lady of Grace Parish, 595 E. Main St., Avon Park, for a noon Eucharistic Procession, followed by lunch. Pilgrims will them proceed to St. Michael Parish, 408 Heard Bridge Road, for a 3 p.m. Eucharistic Procession, followed by snacks. The final stop will be at St. Paul Parish, 1330 E. Oak St., Arcadia (this is a designated Diocesan Jubilee Year Pilgrimage Site), for 6 p.m. Mass, which will be followed by food. Pilgrims can participate in as many of the stops as they wish. For more information, please contact Sister Maria Nikopoia, SSVM, at m.nikopoia@servidoras.org or call 863-232-9284.

Vocation Awareness Weekend in March

Discover what the seminarian life is all about during the weekend of March 7-9, 2025, at St. John Vianney College Seminary, 2900 SW 87th Ave, Miami. Participants will travel together for a weekend of fellowship, prayer and fun. Speak with seminarian students and teachers about their journey. Transportation is provided. For questions or to register contact Lina Johnson at johnson@dioceseofvenice.org or 941-486-4720.

WARNING – Text/Email Scam Alert! Be Aware! Don’t be fooled!

It has once again been brought to the attention of the Diocese of Venice that parishioners have received text/email messages from people pretending to be clergy – including Bishop Frank J. Dewane – or Parish/school staff, requesting donations in the form of gift cards and/or wire transfers. These messages often come from text/emails that look similar to official Diocesan/Parish/school numbers or accounts. Please note that it is Diocesan policy that neither the Bishop, nor priests or staff will ever request donations in the form of gift cards, PayPal, MoneyGram, etc. There is an established process in place on how parishioners can make donations and participate in the life of the Diocese, Parish, or school. If you receive such a text or email, please immediately contact the Diocesan/Parish/school directly!