Tag: all saints day

Saints and Souls remembered across the diocese

Posted on by Bob Reddy

According to St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta, it is the most natural thing to grow up and become a saint in the Catholic Church, because we are all called to holiness.

The was the message echoed by Bishop Emilio E. Biosca, O.F.M. Cap., during an All Saints Day Mass, Nov. 1, 2026, for the faithful of Ascension Parish Mission, Fort Myers. Beach.

Bishop Emilio said we are all “called to sanctity: one who prays, reads the Sacred Scriptures, and receives the Body and Blood of Christ at Mass.”

The bishop emphasized that our invitation to become saints does not mean we do it alone, the invitation comes directly from God, meaning we need to always be open to hear the call of God in our life; God is always with us.

Throughout the Diocese of Venice saints were celebrated, with many parishes inviting their youngest members to dress as a favorite saint.

At St. Jude Parish, Sarasota, a celebration filled with faith and family took place in remembrance of the beloved saints, great examples of holiness who inspire us to follow Jesus and walk faithfully in His footsteps. It was a celebration where faith meets joy and where the youngest members of the church discover that holiness is also a beautiful path anyone can follow every day.

At Sacred Heart Parish, Punta Gorda, the students who attend faith formation class (grades 1 to 5) participated in the annual All Saints Event, on Nov. 2, during their regular class time. Parents were also present, making this a fun family event. Each student dressed up as a saint and wrote a report about the life of their saint and why that saint was important to them. The catechists represented saints as well and taught the students about the saint’s life.  Msgr. Phil Hill, who comes to the weekly classes to support the students, told them about his friendship with Archbishop Fulton Sheen who was recently beatified.

 

In addition, many parishes hosted Trunk or Treat events in the parking lots, allowing a safe space for the little ones to receive candy while the community celebrates together.

Many diocesan Catholic schools also hosted events associated with the Solemnity.

St. John Neumann Catholic High School staff and students in Naples continued a cherished tradition by welcoming the children from neighboring St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic School for some fun Oct. 30. The Seton students (kindergarten through second grade) arrived dressed as saints and angels, marching into St. John Neumann to collect candy, share smiles, and spread cheer across campus. This annual event is a beautiful reminder of the special bond between the schools and the joy that comes from celebrating together.

At St. Francis Xavier Catholic School, Fort Myers, third graders brought the saints to life on Nov. 3, 2026, for the annual Saints Wax Museum. Students dressed as saints and shared inspiring stories about their lives, faith, and dedication to God, as they posed as wax figures and parents visited them in the school gymnasium.

For the Souls of the faithful departed

At San Pedro Parish, North Port, Father Chris Uhl, OMV, celebrated All Souls’ Day Mass as all were invited to light a candle for a departed loved one in Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed.

A similar evening Mass took place at Our Lady of Light Parish, Fort Myers, as the faithful remembered and honored the loved ones who have gone before us. Through the lighting of candles and heartfelt prayers, they entrusted the souls of our faithful departed to God’s infinite mercy and love.

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. Amen.

Weekly Masses return to Fort Myers Beach

Posted on by Bob Reddy

The weekly Sunday Mass was celebrated on Fort Myers Beach on Nov. 1, 2026, All Saints Day, for the first time in more than four years.

Bishop Emilio E. Biosca, O.F.M. Cap., was the principal celebrant and was behind the decision to resume weekly Masses on Fort Myers Beach while the future of the heavily damaged Ascension Parish church and property are being decided.

The Mass took place at Bay Oaks Recreation Center, about three miles from the parish, with more than 325 attending. Many were overjoyed to have a place to call home, even if it isn’t their usual parish church.

“We are at Sunday Mass as a parish community for the first time in years. That means everything,” said Claudia Ryan, who has been attending Ascension Parish for about 10 years. Since Hurricane Ian struck on Sept. 28, 2022, Ryan has been going to St. Leo the Great Parish in Bonita Springs. “It is a lovely parish, but it wasn’t home.”

Bishop Emilio said use of the recreation center is temporary but would be their home for the foreseeable future. “Make it your own. Having a good Mass requires good lectors, good music and the people. Compared to my time as a missionary in Papua New Guinea, where people sat on the floor – never in chairs – this simple set-up is a 5-star arrangement.”

