Tag: bishop frank dewane

Bishop Emeritus Frank J. Dewane – Diocese bids farewell to its second Shepherd

Posted on by Bob Reddy

As the second Shepherd of the Diocese of Venice in Florida, Bishop Emeritus Frank J. Dewane served nearly 20 years leading and managing the growth of the diocese, ensuring the pastoral needs of the faithful were met.

The life of Bishop Dewane was celebrated following his death, Oct. 7, 2026, at the age of 76. The bishop lived a full and productive life, serving the faithful as a priest, bishop and shepherd, and friend.

Bishop Dewane was remembered as good and caring friend to many, someone who was blessed by the Lord with amazing natural gifts which served him well as he helped guide the Diocese of Venice through two decades of growth while also dealing with the impacts of multiple hurricanes and a global pandemic.

Thousands paid their respects during a series of memorials culminating in a Mass of Christian Burial at St. John XXIII Parish, Fort Myers, Oct. 14, presided over by Archbishop James F. Checchio of New Orleans with Archbishop Bernard A. Hebda of St. Paul and Minneapolis delivering the funeral homily. The funeral took place in Fort Myers as Epiphany Cathedral is currently undergoing renovation.

In addition to the two archbishops, also present were 10 bishops, including many from Florida, and Bishop Jacques E. Fabre of Charleston, South Carolina, who served as a priest in the Diocese of Venice.

Archbishop Hebda shared stories about his longtime friend, having met when both were attending the Pontifical North American College in Rome, Bishop Dewane a year ahead. The two became fast friends, as both entered a vocation to the priesthood later in life after first working in the private sector. That friendship continued and grew with both later working at the Vatican at the same time and both eventually being ordained bishops, with Bishop Dewane serving in the diocese where much of Archbishop Hebda’s family now resides.

“Bishop Dewane was well known here for pouring himself out in servitude,” Archbishop Hebda said. “There are wonderful things going on here and Bishop Dewane set the bar high for the rest of us through his great love for the Eucharist, the life-giving bread… and the diocese is known around the country for its heroic defense of each human life.”

Archbishop Hebda noted the remarkable growth of the diocese – adding six new parishes, huge enrollment increases in Catholic schools, as well as the expansion of the role of Catholic Charities in impacting those most in need.

“Bishop Dewane not only loved this local church, but he also very much experienced being loved here as well,” the archbishop continued. “He knew every inch of this diocese and could articulate the strengths of each parish. He demanded much of his priests and diocesan staff, always challenging them to reach their potential for the glory of God and the good of the faithful of this local Church.”

The archbishop concluded his remarks, saying, “May Bishop Dewane now rest in that Kingdom of Heaven, and may we look forward toward that day when we will meet him again and every tear will be wiped away.”

Bishop Emilio E. Biosca, O.F.M. Cap., who led the Solemn Vespers, Office of the Dead, Oct. 13, at Epiphany Cathedral Parish Hall, concelebrated the Mass and marveled at how much Bishop Dewane impacted the lives of the faithful in the Diocese of Venice in nearly 20 years of dedicated service.

Bishop Emilio said that many buildings were constructed and programs implemented by Bishop Dewane that have had substantive and lasting positive impacts on many people. Even so, things were left unfinished because a diocese is alive, full of people and growing in different ways.

“Trust and hope that Bishop Dewane, from another place and another perspective, purified and sanctified through our prayers and the prayers of the Church, will be able to help as we continue to grow the Church in the Diocese of Venice,” Bishop Emilio said.

A letter from Archbishop Gabriele G. Caccia, the Vatican’s apostolic nuncio to the United States, to Bishop Emilio was read at the opening of the Mass. The letter was transmitted to the nuncio via Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican Secretary of State, on behalf of Pope Leo XIV.

The letter was read by Msgr. Patrick Dubois, Vicar Forane of the Northern Deanery and rector of Epiphany Cathedral, who stated:

“Saddened to learn of the death of Bishop Emeritus Frank Joseph Dewane, His Holiness, Pope Leo XIV, sends heartfelt condolences to you, the clergy, religious and lay faithful of the diocese, recognizing, with gratitude, his years of service to the Holy See, as well as his episcopal ministry to the Church in Venice in Florida – His Holiness entrusts the late bishop’s soul to the loving mercy of Christ, the Good Shepherd. “

“To those present at the Mass of Bishop’s Funeral – and to all who mourn Bishop Frank’s death – in the sure hope of the resurrection, the Holy Father cordially imparts his apostolic blessing and his prayers of consolation in the peace of the Lord. Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State.”

“Offering my personal prayer and heartfelt condolences to you and the faithful of the Diocese of Venice in Florida, I remain sincerely yours in Christ, Gabrielle Caccia, apostolic nuncio.”

Later in the day, during the Rite of Committal at Epiphany Cathedral, the priests of the College of Consultors, who served as pallbearers, spoke of the humble and caring shepherd and mentor who they saw in quieter moments. They recalled Bishop Dewane as a man who had a vision to help the diocese grow stronger while also ensuring that those in need were also cared for. Each also noted that the bishop, who worked at a frenetic pace, would take the time to inquire about the health of family and friends, often serving with a personal touch as a surrogate father.

The celebration of remembrance

Posted on by Bob Reddy

The celebration of the life of Bishop Frank J. Dewane began soon after his death, Oct. 7, 2026.

“Masses of suffrage” at both Epiphany Cathedral and the Catholic Center in Venice were celebrated Oct. 7-9, in his honor, and special prayer intentions were added for the repose of his soul at all parishes.

The funeral services were divided among two locations, first at Epiphany Cathedral Parish Hall, as the Cathedral is currently undergoing renovation, and then at St. John XXIII Parish, Fort Myers. This was done to first recognize the importance of the Cathedral parish community and its place in the diocese as the seat of the bishop, while also taking place in a large parish church to accommodate the numbers of people wishing to pray for the repose of the soul of Bishop Dewane.

The formal Funeral Services at Epiphany began with the arrival of the bishop’s body in the afternoon of Oct. 13. Lining the driveway in anticipation of his arrival, students from Epiphany Cathedral Catholic School threw flowers onto the hearse in tribute to their beloved bishop. The students were joined by the Knights of Columbus Colors Corps as the opening of the period of viewing began as the body of Bishop Dewane lay in repose before the altar in the Parish Hall (which is currently being used as a temporary worship space).

