Tag: Anniversary

Cradled by Nature, Renewed by Grace: OLPH nearing 30 years

Posted on by Bob Reddy

For more than a quarter century Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center in Venice has been bringing visitors closer to the Lord in its majestic and peaceful setting.

Nestled between a natural preserve and the Myakka River, OLPH is cradled by nature itself – a sanctuary where guests encounter peace, prayer, renewal – and God.

At the heart of OLPH, the still waters of the Blessed Sacrament Lake mirror both the tranquility of the grounds and the divine truth that our souls reflect the image of God. That same reflection of God’s love shines in the people who serve at the retreat center – the staff is warm and welcoming, with many volunteers who serve cheerfully and generously. Simply arriving on the scene puts one in a state of prayer and opens one to a deeper relationship with the Lord.

At the behest of Bishop John J. Nevins, the founding Bishop of the Diocese of Venice, Father Charles Mallen, C.Ss.R. began the process of promoting the development of a retreat center. With the assistance of many, his vision quickly began to take shape.

The groundbreaking for OLPH took place in January 1995. When the retreat center opened eight months later the first buildings included a conference center and two villas. Within five years the two villas increased to four and a dining center, offices, and chapel were added to complete phase one of the master plan. Today, in addition to the seven buildings on-site, retreatants are invited to spend time enjoying the beauty of the grounds which include the Way of the Cross, the Rosary Walk, a shrine to Our Lady of Perpetual Help, and peaceful prayer decks overlooking the riverbank.

OLPH stands today as a living testimony to what can happen when God’s will becomes reality. It offers a beautiful and hospitable setting to serve those searching for God: people of Catholic parishes, participants of programs of the Diocese of Venice, and people of Christian faith searching for spiritual help and growth.  Here in this place of peace and recollection, the soul is gently drawn into a deeper relationship with Our Lord.

The retreat center suffered a devastating setback when the winds and rains of Hurricane Ian inundated the property and severely damaged each building.

According to Bishop Frank J. Dewane, “When the hurricane passed through, we knew there was much to be done. This had to be a priority – to be fixed up, opened up, and functioning again – because of what this holy ground represents.”

Large portions of the clean-up and rebuilding after the hurricane were made possible through the generosity of benefactors and the tireless work of volunteers. Volunteers put hundreds of hours of expertise, hard work and love into landscaping, clearing and replanting, as well as the construction of the new furniture, restoring the beauty of the grounds as a place of peace and prayer.

“OLPH is a positive experience for so many people, where they have come to discover or receive God’s Mercy,” Bishop Dewane continued. “This retreat center is a blessing to the Diocese and it has had struggles and highlights. We are now going through a new highlight.”

In January 2025, Bishop Dewane designated OLPH as a 2025 Jubilee Year of Hope pilgrimage site for the Diocese of Venice. Even as the 2025 Jubilee Year comes to a conclusion, all are welcome to come and experience the peaceful, tranquil grounds now and beyond the Jubilee Year for an opportunity to step away from the busyness of daily life, to slow down, to listen for God’s voice, and feel His peace resting in quiet contemplation and prayer.

OLPH is currently staffed by priests of the Oblates of the Virgin Mary, who encourage retreatants with a hope springing from a keen sense of the goodness and mercy of Jesus Christ. The Oblates devote themselves to dispensing the Lord’s healing love, especially through spiritual direction, the Sacrament of Penance, and the proclamation of truth. They bring the spirituality of St. Ignatius of Loyola and his Spiritual Exercises to OLPH. The Exercises release the power of the Spirit, helping retreatants recognize and develop their gifts while growing in faith, hope, and love. Saint John Paul II described the Spiritual Exercises as the lungs, or oxygen, of the spiritual life for souls and for Christian communities.

The retreats at OLPH foster a contemplative spirit, helping people to find God in all things through careful discernment of the movements of the heart. OLPH Retreat Master Father Leland Thorpe, OMV remarks: “I find joy in guiding others to friendship with Christ, addressing the whole person. We form free men and women to be able to discern the will of God in concrete situations. As a spiritual director, I cherish opportunities to offer retreats, and to vitalize the lay apostolate.”

