Jubilee Youth Adoration Nights a success

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

This was the idea behind the Jubilee Youth Adoration Nights which took place at four Parishes, with the first Jan. 16, 2025, and last on May 2. Hundreds of teens from all regions of the Diocese participated in the gatherings, which were part of the 2025 Jubilee Year as established by Pope Francis. The theme for the special year is “Pilgrims of Hope.”

Organized by the Diocesan Office of Youth and Young Adults, each night included a talk about the 2025 Jubilee Year, with a special emphasis on the importance of understanding the Real Presence of Christ in the Most Blessed Sacrament.

Sister Faithful Konkolics, S.S.V.M., spoke to the youth from several Parishes in the Eastern Deanery at the closing Youth Adoration Night at St. Paul Parish in Arcadia, which appropriately took place on May 2, the First Friday of the Month.

Opening with pizza and fellowship in the Parish Hall, Sister Faithful addressed the boys and girls, about the miracle behind the Most Blessed Sacrament.

“Even though He ascended into heaven, Jesus left Himself behind because He didn’t want to leave us orphans,” Sister Faithful said. “Jesus instituted the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist so He will be with us, here on earth, until the end of time. This is found at every single Mass. The Eucharist is the fuel we need to live our lives.”

When preparing the teens ahead of going into the church to participate in Eucharistic Adoration, Sister Faithful encouraged them to open their hearts a little bit and to look at Christ in the Most Blessed Sacrament. “He’s looking at you. He wants to come to you, and He is not going to do it by force because He loves us too much. He wants us to receive Him. He wants us to love Him back. That is all He desires. Just let Him love you.”

Following the talk, the teens proceeded into the Church for Eucharistic Adoration, and several priests were available for the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Tamara Reyes said the Adoration Night was emotional for her because she had only been to Adoration a few times, but honestly never took it as seriously as she should have. “I know Jesus is there, but I never really thought too much about it. I was sad when we first came into the church, but then knowing Jesus wanted me there really made a big difference to me. I also went to confession because it felt right. My heart is now full of joy from Christ’s mercy,” Tamara said.

The first Youth Adoration Night was Jan. 16 at St. Agnes Parish in Naples, then Jan. 31 at St. Andrew Parish in Cape Coral, and March 22 at St. Patrick Parish in Sarasota.

While each night was geared toward teens, many adults, mostly parents, also participated in the Eucharistic Adoration portion of the evenings.

The Youth Adoration Nights were among several events that have been hosted by the Diocese of Venice in conjunction with the Jubilee Year 2025. For example, in February hundreds of the faithful participated in a Eucharistic Pilgrimage that included five different Parishes, and in March there was a Diocesan Eucharistic Conference held in Punta Gorda which drew more than 1,800. Additional events are being planned throughout the year.

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

The Jubilee Prayer

Father in heaven,

may the faith you have given us

in your son, Jesus Christ, our brother,

and the flame of charity enkindled

in our hearts by the Holy Spirit,

reawaken in us the blessed hope

for the coming of your Kingdom.

May your grace transform us

into tireless cultivators of the seeds of the Gospel.

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

in the sure expectation

of a new heaven and a new earth,

when, with the powers of Evil vanquished,

your glory will shine eternally.

May the grace of the Jubilee

reawaken in us, Pilgrims of Hope,

a yearning for the treasures of heaven.

May that same grace spread

the joy and peace of our Redeemer

throughout the earth.

To you our God, eternally blessed,

be glory and praise for ever.

Amen

2025 Schools’ Angels Devotional Project concludes – Catholic students grow closer to Christ

The more than 6,500 Diocese of Venice Catholic school students have spent the past six months taking part in a special devotional project wherein they learned more about Angels and their importance in Salvation History, all in a continued effort to help each student grow closer to Jesus Christ.

The theme for the 2024-2025 Diocesan Catholic School Devotional Project was from the Litany of the Holy Guardian Angel: “Instruct me in the duties and truth of Salvation.” The Devotional Project was inspired by Pslam 91:11: “For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.”