In the evening, the rite included a Solemn Vespers, Office for the Dead, led by Bishop Emilio E. Biosca, O.F.M. Cap., during which Bishop Emilio shared his impressions of Bishop Dewane having met him in mid-May, just prior to the announcement of the transition to the new bishop. Noting his formal dress and manner, Bishop Emilio saw a man who was hard working and well organized, but also gentle and prayerful.

Bishop Emilio spoke about the changing relationship we will have with Bishop Dewane going forward as he joins the communion of saints. That change in that relationship is important for us to go on, the bishop continued. For some the change will come sooner than for those who were his family and friends, which lasts until it is their turn to enter into the communion of saints.

“As we begin to pray for him, and change our relationship with him, as someone who is not physically with us, we also remember he is a spiritual father of the diocese, together now with Bishop (John J.) Nevins, (the first bishop of Venice),” Bishop Emilio said. “We now have someone, in Bishop Dewane, having a special love and solicitude for everything that is happening here in the Diocese of Venice, praying for us.”

The bishop also shared a letter received from Matthew Livingstone, senior media production coordinator for the Diocese of Green Bay, who previously worked as a resident caregiver at a retirement community, where Bishop Dewane’s mother, Eleanor Dewane was being cared for in the early 2000s. Livingstone wrote that he was amazed by the many accomplishments of Bishop Dewane, even at the time they met, because they came as a complete surprise as then-Father Dewane, in all humility, spoke little of himself, but remained a prayerful son to his mother.

This insight into Bishop Dewane said much of his character and the way he lived his life in service to God, Bishop Emilio said.

For the viewing, Bishop Dewane was dressed in white vestments, colors which symbolize purity, joy, light, and the triumph of the resurrection. Throughout the overnight vigil, the bishop was continuously flanked by an honor guard consisting of members of the Knights of Columbus Color Corps, as well as in the company of priests and members of the lay faithful. The honor guard was maintained through a rotation of Knights, representing different councils from across the diocese.

The foyer of the hall included a large picture of Bishop Dewane. The faithful were offered prayer cards with an image of Bishop Dewane, as well as of Our Lady of the Rosary, significant as that was the feast on the day on which the bishop passed away.

As a central part of the celebrations in honor of Bishop Dewane, the rosary was prayed in several languages at both Epiphany Cathedral and St. John XXIII.

The Diocese of Venice is blessed with an abundance of cultural diversity. The funeral of Bishop Dewane was enhanced by the kind participation of a number of different cultural groups sharing their traditional prayers and hymns, as well as praying the rosary, throughout the viewing period of Oct. 13 and Oct. 14, at both Epiphany and at St. John XXIII. Included among these were the Polish, Haitian, Vietnamese, and Hispanic Catholic communities. In addition, Ukrainian Catholic Bishop Bohdan Danylo, led a prayer for the dead at Epiphany.

Middle school students from St. Francis Xavier Catholic School in Fort Myers led the rosary at St. John XXIII prior to the Funeral Mass. Also present for the viewing were students from St. Andrew Catholic School in Cape Coral, Bishop Verot Catholic High School in Fort Myers and St. Catherine Catholic School in Sebring. Catholic schools throughout the diocese also offered Masses and prayer services for the intention of the repose of the soul of Bishop Dewane.

Early Oct. 14, the body of Bishop Dewane was transferred to St. John XXIII for continued viewing and the funeral. The hearse was escorted by members of the Knights on Bikes.

At St. John XXIII, the Solemn Lauds (Office of the Dead) began at 10 a.m. Father David Vidal, diocesan vicar general, blessed the casket with holy water before the funeral pall was placed on top. Symbols of the Christian faith – a crucifix and Book of Gospels – were also placed on the pall.

The Mass of Christian Burial was presided over by Archbishop James F. Checchio of New Orleans. Archbishop Bernard A. Hebda of St. Paul and Minneapolis delivered the funeral homily. They were joined by 10 other bishops representing the dioceses of Florida and several beyond. More than 140 priests of the Diocese of Venice and additional visiting clergy concelebrated the Mass.

As is tradition at the funeral of a Bishop, the pallbearers were clergy. In this case, they were members of the College of Consultors: Father David Vidal, Vicar General; Father Robert Dziedziak, Judicial Vicar; Msgr. Patrick Dubois, Vicar Forane of the Northern Deanery; Father José González, Vicar Forane of the Eastern Deanery; Father Jayabalan Raju, Vicar Forane of the Central Deanery; Father Tomasz Zalewski, Vicar Forane of the Southern Deanery; Father Jiobani Batista; Father Jack Costello, and Father Geroge Ratzmann.

The Mass included a reading from a niece and nephew of Bishop Dewane. At the conclusion of the Mass, the Prayer of Commendation was led by Bishop Emilio.

The body of Bishop Dewane was then transferred back to Venice where Bishop Emilio led the honorary pallbearers who processed with the casket through the entrance of the unfinished cathedral, to a niche with a statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The body was then taken to the Bishops’ Crypt near the north entrance of the cathedral where Bishop Dewane was laid to his final rest. Bishop Emilio then conducted the Rite of Committal and the service was concluded.

Also present for the viewing, and Mass of Christian Burial were deacons, religious sisters, seminarians, Knights and Dames of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher of Jerusalem, Knights and Dames of the Order of Malta, and the Knights of Columbus.

Bishop Frank J. Dewane – 1950-2026

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Second Shepherd of Venice dies

“IUSTITIA, PAX, GAUDIUM”

Bishop Emeritus Frank J. Dewane used those three words (justice, peace and joy) as his Episcopal motto and strove to live them throughout his life which included 38 years as a priest, and nearly 20 years as the second Bishop of the Diocese of Venice in Florida. He died after a short illness in the early hours of Oct. 7, 2026, the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary.

Bishop Emilio E. Biosca, O.F.M. Cap., said that it was “with profound sadness, yet with faith in the promise of the Resurrection,” that he announced the passing of Bishop Dewane, who was surrounded by close family and friends at the time of his death.