Father Greg Cleveland, OMV, current OLPH Director, reflects upon how blessed he is to witness the transformation of retreatants who spend time on the grounds. “Retreats are how we work on the interior life – the life of the soul. They are vital for our own spiritual growth, renewal, and transformation. We are drawn ever closer in union with our Savior. If we desire authentic friendship with Jesus, we must spend time with him. A retreat is a wonderful, uninterrupted way of doing so.”

Whether participating in a large group retreat or an individual directed retreat, visitors to OLPH are drawn into the transition from outside noise to the peaceful embrace of the retreat center grounds.

To celebrate three decades of grace-filled service as a Retreat Center for the Diocese of Venice, OLPH will host The Butterfly Ball on Jan. 24, 2026, at the St. Thomas More Parish Chelsea Center in Sarasota. This elegant evening will include a live and silent auctions, dinner, live music, a DJ and dancing. Father Shawn Monahan, OMV, will be the special guest speaker for the occasion. All are invited to join in this joyful and historic gathering honoring the beauty, mission, and enduring spirit of OLPH.

Visit www.olph-retreat.org or call 941-486-0233 for tickets to the Butterfly Ball, sponsorship opportunities, or to donate auction items, as well as to learn more about available retreats.

Fort Myers Parish celebrates 60th Anniversary

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Depending on one’s perspective, 60 years can be viewed as a long time or short. For the faithful of St. Cecilia Parish in Fort Myers, it represents a rich history and unlimited potential for the future.

St. Cecilia Parish was established on June 14, 1965, so it was appropriate to have a Parish-wide celebration on that day 60 years later. Bishop Frank J. Dewane was the main celebrant for the anniversary Mass, which fell on the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity. Concelebrating the Mass were current and former priests who served at St. Cecilia, as well as priests from neighboring Parishes.

“We gather in thanksgiving; looking backward, looking at today, but most importantly, looking forward as people of God here at St. Cecilia,” Bishop Dewane said. “We are here to look back with gratitude to those who built this Parish community, and praise those who continue to bring life to St. Cecilia each day as they prepare the way for the generations to come.”

St. Cecilia Pastor, Father Paul Dechant, Oblate of St. Francis de Sales, said the motto for the anniversary is “Looking back with gratitude, ahead with hope. Live Jesus now and forever.”

“The Oblates of St. Francis de Sales have served in the Parish since 1982, and as Pastor, I am honored to carry on the tradition of challenging people to ‘Live Jesus.’” Father Dechant said.

Originally founded as a Mission of nearby St. Francis Xavier Parish in 1963 within the then-Diocese of St. Petersburg, the first Masses were celebrated at neighboring Bishop Verot Catholic High School. The original church was dedicated in 1966 and a Parish Hall and rectory followed in 1972.

The Oblates of St. Francis de Sales assumed the administration of the Parish in 1982. Father Stan Dombrowski served as Pastor from 2001 until his retirement in 2020. During his time as Pastor, he oversaw the construction of Marian Hall which was blessed by Bishop Dewane in 2019.

Father Paul Dechant, who had served as Parochial Vicar at St. Cecilia in the past, was named Pastor in July 2020.

A reception was held in Marian Hall and the faithful were presented with a book about the Parish history, as well as many photos covering various milestones throughout the 60 years.

Geoff and Jeannie Becker moved to Fort Myers in 1996 with two young boys. They subsequently had a daughter and became very active in the Parish as Eucharistic Ministers, participating in the weekly rosary group, and helping when needed, including at fish fries, Vacation Bible School and more.

“It has been a blessing to be a part of such a wonderful Parish over the years. We cherish the friendships we’ve made and the priests who have led this flock,” the Beckers said.

St. Cecilia Parish currently has more than 1,300 registered families.

Hundreds of couples recognized for “beautiful vocation”

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Hundreds of couples were honored during a March 8, 2025, Diocese of Venice celebration of their lasting witness to Sacramental Marriage.

Bishop Frank J. Dewane celebrated a Mass at St. Thomas More Parish in Sarasota recognizing 290 couples, who were celebrating a combined 14,386 years of marriage, for their accomplishment which brings hope to their families, to the community, to society and to the Universal Church.