The focus on the devotion to the Angels is supported by Bishop Frank J. Dewane, who has encouraged the devotional project since its inception in the 2020-2021 academic year.

The Devotional Project had two parts, a Junior Catechist program where eighth grade students from each of the Diocese’s 12 elementary schools received specialized training in November 2024 and brought their knowledge about the Angels, Guardian Angels and Archangels, and how to grow closer to the Lord into their respective schools. In addition, an art contest took place encouraging students from kindergarten through high school to submit their vision of Angels, Guadian Angels and Archangels.

The Devotional Project closing ceremony took place May 2, 2025, at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Venice. Father John Belmonte, SJ, Diocesan Superintendent of Catholic Education, celebrated Mass for the Junior Catechists and the art contest winners. Also participating were teachers and parents.

Each Junior Catechist received a gift basket for their hard work, while the art contest winners received a gift, ribbon, a framed 20×30 print and prayer cards with their artwork. On the reverse of the card was a Prayer to the Holy Angels.

During the Mass, Father Belmonte stressed the importance of how all Angels help us overcome our fears. “They are our great protectors,” he said, stating that the word angel occurs 200 times in Sacred Scripture, 100 times in the Old Testament, and 100 times in the New Testament.

“The message that we receive from God, from the Church, from the Holy Angels is this: ‘Have no fear!’” Father Belmonte said. “The Catechism of the Catholic Church (336), affirms the existence of angels and traditional function: ‘From its beginning until death, human life is surrounded by their watchful care and intercession.’ St Basil the Great taught, ‘Beside each believer stands an angel as protector and shepherd leading him to life.’”

This is the fourth year the Diocesan Catholic schools have had a devotional project, with 2022-2023 focused on the Most Holy Eucharist (which coincided with the Diocesan Year of the ongoing National Eucharistic Revival); 2021-2022 on the Saints and the Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of Saints; and 2020-2021 on St. Joseph.

Art contest

For the art contest winners, there were more than 200 entries. Honorees were, Grace Breen, grade 12, Bishop Verot Catholic High School in Fort Myers; Dominik Bock, Grade 12, Bishop Verot; Shiloh Teeter, grade 11, Bishop Verot; Avah Kipp, grade 11, Bishop Verot; Sicily Pace, grade 8, St. Charles Borromeo Catholic School in Port Charlotte; Isla Collins, grade 6, St. Martha Catholic School in Sarasota; Luke Holderness, grade 4, Epiphany Cathedral Catholic School in Venice; and Luke Falestiny, grade 1, Epiphany.

Grace Breen, who has been recognized for artwork for the past three years, was proud to be honored for her artwork, which she said was very personal. Having a special place in her heart for St. Michael the Archangel, the saint is at the center of the piece, holding his shield and wearing armor while standing atop a volcano, which Grace said showed Michael conquering evil powers. At the top of the image, she included St. Raphael and St. Gabriel. In addition, there is God on His throne, in front of the host and in the background is the Holy Spirit, a visual representation of the Holy Trinity. A golden ribbon, held by God, represents the fabric of time.

Sicily Pace of St. Charles Borromeo Catholic School in Port Charlotte decided to create a beautiful colorful image of her Guardian Angel. “I wanted to show what she looks like in heaven as she looks over me,” Sicily said.

At reception following the Mass and awards, all of the participants joined in praying the Prayer to the Holy Angels:

“O Leaders of the heavenly armies, although we are always unworthy, we beseech you that with your prayers you may encircle us with the protection of the wings of your angelic glory. Watch over us as we bow low and earnestly cry out to you: Deliver us from trouble, O princes of the heavenly armies. Amen.”