Born March 9, 1950, in Wisconsin, Bishop Dewane grew up in the Green Bay area and was ordained to the priesthood in 1988. He served in various roles for the Vatican before being named Coadjutor Bishop of the Diocese of Venice in Florida by Pope Benedict XVI on April 25, 2006, and on January 19, 2007, he was installed as the second Bishop of the Diocese of Venice in Florida.

Bishop Dewane served as bishop of the Diocese of Venice until his retirement on May 13, 2026. He served as the Diocese’s Apostolic Administrator until July 11, 2026, and as Bishop Emeritus until his death.

“As we mourn the loss of Bishop Dewane, we also give thanks to God for the gift of his life and for the many ways in which he served the Church,” said Bishop Emilio. “Bishop Dewane leaves behind a remarkable legacy of faithful service to the Church. For nearly two decades, he served as the spiritual shepherd of the Diocese of Venice. His years as a priest and bishop were marked by a sincere love for Christ, His Church, and the people entrusted to his pastoral care, especially those most in need. Please join me in praying for the repose of Bishop Dewane’s soul, that the Lord may welcome His faithful servant into eternal life.”

In addition to holding a degree from the University of Wisconsin, Bishop Dewane also completed studies at The American University in Washington, D.C., as well as from Pontifical Gregorian University and Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas, both in Rome. Prior to entering the seminary, Bishop Dewane worked for the National Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) in Moscow, Russia, and then for a subsidiary of PepsiCo in New York City.

Ordained to the priesthood for the Diocese of Green Bay, Bishop Dewane was appointed in 1991 to serve as a member of the Permanent Observer Mission of the Holy See to the United Nations in New York City, during which time he represented the Holy See at several international conferences. In 1995, he was transferred to the Pontifical Council “Cor Unum” and was later appointed Under Secretary of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace.

As the Bishop of Venice, Bishop Dewane served as Vice-Chairman of the Board of Governors for The Pontifical North American College in Rome, Italy, and as a member of the Board of Directors of the Franciscan Foundation for the Holy Land. He also served on several Committees of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, including the Pro-Life Committee, the International Justice and Peace Committee, and the Subcommittee for the Pastoral Care of Migrants, Refugees and Travelers, and as a member of the Circus and Traveling Shows Ministry. Bishop Dewane served as a member of the Board of Trustees for St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary in Boynton Beach, St. John Vianney College Seminary in Miami, Ave Maria University in Ave Maria and Ave Maria School of Law in Naples, all in Florida.

In addition, Bishop Dewane served as chair for the USCCB Committee for Domestic Justice and Integral Human Development, on the USCCB Ad Hoc Committee against Racism, and as Episcopal Liaison for both Catholic Charities, USA, and Catholic Legal Immigration Network (CLINIC).

When Bishop Dewane received the phone call from the Apostolic Nuncio (the Vatican’s representative in the U.S.), that Pope Leo XIV had accepted his retirement in March 2026, he reflected in June how getting the news was not a shock per se, but it did stir in him a time to reflect and pray.

“As a Bishop, we are, in a sense, married to our Diocese and work for a number of years – for me almost 20 – investing a lot of time and oneself, but then you realize change is good,” Bishop Dewane said. “The new Bishop, as well as the faithful and clergy of the Diocese of Venice are in my prayers. May the Diocese continue to grow and flourish, bringing the Good News of the Gospel to our corner of the world.”

The Diocese of Venice, while mourning the loss of their beloved Bishop Emeritus, gives thanks to God for the gift of his life and for the many ways in which he served the Church, and the remarkable legacy of faithful service he leaves behind. For nearly two decades, Bishop Dewane served as the spiritual shepherd of the Diocese of Venice. His years as a priest and bishop were marked by a sincere love for Christ, His Church, and the people entrusted to his pastoral care, especially those most in need. The Diocese asks all the members of the faithful to join them in praying for the repose of Bishop Dewane’s soul, that the Lord may welcome His faithful servant into eternal life, and for the consolation of his family.

In announcing the death of Bishop Dewane, the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops stated, “We give thanks to God for his life, his faithful service to the Church, and the many people who were blessed by his ministry.”

Bishop Dewane’s fellow Florida bishops are mourning the loss.

Bishop Gregory L. Parkes, of the Diocese of St. Petersburg, said in a statement, “I have an abundant amount of gratitude for his many years of ministry to the Church and his friendship as my fellow brother Bishop in Florida.”

Bishop Manuel de Jesús Rodríguez, of the Diocese of Palm Beach, said in a statement, “Here in Florida, Bishop Dewane leaves a lasting legacy. During his years as Bishop of Venice, he ordained 34 priests and 28 permanent deacons, established new parishes and schools, strengthened Catholic education and vocations, expanded outreach to those in need, and faithfully served a growing Catholic community across Southwest Florida.”

Bishop Dewane is survived by his brother John (Jack), and two sisters, Margaret (Peggy), and Mary, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

The Diocese of Venice asks all the members of the faithful to remember Bishop Dewane in their prayers. May the soul of Bishop Dewane and the souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace.

The Funeral Services for Bishop Emeritus, the Most Reverend Frank J. Dewane

Beginning on Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026, at 4 p.m., Bishop Frank J. Dewane will lie in state at the Epiphany Cathedral Parish Center, 310 Sarasota Street, in Venice. (The Viewing will be held at the Parish Center as Epiphany Cathedral is currently under renovation.)

The service will commence with the recitation of the Most Holy Rosary, by the clergy and faithful, from 5:30 to 6 p.m., followed by Evening Prayer, presided by Bishop Emilio E Biosca, O.F.M. Cap. Immediately after, the faithful may approach the casket and devoutly pay their respects to Bishop Dewane. Bishop Dewane will lie in state in Venice until 7 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 14.

On Wednesday, Oct. 14, at 10 a.m., Morning Prayer will take place at St. John XXIII Catholic Church, 13060 Palomino Lane, Fort Myers, while Bishop Dewane lies in state. The Funeral Mass for Bishop Dewane will follow at St. John XXIII beginning at 2 p.m. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass will be presided by His Excellency, Archbishop James F. Checchio of New Orleans. His Excellency, Archbishop Bernard Hebda of St. Paul and Minneapolis will deliver the funeral homily.