The Bishop described the couples, married 25, 30, 35, 40, 45 and 50+ years, as both radical and countercultural, but also a true inspiration for others to follow and emulate.

“This is a joyous occasion in the Diocese as we celebrate your commitment to the Sacrament you have lived in your life and in glory and praise of God,” Bishop Dewane said. “The Sacrament of Marriage is often challenged, but we take confidence in that you are living witnesses of hope to your children and grandchildren, and the goodness you are for our society today.”

Bishop Dewane called upon the couples to continue to live the fullness of their life together, using the grace the Lord has bestowed upon them, and guided by the Holy Spirit as they continue to live out the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony.

The 290 couples present for the Mass were from 42 Parishes and included 41 couples who have been married for 50 years. Of those couples, Gregory and Mary Wacha, of Incarnation Parish in Sarasota, celebrated their 50th on the day of the Mass, and Ray and Mary Bloomfield of Epiphany Cathedral in Venice, celebrated their 45th..

The couple recognized as being present with the longest marriage was George and Joan Wark, who will celebrate 73 years on December 12. They were married in Elkton, Maryland, and attend St. Patrick Parish in Sarasota. They say the secret to a good marriage is “patience, trying to look at things from your spouse’s side, being happy with what you have, and sharing with others.”

Other couples recognized during the Mass were Joseph & Ethna Fischetti, 72 years, from St. Martha Parish in Sarasota; Carl and Natalie Pensak, 72 years, from Epiphany Cathedral; Marvin and Carol Peschel, 72 years, from St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish, Port Charlotte; Kenneth and Jane Graham, 70 years, from St. Bernard Parish in Holmes Beach; and Robert and Marie Wyatt of St. Mary, Star of the Sea Parish in Longboat Key.

During the Mass, the married couples renewed their wedding vows. In addition, for their participation, each couple was presented with a commemorative certificate, signed by the Bishop, for their enduring commitment to marriage. A reception followed the Mass with lunch and the opportunity to have a photo taken with the Bishop.

Masses are celebrated each year in the northern and southern sections of the Diocese of Venice to accommodate the large number of couples wanting to attend. The first Mass this year was Feb. 1 at St. Leo the Great Parish in Bonita Springs, bringing together 245 couples representing a combined 12,068 years of marriage.

Happy Anniversary to the happy couples!

 

 

Fort Myers Vietnamese Catholic community celebrates 15 years

Posted on by Bob Reddy

The growing Catholic Vietnamese community in the Diocese of Venice celebrated a milestone, marking 15 years with a permanent Mass at St. John XXIII Parish in Fort Myers.

Bishop Frank J. Dewane, who was the main celebrant for the Mass on Nov. 2, 2024, expressed his admiration for the Catholic Vietnamese community in Fort Myers, offering strong contributions to the faith-life of the Diocese.

“It is I who am honored to be with all of you as a part of this festive celebration,” Bishop Dewane said. “Your presence in the Diocese, permanently for the past 15 years at St. John XXIII, has been positive and beautiful. The contribution that you make here at your Parish is substantial. You may be small in number, but you are a good number. You are here. The Lord calls you to come, to be present to worship Sunday after Sunday, and we continue to give thanks for that blessing.”

Looking forward, the Bishop said he will continue to support the Vietnamese Catholic community as it grows. In addition to the Mass at St. John XXIII, Masses in Vietnamese are celebrated in Sarasota at St. Martha Parish and mostly recently periodically at San Pedro Parish in North Port. In addition, there are currently two men who are from Vietnam in formation as Diocesan seminarians.

“I see a strong future for the Vietnamese community here in this Diocese,” Bishop Dewane said. “As we go forward, we celebrate 15 years by being grateful for the blessings the Lord has bestowed on this community as it thrives. It is an important part of the Diocese of Venice.”

Father Joseph Than Van Liem, CRM, the current Chaplain for the Vietnamese community at St. John XXIII, concelebrated the Mass, and thanked Bishop Dewane for his support of the community and presence for the 15th anniversary celebration.

The opening for the Mass began with a colorful procession, including the faithful, from the Vietnamese Martyrs Memorial, through the courtyard and into the Parish church. The memorial to 117 Vietnamese Martyrs was dedicated in 2013 by Bishop Dewane. As part of the celebration, Vietnamese Catholic flags were raised above the memorial and parking lot.