2025 Mother’s Day Message from Bishop Frank J. Dewane

Happy Mother’s Day! May is a month of renewal—of new life and new beginnings. Since medieval times, it has also been considered the Month of Our Blessed Mother in the Church. As the earthly Mother of Jesus, Mary holds a unique and exalted place. Her perfect discipleship, her faithful “yes” to God’s will, and her enduring presence within the Church as Mother, make her the crown of all creation!

How fitting then that in this month we celebrate not only our Blessed Mother, but all mothers, whom God has entrusted with the awesome responsibility of bringing new life into the world!

Pause today to think of your own mother, perhaps even all the moms you know. Take the time to accompany those who may be experiencing a challenging time. Pray that Our Blessed Mother may guide and care for them, as motherhood is not always an easy road.

Let us pray that all mothers be supported and encouraged in their special vocation of love, and that children honor their many sacrifices by lives of love and service.

Happy & Blessed Mother’s Day!

 

+ Frank J. Dewane

Bishop of the Diocese of Venice in Florida

Mother’s Day celebrates all moms, including those in need

The month of May in the Church is dedicated to the Blessed Mother, the earthly mother of Jesus, the Son of God. In May we also celebrate Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 11, 2025, honoring all moms, including those in need, or experiencing an unexpected or difficult pregnancy.

The news of an unexpected pregnancy can come as a shock and bring overwhelming feelings of fear, shame, anxiety, and doubt. Without a strong support system, what should be joyful news, can instead be experienced as a crisis. Often, a woman facing an unexpected pregnancy may not know where she can turn for help and assistance.

Walking with Moms in Need is a nationwide program established in 2020 by the U.S. Bishops and operates at the Parish level to accompany pregnant and parenting mothers in need.

The Diocese of Venice is an active participant in this outreach which works to ensure that any woman who finds herself unexpectedly pregnant, or parenting in difficult circumstances, can turn to her local Catholic Church and be connected with the resources she needs. As Pope Francis reminds us, Parishes need to be “islands of mercy in the midst of a sea of indifference.” For resources in English and Spanish on how you can Walk with a Mom in Need, visit https://dioceseofvenice.org/offices/offices-departments/respect-life/walking-with-moms-in-need/.

The USCCB also offers a new guide to help the faithful learn how they can support a friend experiencing an unexpected pregnancy, called “10 Ways to Support Her When She is Unexpectedly Expecting,” and can be found at respectlife.org/support-her.

Each tip offers practical advice because for women, an unexpected pregnancy can be a difficult and frightening time, and it’s important that she knows she has support.

The guide also provides a reminder that prayer in essential. “Although the tips mentioned can be helpful, don’t forget the most important thing is to pray. Even if it’s just a quick two-second prayer, prayer is the most effective way we can help. Pray for her, for her child, and for guidance in how you can give her the best possible support.”

For more information about Respect Life activities in the Diocese of Venice, please contact Respect Life Director Tavia Ames at ames@dioceseofvenice.org, or 941-441-1101 or visit www.dioceseofvenice.org/respectlife.

Eucharistic Revival offers faithful “missionary” opportunity

As the three-year National Eucharistic Revival draws to a close, an exciting new initiative is being offered to the faithful.

The Revival offers Catholics the opportunity to become “officially” commissioned Eucharistic Missionaries through participation in a brief five-week online formation series. Participants will learn how to take their Catholic and Eucharistic Faith, live it out even more effectively, and share it with their families, friends, and neighbors, armed with the education – and courage – they may need to do so.

Bishop Frank J. Dewane wrote a May 6, 2024, letter to the priests of the Diocese encouraging the promotion of this opportunity. “Isn’t this what the Eucharistic Revival is all about? After three years of renewed understanding and reverence for Jesus’s Real Presence, the time has come to go forth, to share the good news of our Eucharistic Lord with the world, to evangelize!”

The series’ weekly sessions begin Sunday, May 18, and will conclude with a special commissioning prayer on the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Jesus Christ (Corpus Christi), Sunday, June 22.