The Rite of Committal and Burial will take place at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 14, at Epiphany Cathedral Parish in Venice. Bishop Dewane will be laid to rest in the Epiphany Cathedral Bishops’ crypt.

All of the faithful are welcome to attend the Viewing, Morning Prayer, and Funeral Mass. For those unable to attend, the Funeral Mass will also be livestreamed at dioceseofvenice.com/livestream.

In lieu of flowers, please contribute to the Bishop Dewane Endowment Fund for the Poor with the Catholic Community Foundation of Southwest Florida by scanning the QR code or by visiting https://ccfdioceseofvenice.org/fund/bishop-dewa.

Prayer for Bishop Dewane

“O God, who chose your servant Bishop Dewane from among your priests and endowed him with pontifical dignity in the apostolic priesthood, grant, we pray, that he may also be admitted to their company forever. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever. Amen.”

Votive Masses held for the soul of Bishop Dewane

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Praying for the repose of the soul of Bishop Frank J. Dewane was the focus of three days of “Masses of suffrage” at both Epiphany Cathedral and the Catholic Center in Venice.

These Masses were offered Oct. 7-9, 2026, at 12:15 p.m. at Epiphany Cathedral and at 3 p.m. at the Catholic Center, to pray for Bishop Dewane while also giving thanks for his generous service and ardent faith as we ‘hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering.’ (Hebrews 10:23).”

Bishop Emilio E. Biosca, O.F.M. Cap., was the main celebrant for the Masses offered at both locations on Oct. 8, and opened them by saying, “We pray for the soul of our dear Bishop, Bishop Frank Dewane.”

“I think all of us in these next few days will be reflecting on our relationship with Bishop Dewane,” Bishop Emilio said to the faithful gathered at Epiphany Cathedral. “In many ways he was a member of this community… you were able to see him more often than most.”

Bishop Emilio said he only knew Bishop Dewane for a relatively short period of time, about five months, first speaking in late April upon learning Pope Leo XIV accepted the retirement of Bishop Dewane after nearly 20 years, and appointed Bishop Emilio as the third bishop of the Diocese of Venice in Florida. The two bishops met in person May 12, the day before the public announcement of the appointment of Bishop Emilio.

“He came by himself to the Tampa airport to pick me up,” Bishop Emilio recalled. “That itself began to tell me something about him… During our first conversations on the drive from Tampa to the Diocese of Venice, he began right away explaining to me the history of the diocese and explaining the main issues and points I needed to know.”

Bishop Emilio immediately recognized Bishop Dewane’s characteristics, which are typically associated with the classical Midwestern American personality – hard working, committed, common sense, and a dedication to his position, and his love and defense of Holy Mother Church.

This was witnessed firsthand by Bishop Emilio, noting how Bishop Dewane was an early riser, would do his morning prayers and then regularly put in 10 or more hours in the office at the Catholic Center while also celebrating Masses and going to functions.

During the next few weeks, Bishop Emilio said the faithful “will be praying and thinking and wondering, like any member of our own family, wishing Bishop Dewane would have stayed a little longer, because often, it is never the right time. However, over time, we might think it was the right time when we realize the quiet suffering Bishop Dewane faced.”

“Because of our Catholic faith, we believe in the resurrection of the dead; we believe in the communion of saints; we believe in the necessity and also the privilege of praying for one another,” Bishop Emilio said. “We will continue to pray for him that perhaps in his new position he can do much more for us from where he is now than where he was. He can continue to pray for us.”

From the very earliest traditions of the Church, the faithful have gathered to remember our beloved faithful departed.  A “Mass in suffrage” is a special votive Mass offered as an act of intercession for them. The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that the Church honors the dead through prayer, the Eucharist, almsgiving, indulgences, and works of penance, helping them attain purification and the beatific vision of God (ccc. 1032).

During this period of mourning, every church and chapel where Mass is celebrated in the diocese, the Mass intention included the repose of the soul of Bishop Dewane and a petition was inserted in the General Intercessions.

At the Catholic Center and Epiphany Cathedral, a portrait of Bishop Dewane was placed in the lobby decorated with flowers and candles.

25th anniversary of 9/11 to be marked in Diocese

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Several events will be taking place throughout the Diocese of Venice to mark the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks on the United States in which nearly 3,000 people lost their lives.

Commemorations of the 9/11 anniversary are intended to remember those lost in the terror attacks, and in a particular way the first responders who sacrificed their lives to save others, while at the same time offering a public “thank you” to those who continue to serve the community as first responders.

The Diocese will be participating in the “Standing for Our Fallen 9/11 Twenty Five Year Commemoration,” at 5 p.m. Sept. 11, 2026, in Patriot Plaza of Sarasota National Cemetery, 9810 State Road 72, Sarasota. The commemoration will open with a procession of the Knights of Columbus Color Corps, clergy and the presenters.

Most. Rev. Frank J. Dewane, Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of Venice, will offer the invocation. From St. Jude Parish in Sarasota, Father Jiobani Batista, pastor, and Deacon Humberto Alvia will offer the Prayer of Condolences. Deacon Alvia will also present a St. Mother Theresa quotation for unity. The commemoration will include prayers, a tolling of the bell for the fallen, testimony of a 9/11 survivor, the placing of a wreath and prayers for peace and unity.  All are welcome.

Earlier that same day, St. Peter the Apostles Parish, 5130 Rattlesnake Hammock Road, Naples, will be hosting a 9/11 Mass of Remembrance at 8 a.m. The Mass has been held annually at the parish since 2002 for the 9/11 Families Association which includes former New York City firefighters and law enforcement as well as flight attendants and families of people who died in the collapse of the World Trade Center or the attack on the Pentagon. A piece of steel, which was cut from an I-beam support column at the World Trade Center and is in the shape of a cross, was presented to St. Peter the Apostle Parish in 2010 and is usually mounted on the wall behind the parish chapel altar. For the annual Mass, the steel cross is set out as a reminder of those lost.