The Vietnamese Catholics celebrated Mass at several Parishes in Lee County before Bishop Dewane helped the community find its permanent home in 2009 at St. John XXIII Parish.

Adam Nguyen, who has been a leader in the Fort Myers Vietnamese community since its inception, explained how Bishop Dewane understood the need for finding a permanent home in Lee County and how the staff and faithful at St. John XXIII were very welcoming.

“It was 15 years ago when we felt lost and adrift, much like orphans yearning for a home. When we approached St. John XXIII Parish those doors swung wide open, welcoming us with warmth and compassion,” Nguyen said. “We are endlessly thankful for the Lord guiding us here.”

Nguyen said the blessing and support of Bishop Dewane, bringing in Vietnamese clergy to support the community, has allowed the community to flourish.

“We will always be a part of your legacy, and your unwavering support will forever be in our hearts,” Nguyen said.

Also concelebrating during the Mass were Father Bernadine Tan Minh Dang, CRM, who was the first permanent priest to serve the Vietnamese community at St. John XXIII; Father Joseph Toan Duc Vu, CRM, Parochial Vicar at St. Martha Parish in Sarasota who serves the Vietnamese Catholic Community in the region; Father Jayabalan Raju, Administrator at St. John XXIII; and Father Greg Dougherty, Parochial Vicar at the Parish.

Naples Parish celebrates 50th

Posted on by Bob Reddy

St. Peter the Apostle Parish in Naples celebrated its Golden Jubilee with a trilingual Mass and celebration to mark the occasion on June 9, 2024.

Bishop Frank J. Dewane celebrated the Mass, which included readings, petitions and music in English, Spanish and Creole, reflecting the diverse but unified nature of the Parish. Celebrating the Mass were Father Gerard “G” Critch, as well as numerous priests who have served through the years or are from neighboring Parishes.

“This 50th anniversary is something special,” Bishop Dewane said. “It is a day of prayer; a day we give thanks, glory and praise to God, and it is done in different languages and that is a blessing. Your dynamic Parish personifies this every day.”

 

Bishop Dewane noted the great good the faithful at St. Peter the Apostle have done, living in a way that Christ is encountered both within the walls of the church and by people in the community, spreading the Good News of the Lord far and wide. Ongoing outreach includes supporting migrant farmworkers, giving back to the needy, being a place of care when hurricanes have impacted the community, and much more.

“As St. Peter’s celebrates 50 years, it is appropriate to look back and reflect upon those who laid the building stones to raise up this Parish to where it is today,” the Bishop said. “We pray for the living and the dead, and for the priests and deacons who have served the Parish throughout the years, grateful for the dedication which has gone into making this Parish what it is today. There is a bright future here and may the next 50 years build upon what has only just started here in Naples.”

Father Critch said the Parish has been blessed for its 50 years and for that he is grateful. “This is a celebration for all who have passed through these doors and have shared in our earthly pilgrimage, we are deeply grateful to you, Oh Lord. Loving Father, may we, as your people, remain faithful to you and your holy Catholic Church until the end of the days. “

St. Peter the Apostle Parish was erected in Naples on June 11, 1974, and has more than 4,500 families with seven weekend Masses in three languages. The founding Pastor was Father Michael Hickey, and the Mass was first celebrated at a local school. The first church was dedicated in 1978 and the current church was dedicated in 1995. The Parish Spirit Center, which includes the Parish Hall and offices, was dedicated in 2019.

At the reception, a video retrospective was shared, offering glimpses into the Parish’s past and letting the current faithful see some of the faces of parishioners who were there at the beginning.

Founding Parishioner Mary Ann O’Neill reflected upon how when the founding Pastor, Father Hickey, arrived, he needed everything, not only a place to celebrate Mass but an altar and more. “These were very simple beginnings. The area of south Naples was kind of wild, but as the area grew, the Parish has grown so much, but we are still the same St. Peter’s.”

Many noted how Corrina Hernandez helped found the Hispanic Ministry, focusing first on farmworkers but later on building up the faith by welcoming them to a Spanish-language Mass. Likewise, the Haitian outreach first focused on supporting farmworkers before bringing the faithful for a Mass in Creole.