The recreation center was transformed to include an altar and everything needed for the celebration of the Mass, such as the chalice, ciborium, hosts, and altar cloths and other items to dress the temporary altar properly.

This temporary situation has been designated as Ascension Parish Mission, which will be under the administration of Father Bob Murphy, pastor of St. Raphael Parish, Englewood. Father Murphy will tend to the pastoral needs of the mission and ensure a priest is available for 9:30 a.m. Mass each Sunday.

“I hope I end up being the right person, for this job,” Father Murphy said. “We hope to continue to build (at the parish property) but we are here for the long haul.”

Following the Mass, Bishop Emilio presented Father Murphy a commemorative medallion engraved with the faces of the Georgia martyrs, five Franciscan friars who were martyred in 1597 for spreading the faith to the indigenous population. The previous day, Oct. 31, Bishop was present in Savannah for the beatification of the Georgia martyrs and was presented the medallion. As a Franciscan, Bishop Emilio was fascinated to learn about their story and encouraged those present to do the same, as well as look into the current cause for beatification of 57 Florida martyrs who are currently in the canonization process.

Father Bill Adams, who was pastor at Ascension in 2022 when Ian struck, and has since retired, said he was pleased to see so many familiar faces and new faces and thanked Bishop Emilio.

“Ascension is back open thanks to Bishop Emilio,” Father Adams said. “He made this happen so quickly,” recalling the promise made by the bishop on Sept. 28, 2026, when he celebrated a Mass on the parish property to mark the fourth anniversary of Hurricane Ian.

Father Adams also shared that he spoke with Sister Mary Frances Fortin, abbess of the Poor Clare monastery that was abandoned after the storm, and how she, and the other sisters were praying for everyone on Fort Myers Beach.

The Mass was made possible with cooperation from the Town of Fort Myers Beach, which allowed the extended use of the recreation center, as well as the support of the diocese offices of Worship, Communications and Buildings.

The Sunday Mass will be celebrated weekly until further notice at 9:30 a.m., at Bay Oaks Recreation Center, 2731 Oak St., Fort Myers Beach. All are welcome.

Stay tuned to new about Ascension Mission and the renewal of the Church of the Ascension at https://dioceseofvenice.org/ascension-parish/.

Saints and Souls honored in November 2025

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Happy All Hallows Eve! The final day of October is known by its secular name, Halloween, but it has deep roots that date back to the early Church and as a sacred time to remember the dead, pray for the souls in purgatory, and to reflect on one’s own call to holiness.

 

This was the message Bishop Frank J. Dewane offered during his Oct. 31, 2025, Relevant Radio show “Witnessing Faith with Bishop Dewane.” Bishop Dewane went on to note that All Hallows Eve, All Saint’s Day (Nov. 1), and All Souls’ Day (Nov. 2), form a powerful trio in the life of the Church and the faithful.

 

The Bishop explained how St. Pope Gregory III established the modern-day All Saints Day early in the 8th century and stressed the need to begin the vigil for the solemnity the day before, thus creating All Hallows Eve.

 

“Many modern customs have ancient twists, such as in the early days of the Church, people dressed as saints and devils,” Bishop Dewane explained. “Don’t misunderstand me, the devils were not to glorify evil, but rather to dramatize Christ’s victory over evil.”

 

Even trick-or-treating came from “souling” when children would go to homes to offer prayers for the dead in exchange for “soul cakes,” the Bishop said.

 

“This reminds us Christ truly is the light in darkness,” the Bishop said. “Over time, it became more playful and more secularized and, of course, commercialized. All Catholics are invited to remember and do their best to reclaim the deeper meaning these special days have for us. Halloween doesn’t belong to the world, it began with the Church.”

 

Joining Bishop Dewane on the radio show was Father Leland Thorpe, OMV, Assistant Director of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center in Venice.

 

Father Thorpe explained that this year, because the Solemnity of All Saints falls on a Saturday, it is not a Holy Day of Obligation. Even so, he suggested everyone should try to go to Mass.

 

Praying to the saints, particularly on All Saints Day, dates to the early days of the Church. Before it was widely recognized, Christians prayed to the early saints and martyrs by visiting their tombs. It was in the 800s when All Saints Day was created. The timing, Father Thorpe said, coincides with the waning days of the Liturgical Year, a time when it is darker for longer, the seasons are changing, mirroring the end of time.