The Fourth Degree Assembly 3862 of the Knights of Columbus of Ave Maria Parish, Ave Maria, will be hosting a 9/11 Patriot Day Ceremony following the 5 p.m. Mass on Sept. 11. The program begins at 6 p.m. and includes the singing of the National Anthem, reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, 9/11 reflections, prayers for our nation and for peace, the playing of “Taps,” and the program will conclude with Eucharistic Adoration. All are welcome.

Two parishes will be hosting Blue Masses during the weekend to show gratitude and support for the men and women who serve the community. Join us as we gather and pray for all our first responders, active, retired and fallen, and their families. The Blue Mass at St. John the Evangelist, 625 111th Ave. N., Naples, is 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12; and the Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes, 1301 Center Road, Venice, is noon, Sunday, Sept. 13, and is presented by the Knights of Columbus Our Lady of Lourdes Council 9924.

Please check with your local parish to learn of additional 9/11 commemorations.

Bishop Dewane celebrated on 20th anniversary of his episcopal ordination

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Kaya Meadows, Epiphany Cathedral, Special to the Florida Catholic

Epiphany Cathedral in Venice hosted a party in celebration of the second shepherd of the Diocese of Venice, Bishop Emeritus Frank J. Dewane, on Saturday, July 25, 2026. The event in Bishop Dewane’s honor was organized to recognize and celebrate His Excellency’s retirement, and his dedication to the Catholic Church, the Diocese of Venice, and Epiphany Cathedral for the past two decades. The event was held at Pelican Pointe Gold and Country Club in Venice on the 20th anniversary of the Bishop’s episcopal ordination.

Bishop Dewane opened the reception, addressing more than 300 parishioners by saying, “We, the clergy, have done a lot over the past 20 years but none of this would have been possible without you, the church, the heart and hands of the diocese.”

Msgr. Patrick Dubois, Epiphany Cathedral rector, thanked Bishope Dewane for his years of faithful service as leader of the diocese. Msgr. Dubois also noted that Bishop Dewane has helped to physically reshape the cathedral through the reconstruction project which is set to be completed by Thanksgiving.

As the hundreds of Epiphany Cathedral parishioners in attendance lined up to offer their best regards to Bishop Dewane, parishioner Vee Chiulli recalled her 40 years attending daily Mass and getting to know Bishop Dewane. “Naturally, I loved him for 20 years,” says Chiulli. “I’ve watched him grow up.”

Just as he has done so many times outside Epiphany Cathedral after celebrating Mass, Bishop Dewane stood and spoke to every person who came to wish him well. The Bishop seemed moved by the outpouring of affection from the parishioners and thanked Epiphany Cathedral for being his home church.

Current Resurrection Choir members and Arimetheans, Gerry Gosselin and Nancy Whitmore spoke of their part in Bishop Dewane’s 2006 ordination in the choir. “126 diocesan choir members sang at his ordination, and we were two of them!” said Whitmore.

Whitmore also spoke of the time her husband was in the hospital, and Bishop Dewane came to visit. “I get goosebumps thinking about it,” she said detailing her call to the diocese asking for Bishop Dewane to come see her husband. Whitmore received a call later that night from her husband who said, “you will never believe who came to visit me.”

Throughout his time as bishop of the Diocese of Venice, Bishop Dewane touched countless lives and celebrated many important Masses at Epiphany Cathedral, such as the ordinations of priests and deacons, as well as the annual Chrism Mass, where the sacred sacramental oils are blessed and consecrated for use by all parishes for the next year, and where all priests gather to renew their priestly vows.

Epiphany Cathedral is “the seat of the bishop.” The word cathedral originates from the word cathedra, (from Latin for “seat”), which is home to the bishop’s official chair. This chair symbolizes the bishop’s teaching authority, pastoral office, and leadership over the local diocese.

‘Thoughtful and reflective leader’ ready to serve diocese

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Jean Gonzalez – Florida Catholic staff

“My dear brothers and sisters in Christ. When it rains in Florida, it truly rains in Florida,” said Father Robert Marva O.F.M. Cap., provincial minister of the St. Augustine Province in Pittsburgh.

He said it with a smile to those gathered for solemn vespers July 10, 2026, at St. John XXIII Parish in Fort Myers. The Capuchin Franciscan arrived in Southwest Florida for the ordination of his friend and fellow Capuchin Bishop-Elect Emilio Biosca Agüero, O.F.M. Cap., as third bishop of Venice. While the ordination was the afternoon of July 11, vespers were held the night before. An evening shower in July is not unusual. But it would seem Mother Nature wanted to welcome the new bishop with a bit more flair. When a lightning bolt with visible crackling struck overhead, seasoned residents braced themselves for the loud boom that reverberated against the walls inside and outside the church. Then came the downpour.

Father Marva said what would have taken a few moments to arrive to the parish on a sunny day, turned into 45 minutes.

But despite starting a little late, there was much praise and worship offered by laity who sang praises to God in anticipation of their new shepherd. Prelude music was offered by the Haitian and Spanish choirs of St. Peter the Apostle Parish in Naples, the Spanish men’s choir of Jesus the Worker in Fort Myers and the Vietnamese choir of the host parish of St. John XXIII.

The rains only reminded the faithful this is the day the Lord has made. “Until May 13, no eye had seen, no ear had heard nor had it dawned on the local church of Venice, the people of the Shrine of the Sacred Heart in Washington, D.C., or the Capuchins of the Province of St. Augustine of what God had in store for Padre Emilio,” Father Marva said. “God’s wisdom and ours is not the same. God’s plans and ours may not begin the same, but become one through the graces of the Holy Spirit.”

Father Marva assured the faithful that his fellow Capuchin would be a faithful and good shepherd to the Church of Southwest Florida. He said the priest knows about leading faith communities and learned to do so “in many cultural settings and in many languages,” which benefit the ethnically diverse diocese. “Although I think Polish will be a new one for him,” Father Marva said with a laugh.

He added the bishop-elect’s service to the Capuchins as vicar provincial “gave wisdom and insight to our council and also kept me on the right path.”

“Bishop Emilio is a thoughtful and reflective leader, and able to listen and to hear what others say with acknowledgment and respect,” Father Marva said. “But he is also not afraid to share his own thoughts or express disagreement. … He will bring honesty and humor, prayerfulness and patience, and will sport a flexible wardrobe of episcopal black and purple, as well as Capuchin brown with sandals and cord.”