“The Holy Spirit has championed the different and diverse cultural communities through the language of love,” Father Critch said. “That is who we are here at St. Peter, one loving community dedicated to the glory of God.”

For the celebration, a buffet of international cuisine allowed everyone to enjoy a variety of delicacies. In addition, there were dancers and musicians in Aztec garb who performed prior to Mass, led the faithful from church to the reception in the Parish Spirit Center, and again showed their talents while everyone enjoyed the 50th anniversary party. Also performing were two bagpipers, as well as choirs representing the three major languages.

Mission marks 43 years

Posted on by Bob Reddy

The faithful of Holy Child (Divino Nino) Mission in Bowling Green celebrated their 43rd anniversary on July 24, 2022, with a procession, Mass and fiesta.

This annual observance took on a special meaning this year with the recent completion of extensive repairs and remodeling of the church. This work included a new roof, replacing the flooring, pews, and creating additional space for a cry room and other upgraded touches. The welcoming worship space is befitting of this close-knit Hispanic Catholic community.

Father Oscar Mendoza, who is Administrator of the Mission and nearby St. Michael Parish in Wauchula, opened the Mass with a blessing of the new worship space.

The work was much needed and results were beautiful, Father Mendoza said, later reflecting upon how the community came together to collect the funds and volunteered to do some of the work to complete the renovations.

Father Mendoza thanked Bishop Frank J. Dewane for his support and guidance during the project, without whom the project would never have been completed.

Before the Mass, Deacon Ramiro Hernandez led the faithful in a procession with a statue of the Holy Child Jesus, which included the faithful singing praise to Jesus Christ.

Holy Child Mission was dedicated in 1979 and an annual celebration marks the anniversary. As in years past, a fiesta of rich foods followed.

Deacon Hernandez said the completion of the work on the Mission church was important for the local community, which is comprised of many families with connections to the farming and mining industries.

“There is a strong personal connection for the faithful to this Mission,” the Deacon explained. “To have the work of the community come together, through donations and physical labor is particularly rewarding for everyone. It reminds everyone of the time when this was how churches were built and supported, by the community and for the community.”

 

Parish marks 15 years

Posted on by Bob Reddy

While 15 years may not seem as it is such a long time to most people, for the faithful of St. Agnes Parish in Naples, reaching this milestone was cause for celebration.

Bishop Frank J. Dewane celebrated Mass on March 12, 2022, 15 years to the day the Bishop erected St. Agnes as a Parish, which had been a Mission of St. John the Evangelist Parish from 1999 to 2007.

The vibrant Parish has 5,244 registered families, and while the Church holds about 1,500 people, there are eight Masses each weekend during the winter months, including one at a high school 10 miles away. Because of this reality and continued growth of the area, there are plans for St. Agnes to establish a Mission farther east in Naples in the future.

“We’re so pleased to have Bishop Dewane here,” said Father Bob Kantor, Pastor of St. Agnes. “We celebrate 15 years of life as a Parish and you see beautiful aspects here… there are many new faces, including many of you who have come to the Parishes over the years. We welcome you, whether you’re a parishioner for a short time or all of those 15 years or well beyond.”

Father Kantor thanked Bishop Dewane for his assignment in Naples noting that “the people are wonderful and have been a blessing to me and we have done our best to serve God.”

Bishop Dewane spoke about how it is appropriate to celebrate milestones in the life of a Parish, pausing to look back at what has been accomplished and to look forward to where the Parish is going, particularly, one that continues to grow. The Bishop reflected how the Parish was able to overcome considerable debt in its early years thanks to the generosity of the faithful who had confidence in the vision of Father Kantor and his advisors.

“The life of a Parish is very cyclical, as you follow the footsteps the Good Lord has set generations before,” Bishop Dewane said. “The Catholic population is growing, and many people are moving in and now, today, you find yourself in another role – you are now looking toward a Mission Church.”

The Bishop noted that the faithful are what St. Agnes Parish is all about, as their presence and contribution to the faith community are what make a Parish thrive.