The National Eucharistic Revival is an initiative of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops to promote the devotion to the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. Since June 2022, the Revival has included a Diocesan phase, a Parish phase and now a missionary phase. During this time, Bishop Dewane has hosted three Conferences, one each year of the Revival. Each of the gatherings included thousands of the faithful, who attended to hear internationally renowned speakers, celebrate Mass with Bishop Dewane, participate in Eucharistic Adoration, and share their faith together.

The Revival is not a program, but a movement that is the joyful, expectant, grassroots response of the Church in the United States to the divine invitation to be united once again around the source and summit of our faith in the celebration of the Eucharist.

Since that time, the results have been extraordinary, most importantly with Eucharistic Adoration opportunities and availability increasing. There has also been increased attention to catechesis on the Real Presence, more frequent Eucharistic Processions and Devotions throughout the Diocese.

Bishop Dewane concluded his letter to the priests stating this is a unique opportunity for parishioners, and how they should be “heartily encouraged” to take part in this final phase of the National Eucharistic Revival, “which will empower them to evangelize as true, commissioned Eucharistic Missionaries!”

News Briefs for the week of May 9, 2025

Bishop leads Diocesan staff in honoring to Mary, Our Blessed Mother

May is a special month in the Church, dedicated to Our Blessed Mother. Bishop Frank J. Dewane led the Catholic Center staff in prayer and song on May 1, 2025, in Venice, at a special prayer service in honor of the Virgin Mary. The faithful of the Diocese of Venice are encouraged to honor the Blessed Virgin Mary all month, and to celebrate Mary’s example which inspires us to grow in faith, hope, and love. May our prayers to her, and through her intercession, bring us closer to her earthly son, the Son of God, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Students learn about the Conclave

Ahead of the Papal Conclave, which began at the Vatican on May 7, 2025, students at St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic School in Naples took part in a mock Conclave on May 6. This was a unique opportunity for the students to learn about the process the Cardinal electors go through when voting for the successor of St. Peter. The event included a detailed explanation of the process from Religion Teacher Jeff Tenbarge and Father Casey Jones, Pastor of St. Elizabeth Seton Parish. Older students gathered for an explanation and a visual demonstration of how the Cardinals process into the Sistine Chapel and vote along with the meticulous verification process involving Scrutineers and Revisers.  The rest of the school then gathered outside of the school’s administrative building – a mock St. Peter’s Square – to see the white smoke announcing a new Holy Father. An eighth grader played the part of the newly elected Pope. This was a fun event and great learning experience for all as this process takes place very infrequently.

Priest speaks to eighth graders about Vocations

Father David Portorreal, Parochial Vicar at St. Leo the Great Parish in Bonita Springs, was a guest speaker on May 6, 2025, at St. Francis Xavier Catholic School in Fort Myers. Father Portorreal spoke to the eighth-grade students about Vocations. Father explained that each student is old enough to start thinking about their future. Priesthood, religious life, sacramental marriage, and consecrated single life are the four vocational options for young people today. As they grow and mature in their faith, Father Portorreal stressed the need for them to keep an open mind, but more importantly an open heart in hearing the call of God in their lives.

 Theology on Tap May 15 in Sarasota

Calling all young adults! Come enjoy an evening of faith, fellowship and fun at Theology on Tap on the third Thursday of every month. The May 15, 2025, gathering will feature a talk by Father Leland Thorpe, OMV, who assists at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center in Venice. The talk is titled “Behold Your Mother: Thoughts on Mary in Mary’s Month.” Theology on Tap is a program for young adults in their 20s and 30s, providing an opportunity to explore faith topics in a relaxed social setting. The evenings are held at Oak & Stone, 5405 University Parkway, University Park, and begin with food and refreshments at 7 p.m., and presentations and discussions about the Catholic Faith beginning at 8 p.m. For more information, or with questions, contact Andres Prias, prias@dioceseofvenice.org.