The gifts the bishop-elect offers the Church were also instilled by his family, including his parents — Emilio Rodolfo Sr. and Carmen de Maria Agüero — who celebrate 65 years of marriage on July 29 and renewed their wedding vows at Bishop Emilio’s first mass as bishop on July 12. In an interview with the Florida Catholic following vespers his parents said they have many different emotions about their son’s appointment. They feel blessed and honored about the appointment but were also surprised.

“We thank God for his decision and the pope’s decision,” Emilio Sr. said. “He was always a dedicated young man who took the faith seriously.”

His mother Carmen said her son is a “great gift” who is “very friendly, takes care of everyone a lot and listens.” They both described him as a simple and honest person.

“I have learned a lot from him,” Carmen said. “He has great charity.”

“Parents are the ones who teach their children, but in our case it has been the other way around,” Emilio Sr. added. ”He has been the one who has taught us the path and the goodness of God.”

They both know the faithful of the Diocese of Venice will embrace him just as others have in his past. They said he has shown time and time again that he takes “great care of the marginalized, the poor and migrants,” along with all the faithful.

“In him you will find a person who is very dedicated to the faith and to work,” Emilio Sr. said.

“He is willing to meet (the faithful) first. That has always been his desire,” Carmen said. “As soon as they meet him, they will love him.”

Bishop Frank J. Dewane’s Statement on the appointment of the new Shepherd for the Diocese

Posted on by Bob Reddy

It is with gratitude to His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, that I announce in the Diocese of Venice in Florida, that Our Holy Father, following prayerful discernment is appointing a new Shepherd for the Diocese of Venice in Florida: Bishop-elect Emilio Biosca Agüero, OFM Cap., a priest ordained on May 21, 1994 for the Capuchin Franciscan Province of St. Augustine (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania).  Having served in assignments for the Province, both overseas and within the United States, Bishop-elect has for the past seven years been the Pastor at the Shrine of the Sacred Heart Parish in Washington, D.C and has held numerous leadership positions within his Religious Community. Son of an immigrant family with 7 children, Bishop-elect is enthusiastic, with a strong pastoral spirit and particular devotion to the Virgin Mary and to serving the People of God.  With all of you, I welcome him to our Diocesan family, which will be greatly blessed by his ministry, and I very much look forward to getting to know him as in just a few days he has shown himself to be a deeply spiritual and exceptional priest.

Our new Bishop is coming to a Diocese that is growing at a rapid pace with families and individuals that evidence a vibrant faith and diverse backgrounds.  It has been a great joy for me to have ministered here for the past twenty years.  I am pleased and very proud of the Catholic Community of the Diocese, who they are and who they are becoming, by their witness to Christ.  This has become possible by the great pastoral care and service that the priests, both Diocesan and Religious, have provided. 

In accord with canon law, I submitted my resignation to the Pope over a year ago on my seventy-fifth birthday, and, with the appointment of Bishop-elect Agüero, it is now formally accepted.  As I retire, it is my plan to remain in the Diocese of Venice, which has become my home as it has for so many others from the Midwest.  I can assure Bishop Emilio that he will not see occasional snowfall, just an occasional hurricane or two.  

To the Priests, Deacons, and joy-filled laity, thank you all for being a wonderful family of faith, hope, and love.  I look forward to my continued home here assisting the new Bishop pastorally, in any manner I can.  I also look forward to more time for prayer, study and travel.

As of today, I am officially the Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of Venice in Florida and have been appointed its Apostolic Administrator until the day of Bishop-elect Agüero’s ordination which will take place on July 11, 2026.

It is my great privilege to present to you Bishop-elect Emilio Biosca Agüero.

Pastoral reflections on two decades as faithful Shepherd

Posted on by Bob Reddy

As Bishop Frank J. Dewane nears retirement, he took time to reflect, with some prompting and encouraging, on the pastoral impact he has had on the Diocese in his years of service to the faithful of Southwest Florida. Bishop said that his partner who guided him in these endeavors was always the Holy Spirit.

Catholic Charities

When looking back at the scope of his service of nearly 20 years as Shepherd of the Diocese of Venice, Bishop Dewane has been steadfastly focused upon addressing the various needs of the faithful and this was seen in ways great and small.

For example, Catholic Charities offices throughout the Diocese have been upgraded and modernized to ensure that the needs of the people to be served in each region of the Diocese are being met in the best way possible. This includes the purchasing of several buildings to house offices and services, as well as upgrading existing equipment and programs. All food pantries were converted from drive-thru to choice pantries. This served a double benefit of offering those in need a dignified option to get the food they would actually eat while at the same time reducing waste of unwanted food.

Through Catholic Charities and other partnerships, Bishop Dewane has vastly expanded the affordable housing in the region by almost 500 units. The housing is now strategically located in economically stressed neighborhoods in Sarasota, Fort Myers, Bonita Springs, Port Charlotte, Immokalee, and Arcadia. A large portion has been focused on providing housing for families, for low-income elderly, as well as for farm workers.

“Housing is a cross-cutting issue, as I truly believe that if families don’t have a home or residence of some kind, it is going to be harder for the family to develop in all ways,” Bishop Dewane said. “If they don’t have a place to gather, to eat, to pray, or to do anything, the family is lost.”

A more subtle action by Bishop Dewane was continuing funding for the Anti-Human Trafficking Team when grants were lost. This program has been key in providing compassion, stability, and immediate support for hundreds following their rescue.

“As Bishop there are times when you do what you have to do, and providing that funding was definitely the right thing to do,” Bishop Dewane said. “This issue of human trafficking is one that is unthinkable and inhumane, and simply should not exist.”

Because of his experience with guiding the success of Catholic Charities in the Diocese of Venice through growth, two hurricanes and the pandemic, Bishop Dewane was appointed as the Episcopal Liaison for Catholic Charities USA, as well as the moderator for Catholic Charities in the State of Florida.

Evangelization

Through the years, the frequent questions Bishop Dewane asked of himself and of the priests and staff of the Diocese is what was being done to improve evangelization in the Diocese in all the definitions which that word encompasses.