 

“Saints are sinners who have received God’s mercy,” Father Thorpe said. “They are our brothers and sisters, but they are also God’s masterpieces.”

 

Saints are noted for opening themselves to God’s love and mercy, and by allowing God to work freely within them and through them and they became transformed more perfectly into what Christ was like, Father said. “They show us what the Gospel looks like in any walk of life.”

 

Bishop Dewane said the honoring of the saints should remind us that sainthood is open to everyone, made available at our baptism and awaits our response to the Lord’s call.

 

“Saints are men and women who are reconciled with themselves, with others, and with God,” Bishop Dewane said. “They are really able to shine the light of God’s mercy and love within the world, living through the ebb and flow of everyday life, with their families, at work, or during their free time. They know to live like Jesus and to trust in Him.”

 

All Souls’ Days – Month of All Souls

All Souls Day (Nov. 2), combined with November being dedicated to the Month of All Souls, are also important for the faithful to consider.

 

Father Thorpe explained how the concept of souls waiting to get into heaven – purgatory – is a necessary step for the faithful to ultimately enjoy being in the presence of God.

 

“We need to be transformed and made holy as He is holy – radically purified through and through,” Father said. “We believe that before entrance into heaven there is a last step of purification, a transformation that prepares the heart in order to enjoy God’s glory in heaven; this we call purgatory.”

 

Through the invitation offered with All Souls’ Day, and for all of the month of November, Father Thorpe said we are called to pray for the souls in purgatory, to offer sacrifices, and other pious practices. “We do this in order to assist them in being purified on their way to heaven.”

 

A plenary indulgence is offered in the first eight days of November if one devoutly visits a cemetery, or to pray, even in your own heart, for the departed. The additional requirements remain the same, which is praying for Pope’s intention, going to confession, receiving Holy Communion, and full detachment from sin.

 

“Witnessing Faith with Bishop Dewane” can be heard on Relevant Radio on 1410 AM and 106.7 FM in Fort Myers and 1660 AM and 93.3 FM in Naples at 8:30 a.m. on the last Friday of every month (Oct. 31), or anytime at https://dioceseofvenice.org/our-bishop/.

Saints and Souls a focus in November

Posted on by Bob Reddy

During the month of November, the Church remembers in a particular way all those who have died, as She celebrates the Solemnity of All Saints and that of All Souls’ Day.

All Saints’ Day is celebrated each year on Nov. 1, a day on which we honor all the Saints in heaven, both those known and unknown. All Saints’ Day is a Holy Day of Obligation, meaning all Catholics are required to attend Mass on that day. This is followed by the Feast of All Souls on Nov. 2. The month of November is also known as the Month of All Souls in the Universal Church.

All Saints’ Day and the Feast of All Souls were the topic of the Oct. 25, 2024, “Witnessing Faith with Bishop Dewane” show on Relevant Radio, when Bishop Frank J. Dewane was joined by special guests, Father John Belmonte, SJ, who is the Diocese of Venice Superintendent of Catholic Education, and Jim Gontis, Diocesan Director of Evangelization. The monthly program is available at https://dioceseofvenice.org/our-bishop/relevant-radio-podcasts/.

St. Teresa of Kolkata is seen in this undated photo. (CNS photo/courtesy MotherTeresaMovie.com)

Bishop Dewane shared that All Saints’ Day, together with All Souls’ Day, stems from the belief that the living are linked to those in Heaven. It is vital in Christianity to remember the deceased, especially those who were faithful during their lifetimes.

“During this special remembrance in the Church, we harken back to those men and women who lived particularly good lives according to the teachings of Jesus Christ,” Bishop Dewane said. “The saints are an important part of Salvation history. This is a time to remember the role the saints play in giving a particular witness to the Lord during their lifetime, particularly as part of their family and society. Christianity has always held up saints in how we should live our lives. Importantly, we need to follow those footsteps and strive to do the same.”

Responding to the oft-heard criticism that Catholics worship the saints, Bishop Dewane said that is not true, but that we ask the saints to intercede on our behalf due to the good lives they led and due to the recognition of their spiritual strength to intercede with the Lord.

The Bishop said he personally prays to his namesake, St. Francis of Assisi, as well as to St. Mother Teresa, St. John Paul II, and St. Gregory the Great.