St. Mary Academy Golf Tournament May 18

St. Mary Academy is hosting their 12th Annual Golf Tournament with a shotgun start at 1 p.m., May 18, 2025, at University Park Country Club, 7671 The Park Blvd, Sarasota. This is a best-ball tournament, and the cost is $150 per player. Participants will receive a goody bag, drinks, snacks, prizes, awards, and a sit-down BBQ dinner buffet. The event supports St. Mary Academy, which educates students with special learning needs. Contact Connie Taft, Director of Development and Marketing at 941-366-4010 ext. 318 or ctaft@stmarysarasota.org for more information and to register.

Eucharistic Conference at Ave Maria May 16-18

The 2025 Mary, Mother of the Eucharist Conference is scheduled for May 16 – 18, 2025, at Ave Maria University. The theme is “Be it done to me according to thy word” (Luke 1:38). The Conference will include talks from Father Chris Alar, Dr. Edward Sri, Mary Healy, Mother Adela Galindo of the Servants of the Pierced Hearts of Jesus and Mary, Jon Niven, and Deacon Mark Miravalle. The Conference will include Mass, Adoration, lodging and meals. Registration is $190 per person. For more information and to register, please visit https://www.aveconferences.com/.

Ave Maria Youth Conference July 11-13

The 2025 Ave Maria University “Proclaim” Youth Conference is July 11-13, 2025. The theme for the Conference is “But as for you, go and proclaim the Kingdom of God” (Luke 9:60). The Conference will include talks from Sister Maria Jose Socias, SCTJM, Michael Gormley, Mari Pablo, and Father Joseph Lugalambi. Music will be by Epic Music Ministries. The Conference will include Mass, Adoration, praise and worship, lodging, meals, t-shirts, a pizza night, and more. Registration is $195 per person. For more information or to register, please visit https://www.aveconferences.com/.

Respect Life volunteers needed

Do you have a passion for life?  The Diocese of Venice needs you!  We are looking for volunteers and leaders interested in becoming involved in local respect life activities with their Parish. Many new families are moving to Southwest Florida, and we need your help! It’s very rewarding work! To get involved, please contact Tavia Ames, ames@dioceseofvenice.org, or 941-441-1101.

Volunteers needed for Prison Outreach

Join the team of Diocesan volunteers who enter county jails and state prisons within the 10-county Diocese of Venice to do pastoral outreach, distribute the Eucharist and facilitate programs. Priests, Deacons, and lay volunteers are encouraged to assist in this ministry. Volunteers will first participate in an orientation program before entering the facility and will “shadow” experienced volunteers until they feel comfortable. Times and days vary by facility. Please contact Joe Mallof at 224-217-7139 or Bob Hiniker 863-558-0407 to learn where you fit into this joyful opportunity.

Safe Environment Training

As part of the Safe Environment Program, the Diocese of Venice requires that all employees and those volunteers who work with children and/or vulnerable adults be fingerprinted and complete online training in Safe Environment prior to beginning employment or volunteering. To report any abuse against minors to the Florida Department of Children and Families please call 800-962-2873. Further, if Diocesan personnel or volunteers are involved, also notify the Diocesan Victims Assistance Coordinator, Susan Benton, at 941-416-6114. Please visit the Diocese of Venice website for further information.

May: A month dedicated to Mary

The Blessed Virgin Mary’s path of faith and hope serves as an example to all.

This is just one of the reasons that the Universal Church dedicates the Month of May to the Blessed Virgin Mary. The month serves as an opportunity to reflect upon the season of the Liturgical Year which largely corresponds with the 50 days of Easter. Therefore, time should be taken to reflect on Our Lady’s participation in the Paschal mystery.

When Mary, the Immaculate handmaid of the Lord, gave her unequivocal “Yes!” to God, she followed the One who bestows universal favors, and the human race would never be the same. Mary trusted in the will of God to the fullest measure: “Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled (Luke 1:45).”