“It is a difficult thing to wrestle to the ground,” Bishop Dewane said. “We needed to focus on how we are promoting the different aspects of the pastoral life of the Church in the Diocese. Here is where my faith companion in reflection, was truly the Holy Spirit.”

The first thing the Bishop did was to begin the popular annual Masses for couples celebrating significant anniversaries which started in one location and quickly expanded to two due to popularity. “I wanted to recognize the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony in a society that doesn’t put such an emphasis on marriage. Seeing the living sacrament of marriage lived in a profound way. It truly is my favorite Mass of the year to celebrate apart from the ordinations.”

To help support marriage, Bishop Dewane directed the reorganization of the pre-Cana program and brought in the annual Together in Holiness Conference to help accompany couples as they grow together in holiness as a couple.

Two significant outreaches included the initiation of annual Men’s and Women’s conferences to great success. The events were combined in 2023 when the Diocese hosted a Eucharistic Congress as part of a National Eucharistic Revival initiative.

For the younger people in the Diocese, the Bishop also promoted a Diocesan Youth Rally which started humbly with 50 people in 2008 and grew to 2,000 attending from across the region for the 2026 gathering. “It is inspiring to look out and see the youth alive with Jesus in their hearts.”

Another outreach to youth and young children is the Totus Tuus catechetical summer day camps where missionaries – young adults – visit Parishes to inspire young people to strive for holiness, develop a deep desire for conversion and personally renew their faith with a stronger prayer life. The program has expanded from eight to 20 Parishes.

For young adults, there was the introduction of Theology on Tap, where those in their 20’s and 30’s can gather to explore faith topics in a relaxed social setting.

Attuned to those who may be marginalized, Bishop Dewane has actively promoted and participated in Prison Ministry. “This is something the Church has always advocated. I saw it as part of my call as a Bishop to go into the prisons and jails to celebrate Mass for the incarcerated, those often marginalized by society.” Bishop Dewane has celebrated the Mass and conferred baptisms, the Sacrament of Confirmation and First Holy Communion on untold numbers of the incarcerated. In addition, he has encouraged priests, deacons and lay volunteers to serve this vital and rewarding ministry.

Bishop Dewane has also expanded outreach to the growing Hispanic Catholic community dramatically. Building off the national V Encuentro initiative, need pastoral attention leadership was brought to the Hispanic ministries and in response to their request, a successful Spanish-language faith formation program was developed. Further, the Bishop secured and realized the construction of three large new churches to accommodate the growing numbers of Hispanics in key parts of the Diocese.

Respect Life

Much has changed in the Respect Life outreach in the nearly 20 years Bishop Dewane has led the Diocese of Venice. In his first year, he advocated participation in the 40 Days for Life prayers vigils in front of abortion facilities. This worldwide effort was in its first year when the Diocese joined, placing people on the front lines to combat the evil of abortion, and protect the unborn.

“Abortion is a scourge on society,” the Bishop said. “We all have a role to play in ending abortion. It is by our presence, and in our voices, that the message of life can be spread. It doesn’t end at the sidewalk. It must happen with conversations in our family, in our neighborhood, in our offices, and in the community. We are all called to be the voice for life in the world.”

Bishop Dewane himself stood on many sidewalks through the years in Sarasota, Fort Myers and Naples where the spring and fall 40 Days for Life campaigns are still going strong. He also attended many National Marches for Life in Washington, D.C. each January with hundreds of Diocesan youth.

In 2022, the Dobbs ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade and put the decision to allow abortion up to the states. While it was a great victory, the fight continues. The leadership of Bishop Dewane helped defeat Amendment 4, a radical Florida ballot initiative that would have drastically expanded access to abortion. The Diocese embraced the U.S Bishop’s initiative, Walking with Moms in Need, a nationwide program which operates at the Parish level to increase support for pregnant and parenting mothers in need.

Not allowing women who have had an abortion to be forgotten by the Church, the Bishop brought the Project Rachel outreach to the area. This program offers support for women who are struggling with the aftermath of abortion.

In addition, Bishop Dewane has provided silent support to help improve numerous pregnancy resource centers and other community partners to ensure facilities are available so that abortion-minded women have a pro-life option for their unborn child.

This is most visible with Our Mother’s House, a Catholic Charities program, which is a two-year transitional housing program that provides single mothers and their young children with stability, support, and renewed hopes during difficult times. Bishop Dewane helped allow the program to undergo three expansions and upgrades to the facilities as well as what is offered to each mom and her young child to ensure that together they have an opportunity for success.

Growth

In 2007, the Diocese of Venice served approximately 200,000 Catholics in its 10-county area. Today that number reaches more than 260,000, even though the percentage of Catholics in the area has dropped to less than 20% from a high of 30% two decades ago. Part of the increase can be attributed to the rapid growth of the region as many move to Florida each year.

To accommodate this growth, Bishop Dewane has erected six new Parishes, one mission and one Chapel. Two additional Mission churches are currently in the planning stages. In addition, during the last two decades, many Diocesan Parishes have built new churches, parish halls and other facilities to accommodate their demand. For the Parishes where raising funds for such projects is prohibitive, Bishop Dewane has helped finance such projects to ensure the pastoral needs of growing Parishes are met.

The true sign of growth can be seen in the number of people attending Mass year-round versus just during the busy season. Also, a positive sign is that a record 1,077 who entered the Church in 2026 through the OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults) during the Easter Season. That number doubled over 2025 and reflects a growing outreach and interest in the Catholic Faith as well as many seeking the sacraments they might have missed in the past.

“This was by far the largest number the Diocese has ever seen,” Bishop Dewane said. “The Diocese has been truly blessed and graced by the large numbers of catechumens and candidates. It shows that the Holy Spirit is working among the people of God in the Diocese of Venice.”

Religious Freedom

Having worked and lived in the former communist Soviet Union for five years, Bishop Dewane said he saw the dangers of an oppressed society where freedom was not guaranteed. When in 2012 the U.S. government imposed a federal contraceptive mandate, Bishop Dewane was at the forefront in raising awareness of what has transitioned into an ongoing battle to ensure religious freedom remains a part of the United States. In 2012, Bishop Dewane led a rally of more than 3,000 supporters on the Sarasota bayfront to “Stand Up for Religious Freedom.” A rally in Naples drew about 1,000 a week later. Since that time the Diocese actively promote and participates in the U.S. Bishops annual Religious Freedom week in June.