“St. Agnes only grows and changes by your personal response to a call to holiness as you each strive to grow closer to the Lord,” Bishop Dewane said. “St. Agnes started out as a vision by a few, including Father Thomas Glackin of St. John the Evangelist Parish; but it is the faithfulness of the people of God here at St. Agnes Parish who stepped forward to say we can handle it and have carried it forward to today and will do so into the future.”

The original St. Agnes Mission was established in October 1999 with Masses held at two different area schools. The current Parish Church was dedicated as a worship site in 2006, a few months before the Mission was elevated to a Parish. A Parish Hall was later established on a neighboring property.

A 15th Anniversary celebration Mass included the full choir, which is normally present for Sunday morning Masses. Following the Mass, a Gala was held at the Vineyards Country Club.

Retreat Center Celebrates Quarter Century

Posted on by Bob Reddy

For more than a quarter century Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat and Spirituality Center in Venice has been bringing visitors closer to the Lord in its majestic setting along the banks of the Myakka River.

To celebrate its years of service as the main Retreat Center for the Diocese of Venice, a “Butterfly Ball” was held Feb. 19, 2022, at the St. Thomas More Parish Chelsea Center in Sarasota. The elegant evening included a live and silent auction as well as a “Gift from the Heart” appeal.

Irene Bauer, who was there when the idea of OLPH was being developed, said the Retreat Center “is like a portal to heaven, an open heavenly gate that brings souls closer to Jesus.”

Established by Bishop John J. Nevins, the groundbreaking for OLPH was in 1995 and buildings were added through the years. During its early years, OLPH was run by Redemptorist Father Charlie Mallen and Sister Carmella DeCosty, Sister of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary. The Retreat Center continues to flourish under the leadership of Bishop Frank J. Dewane and the succeeding religious orders who have taken the helm of leading the center including the Carmelites and now the Oblates of the Virgin Mary.

Bishop Dewane said OLPH was the second location he visited in the Diocese upon his appointment as Bishop. “I realized immediately; it is holy ground.” He credited Bishop Nevins, Father Mallen and Sister Carmella with having the vision and the determination to bring an idea to life with its expansive grounds, many places for contemplation, and beautiful St. Joseph Chapel, allowing visitors the opportunity to encounter the Holy Spirit.

The Bishop also thanked everyone present for their support of OLPH that evening and through the years. “Your assistance will allow OLPH to remain the sacred and spiritual haven that it is today and will continue to be for many years to come.”

Father Mark Yavarone, OVM, current OLPH Director, reflected upon how blessed he is to see the transformation of retreatants who spend time on the grounds. Whether as part of a large group retreat or an individual directed retreat, the transition from the noises of the outside world to the peaceful retreat center grounds help them get rid of the clutter, opening them up to hear the Lord.

With the exception of the founding Director, Father Mallen, all past and present Directors and Administrators were in attendance at the “Butterfly Ball.” The past Directors included Redemptorist Father Peter Sousa, Carmelite Father J.J. McCarthy, Oblates of the Virgin Mary Fathers Sean Morris and Shawn Monahan. Currently serving is Father Yavarone and assisting is Father Lino Estadilla, OVM. Sister Carmella was Administrator of OLPH for 18 years, and Denise Riley has held that position since 2013.

Today, in addition to the seven buildings on site, retreatants can spend time enjoying the beautiful grounds, which include a Rosary Walk, Way of the Cross, prayer decks and an outdoor Shrine to Our Lady of Perpetual Help which was dedicated to Father Mallen by Bishop Dewane in June 2021.

OLPH offers a variety of individual and group and retreats as well as Ignatian Spiritual Exercises. For more information about OLPH, please visit www.olph-retreat.org or call 941-486-0233.

A Sign of Hope: 15,756 years of Sacramental Commitment

Posted on by Bob Reddy

More than 300 couples celebrating 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50 and 50+ years of marriage were recognized and honored by Bishop Frank J. Dewane during a Mass Feb. 19, 2022, at Epiphany Cathedral in Venice, the second of two such Masses within the Diocese of Venice.

The combined years married for the couples present in Venice was well over 15,756, with 57 couples present celebrating their 50th anniversary this year, and five couples each celebrating 70 or more years.

Bishop Dewane called it a beautiful sight when he looked out upon so many couples who give a fantastic witness of their sacramental commitment.