Father Belmonte added that is through the Most Holy Eucharist that we are connected to the saints.

“We remember our beloved dead and the saints at that sacred moment,” Father explained. “We pray for them. They pray for us. So, we are united in that most Sacred moment. We worship God but venerate saints in their own holiness while also asking for the intercession for our own needs. It comes together at the Mass in beautiful ways.”

It is during the Mass, that the Church recognizes all the Apostles, and the great saints of the Church, which is the Church truly praying together united with heaven, Father Belmonte added. “That emphasizes the importance of worship and prayer but is veneration, not worshiping the saints.”

Gontis said that in official Church documents the saints are defined as intercessors and models. “They are models to show us how to live and they are powerful prayers for us – God’s Hall of Famers,” Gontis said. “We worship God alone.”

Speaking on the Commemoration of All Souls, Gontis said on this day, the Church remembers and prays for the souls of the faithful departed, especially for those still undergoing purification in purgatory as they await their heavenly rewards.

Purgatory, which is a concept with strong Biblical backing, is mistakenly believed to be a middle ground between heaven and hell, Gontis said.

“It is a vestibule to heaven – the front porch to the mansion,” Gontis continued. “Their salvation is guaranteed. They died sanctified, in a state of holiness, but they still need to be cleansed to be perfectly purified. They wouldn’t even feel right going into heaven until that is taken care of. It is a teaching and reality of both God’s justice and mercy. Our prayers can help them to get to heaven sooner. They can pray for us but they can’t pray for themselves.”

Bishop Dewane said we pray for the souls of those who have died before us – those who have fallen asleep in the Lord – at every Mass.

“Mass is an important time when we celebrate and honor the Communion of Saints,” the Bishop said. “Saints serve the Lord by praying for people. We can pray for people in purgatory so they can advance to a life with the Lord. Some don’t like that because we have to think about dying, but it is addressed in every Mass. Death is part of life.”

Joining in the conversation, Father Belmonte spoke about a devotion of St. Gertrude the Great, a medieval saint and Benedictine abbess. It is said that if anyone learned and recited her simple prayer, a thousand souls would be saved from purgatory.

The “Prayer of St. Gertrude: Releasing Souls from Purgatory” is presented below:

Eternal Father, I offer You the most Precious Blood of Your Divine Son, Jesus, in union with the Masses said throughout the world today, for all the Holy Souls in Purgatory, for sinners everywhere, for sinners in the Universal Church, those in my own home, and within my family. Amen.

Father shared that he once had a student who recited the prayer more than a thousand times, keeping tracked each time he said the prayer in a notebook. “It was through this young man that a million souls were saved.”

During November, it is encouraged to have a Mass offered for the intention of the soul of someone who has died. In addition, an indulgence is granted to the faithful who visit a cemetery and pray, even if only mentally, for the dead. This indulgence is applicable only to the souls in purgatory. This indulgence is a plenary one from Nov. 1 through Nov. 8 and can be gained on each one of these days.

Feasts of All Saints and All Souls: their special meaning for Catholics

Posted on by Bob Reddy

During the month of November, the Church remembers in a particular way all those who have died, as She celebrates the Solemnity of All Saints and that of All Souls’ Day.

All Saints’ Day is celebrated each year on Nov. 1, a day on which we honor all the Saints in heaven, both those known and unknown. All Saints’ Day is also a Holy Day of Obligation, meaning all Catholics are required to attend Mass on that day.

Bishop Frank J. Dewane said, “the celebration of All Saints’ Day reminds us that we are all called to holiness, to become Saints, and we can accomplish that by striving to follow God’s commands and being united with Him in love. To be holy, to be a Saint, means allowing God ‘to live his life in us’ as Mother Teresa taught.”

Pope Francis said the Saints were not “starched,” picture-perfect conformists, but were “countercultural and revolutionary.” The Holy Father added that the multitude of men and women honored on the feast of All Saints lived according to the Eight Beatitudes, which made them decidedly out of place in the world.

Having a Saint to pray to is an important component of one’s faith life, Bishop Dewane said. One can pray to the Saint after whom you are named, but if someone is not named after a Saint, praying to the Saint of one’s chosen middle, or even the Saint of one’s Confirmation is appropriate. An alternative is to pray to the Saint after which your Parish is named, or even one who is a patron of a particular profession or interest you are pursuing.