Vocations

Since 2007, 38 men have been Ordained to the Priesthood, a number Bishop Dewane said is disappointing, but he admitted the reality is that few are seeking a vocation to the priesthood in a society where other options appear more glamourous for multiple reasons. To help combat this issue, the Vocations Office regularly offers Vocations days for sixth-graders at Diocesan Catholic schools to introduce the concept of pursuing a vocation to the priesthood or religious life and the establishment of the “Called By Name” initiative in the Diocese of Venice.

As for the men and women religious, Bishop Dewane has strived to bring in new religious orders to minister to the Hispanic communities in the Diocese where there is tremendous growth and need. Older men’s and women’s religious orders have been forced to consolidate their ranks, with nearly all having left the Diocese. This reality puts tremendous strain on the Diocese as there are not enough priests to cover the 61 Parishes and associated missions. An additional 28 permanent deacons were ordained.

Education

Diocesan Catholic schools were on the brink of ruin in 2007 with shrinking enrollment numbers, a dated curriculum and crushing debt when Bishop Dewane assumed the role as leader of the Diocese.

Through a systematic effort to bring modern technology into the classroom, updates to the curriculum and better management of schools, closures were avoided. A new school, St. Catherine in Sebring, opened in 2008 to serve an underserved part of the Diocese, and Diocesan-wide enrolment stabilized.

STREAM (science, technology, religion, engineering, art, and math) curriculum was phased into pilot schools and was expanded to the entire Diocese Catholic school network in 2021. This was the same time a new robotics program was implemented. Add to that, Bishop Dewane integrated the Catholic faith and the life of virtue into the robotics curriculum with what he calls, “The Gifts of Christ.” He has fostered a strong Catholic culture that produces faithful leaders of good moral character through the virtues of Truth, Beauty, Goodness, Affability, Fortitude, Humility, and Prudence.

The result has been that enrollment has gone from a low of about 3,000 in 2007 to the current level of more than 6,700. “It took time to build up enrollment, but the results are seen in full classrooms and waitlists at all of our Diocesan Catholic schools,” Bishop Dewane said.

Bishop Dewane retires leaving behind a lasting legacy that reached every part of the Diocese, the effects which will bear fruit for the faith, and the Church, for years to come.

Please join in praying for Bishop Frank J. Dewane as he enters his retirement years!

Bishop Dewane, we will miss you. May God bless you, and may your retirement be both peaceful and joyous.

Phone call ends legacy of 20 years

Posted on by Bob Reddy

As the retirement of Bishop Frank J. Dewane approaches, he generously offered what it was like to get the call confirming his retirement and beginning the transition for a new Shepherd.

The call

When Bishop Dewane saw that he had a missed call from Cardinal Christophe Pierre, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States, he recalled, “I bet I know what this is about.” When the Bishop and Cardinal Pierre connected, it was indeed news that “the Holy Father (Pope Leo XIV) had accepted my resignation. The nuncio proceeded to give me the name of the new Bishop and asked that I call him to put things in motion for the transition and celebrations surrounding his ordination and installation of the new Bishop.”

Having reached the retirement age of 75 in March 2025, Bishop Dewane reflected that getting the news was not a shock per se, but it did stir in him a time to reflect and pray.

“As a Bishop, we are, in a sense, married to our Diocese and work for a number of years – for me almost 20 – investing a lot of time and of oneself, but then you realize change is good. A change in personnel, a change in the leaders, I think it’s a positive thing for all involved.”

Bishop Dewane said he is not the same person he was when he was appointed to the Diocese of Venice as Co-Adjutor Bishop in 2006.

“It is a natural thing in life to move on,” the Bishop said. “When I left positions before I wasn’t retiring, I was just moving on, so it is a little bit different in that regard.”

The reality of his retirement and acting as Bishop Emeritus and Apostolic Administrator for the Diocese during the transition has helped Bishop Dewane realize that big changes were coming to his life. “There were things you were responsible for, and now you are not. I still had confirmations that had to be done, because they are scheduled, but other events were put aside.”

Talking to the Bishop-elect

Cardinal Pierre provided Bishop Dewane with the contact information for Bishop-elect Emilio Biosca Agüero, O.F.M. Cap., and the two played phone tag before finally connecting.

The initial conversation was an opportunity for the two to get to know a little bit about each other. “He told me a little bit about himself, where he was assigned and how he was part of a religious order.”

Bishop Dewane said the call reminded him of when he was notified that he was going to be the Bishop of the Diocese of Venice in Florida. “I couldn’t help but think back on how I felt at the time I was told about my appointment and where I was going. I remember thinking, ‘I haven’t spent a lot of time in Florida. I don’t know too much about the Diocese. What do I do next?’”

The initial contact between Bishop Dewane and Bishop-elect Biosca mainly focused on setting the announcement date (May 13), and then setting a date for the ordination and installation, as well as where it would take place due to the ongoing reconstruction of Epiphany Cathedral in Venice.

This schedule had to be coordinated with the schedule of the new Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, as well as with the Bishop consecrators, and Bishop Biosca’s Provincial, Father Robert Marva, O.F.M., Cap.

During Bishop Biosca’s first visit to the Diocese, he stayed at Bishop Dewane’s house behind Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School in Sarasota which allowed the opportunity to talk in a less formal setting. The Diocesan Chancellor, Dr. Volodymyr Smeryk, served as an escort for Bishop Biosca when he went to see the site for the ordination and visited other locations.

Further contact has revolved around the plans for the various celebrations connected with Bishop Biosca’s ordination and installation.

“It is an exciting time for the Diocese. It is right that someone new can come in with fresh ideas and visions that will lead the faithful into the future,” Bishop Dewane said. “The new Bishop, as well as the faithful and clergy of the Diocese of Venice are in my prayers. May the Diocese continue to grow and flourish, bringing the Good News of the Gospel to our corner of the world.”

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