“All of you represent love, joy and commitment to each other in a sacramental way, as a sign of hope,” Bishop Dewane said. “You were called to make a sacrifice, to live out the sacramental commitment, the important vocation that contributes greatly to the Church and to society as a whole. You are an example to others, not just to your children and grandchildren but to society that looks to you for guidance, inspiration and hope.”

The longest couple married present in Venice were Donald and Nonna Rassier of Epiphany Cathedral, who will be celebrating 74 years together on Oct. 2, 2022. Four additional couples, celebrating 70 or more years, were present for the Mass including: Carl and Natalie Pensak, Raymond and Gayle Bickowski, both 70 years; Thomas and Dolores Martorana, 71 years, and Leon and Ann Reser, 73 years.

The first Anniversary Mass was held Feb. 12, at St. Leo the Great Parish in Bonita Springs and included 180 couples. The couples present for the two Masses combined for a staggering 24,570 years of marriage. The Anniversary Mass is held in two locations each year to accommodate the large and growing number of participating couples and in recognition of the difficulty for some couples to travel great distances.

Parish celebrates 90 years

Posted on by Bob Reddy

The passage of time at a Parish can be counted by the number of Masses and significant sacramental moments which take place through the years, such as the baptisms, First Holy Communions, confirmations, weddings and funerals.

It has been 90 years since St. Margaret Parish was established to support the growing Catholic community in Clewiston, located in Hendry County, along the south shore of Lake Okeechobee. The joy of the faithful was reflected in the presence of a large crowd and the enthusiasm they had during the celebration of such an important milestone.

To mark the occasion, Bishop Frank J. Dewane celebrated Mass on Feb. 5, 2022, just two days short of the actual anniversary. Present to concelebrate the Mass was Father Jean Woady Louis, the current Parish Administrator, as well as several priests who served at St. Margaret through the years, and priests from the neighboring Parishes.

Bishop Dewane said reaching 90 years is no small achievement and that the celebration was as much about those who came before, as it is about those who breathe life into the Parish today and those who will continue to do so long into the future.

“The celebration gives thanks to God for what has been provided to this community for the past 90 years, and to ask for what needs to be provided as we move forward,” the Bishop said.

The establishment of the Parish and the dedication of the Church took place at the same time, Feb. 7, 1922, but more importantly established St. Margaret Parish and its’ people as the living Temples of God.

“You are the reason for the celebration today,” Bishop Dewane continued. “As human beings created in the image and likeness of God. We literally have the Holy Spirit dwelling in our hearts and in our midst. We need to evidence that more clearly – day in and day out; by the life we live, by the actions we do. Answer the question: Am I living like the Church – where people might meet God? If you are having trouble doing this, find within yourself the correction needed, and then set out to be that witness.”

Bishop Dewane said that thinking back 90 years, how Clewiston has grown, been challenged and stumbled, but keeps coming back; this is how each of us must be in our own life. “Be careful who we are spiritually – be the Temple of the Lord.”

The Bishop also thanked the many priests who served the people of God in Clewiston through the years. He specifically mentioned the Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Light, who are currently serving the faithful in many ways, as well as the religious sisters who previously served, including the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary who were present from 1973-2000.

Father Woady said the anniversary is a time to offer sincerest gratitude to the Lord.

“Through 90 years of prayers and understanding, we pray this ceremony will bring us closer as one family in Jesus Christ as it is our duty and best effort to keeping the faith alive,” Father Woady concluded.

A special moment in the larger celebration came when young children danced. Special gifts were also presented to Bishop Dewane, including baskets filled with the many items grown in this rural community, such as sugar cane, fruits, and vegetables.

“This is such a wonderful day,” said Magdalena Lopez. “Having the Bishop celebrate Mass for us means so much to St. Margaret Parish.”

To accommodate the large number of people, representing both the Parish and nearby Santa Rosa de Lima Mission, the Mass was celebrated in the Parish Hall. Even that was not large enough as a tent was necessary to accommodate the large crowd. Also present for the Mass were members of the Knights on Bikes, a motorcycle club of the Knights of Columbus.

After the Mass, a take-out barbecue meal was enjoyed.

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