There are four Diocesan Parishes which have Feast Days in November. First, Nov. 4 is the Memorial of St. Charles Borromeo, Bishop (Parish and School in Port Charlotte); Nov. 10 is the Memorial of St. Leo the Great, Pope and Doctor of the Church (Parish in Bonita Springs); Nov. 13 is the Memorial of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini (Parish in Parrish); and Nov. 22 is the Memorial of St. Cecilia, Virgin and Martyr (Parish in Fort Myers).

“Learn about these Saints that are a part of your life,” Bishop Dewane said. “Read about the extraordinary story behind their being named a Saint. As Pope Francis often states, the Saints can offer examples for our lives. This greater accessibility to a particular Saint can help enhance one’s prayer life and opens our hearts to seek their intercession when we are lost in the world.”

The commemoration of the Feast of All Souls, or the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed, is celebrated on Nov. 2, for all the souls who await the joys in heaven.

“It is encouraged that you pray for immediate family members, those closest to you, who have gone before us. Continue to pray for them as they make their way to Heaven, to be with Jesus Christ, Our Lord,” Bishop Dewane said. “Through the prayers of the faithful on earth, the dead are cleansed of their sins so they may enter into heaven. May all those who have died in faith share the joys and blessings of the life to come.”

During November, it is encouraged to have a Mass offered for the intention of the soul of someone who has died. In addition, an indulgence is granted the faithful who devoutly visit a cemetery and pray, even if only mentally, for the dead. This indulgence is applicable only to the souls in purgatory. This indulgence is a plenary one from Nov. 1 through Nov. 8 and can be gained on each one of these days.

Celebrating the saints and Halloween

Posted on by Bob Reddy

The Catholic Solemnity of All Saints Day traces its origins in the Church to the year 609, and it was first celebrated in May. However, in the 9th century, Pope Gregory IV moved the holiday to Nov. 1, so that Oct. 31 would become the celebration of the vigil of the feast – All Hallow’s Eve.

With its roots in German, Halloween (Hallow’s Eve) actually translates to Holy/Saints Evening, or evening of All Saints’ Day.

Therefore, the tradition of dressing up for Halloween was taken with full gusto this year as many Parishes hosted Trunk-or-Treat events in their parking lots, while Diocesan Catholic Schools joined in the fun and the celebration of the saints in a variety of ways.

For example, in honor of All Saints’ Day, St. Joseph Catholic School 4th and 5th Graders in Bradenton researched the lives of their favorite saints, dressed as that Saint, and lead a procession into Mass on Nov. 1, 2022. After Mass, these students met in the Parish Center with families and parishioners to share details about their favorite Saint. Their costumes were impressive, and they did a great job with their presentations.

On Oct. 28, the St. Joseph second graders visited a nearby assisted living facility. In addition to trick-or-treating, the students performed Halloween poetry and songs for the residents. That same night, the school and Parish hosted a Truck-or-Treat where families went all out to come up with different themes.

St. Cecilia Parish in Fort Myers held a procession of saints before Mass on Oct. 30, as do many Parishes, allowing the young children the opportunity to get into the spirit of the special Feast Day.

Many children at St. Michael Parish in Wauchula participated in an All Hallow’s Eve celebration on Oct. 29. In addition to candy, there were fun games for all ages.

At St. Catherine Catholic School in Sebring, the second-grade students carved out pumpkins in a lesson called “The Pumpkin Patch Parable” when they learned “Jesus takes our messy sins away so our light can shine all day and night.”

Bishop Verot Catholic High School in Fort Myers hosted its own pumpkin decorating event on Oct. 28, bringing in young students from St. Francis Xavier Catholic School in Fort Myers and St. Andrew Catholic School in Cape Coral. With guidance from the Verot students, their young charges enthusiastically decorated their pumpkins with all sorts of fun and colorful designs.

Incarnation Parish in Sarasota offered the veneration of First Class Relics in between each Mass on the vigil and solemnity. On display at the Parish were relics from St. Catherine of Siena, St. Dominic, St. Elizabeth of the Trinity, St. John of the Cross, St. Faustina, St. Francis of Assisi and many more. The idea for this grew from a spring tour of the “Relics of the Vatican” which drew great interest.

Catholic News Service provided information for this report.

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