Bishop Frank J. Dewane said that through Mary’s example, we learn the important lesson from the Gospel of Luke (1:37-38), that nothing will be impossible for God. ‘Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to Your word.’ “Without God, we cannot fulfill His Mission. Our Lady understood that, so must each one of us. We must radically change our inner selves and have that same strength to do the will of the Lord.”

During Advent 2017, Bishop Dewane, in unity with the priests and faithful of the Diocese of Venice, formally consecrated the Diocese to Jesus through the Immaculate Heart of Mary. By this Act of Consecration, which coincided with the 100th anniversary of the apparitions of Our Lady of Fatima, the faithful entrusted the Diocese and its good works to Our Lady so as to fulfill more readily the will of her Divine Son for His Church.

Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis said Mary’s greatness does not consist in performing an extraordinary deed, but in silence and adoration; she placed Jesus at the center and bears witness to Him as Savior.

In 2018, the Holy Father established the Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church, which is celebrated the Monday after Pentecost (June 9). The Memorial reminds us how Jesus Himself, through an act of entrusting, willed that the divine maternity be extended to all men and women, that is, to the Church herself.

Pope Francis said, “the message of hope contained in God’s blessing was fully realized in a woman, Mary, who was destined to become the Mother of God, and it was fulfilled in her before any other creature.” The Holy Father added that “our journey of faith is the same as that of Mary, and so we feel that she is particularly close to us.”

May is also the time when young Catholics often receive the Sacrament of Holy Communion for the first time. Additionally, Parishes and Catholic schools in the Diocese have May Crowning ceremonies in which a statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary is adorned with a crown of flowers.

The Month of May is also to be used as a time to renew a commitment to praying the Mysteries of the Rosary (Joyful, Sorrowful, Glorious and Luminous). Of the 117 titles Our Lady has, she personally said during her appearance at Fatima, “I am the Lady of the Rosary,” and urged the shepherd children to “say the rosary every day to obtain peace in the world.”

Pope Francis had a strong devotion to praying the rosary, describing it as armor to be used in the spiritual battle we face each day. Many saints through the centuries have promoted the importance of the rosary as a key to one’s faith life. St. Francis de Sales said the greatest method of praying is to “Pray the Rosary.” St. Mother Teresa referred to the power of the rosary, calling everyone to pray it, to live and persevere.

Pope Paul VI wrote an encyclical in 1965 citing the Month of Mary devotion as a means of obtaining prayers for peace. May is the “month which the piety of the faithful has especially dedicated to Our Blessed Lady,” Pope Paul VI wrote, and May is the time for a “moving tribute of faith and love which Catholics in every part of the world [pay] to the Queen of Heaven. During this month Christians, both in church and in the privacy of the home, offer up to Mary from their hearts an especially fervent and loving homage of prayer and veneration. In this month, too, the benefits of God’s mercy come down to us from her throne in greater abundance.”

The Christian custom of dedicating the month of May to the Blessed Virgin arose at the end of the 13th century. In this way, the Church was able to Christianize the secular feasts which were meant to take place at that time. In the 16th century, books appeared and fostered this devotion.

Bishop celebrates Mass to pray for victims of child abuse

Bishop Frank J. Dewane celebrated Mass April 25, 2025, the Friday within the Octave of Easter, at Epiphany Cathedral in Venice, with the specific intention of praying for victims of child abuse.

This was the 18th year the Diocese has held a Mass to pray for the victims of abuse, which takes place in April to coincide with National Child Abuse Prevention Month.

As noted by Bishop Dewane, the Mass was also held in the context of the mourning of the death of Pope Francis, who “strove to put in place mechanisms to address the question of sexual abuse within the Church.”

Bishop Dewane noted that during a trip by Pope Francis to Belgium in 2024, the Holy Father addressed the royal family, stating “the Catholic Church is ashamed by the abuse that had taken place, particularly the clerical sexual abuse.”

“Any number of young individuals – men and women – have been crippled within the Church by the issue of sexual abuse,” Bishop Dewane said, noting the message in the first reading for the day, Acts 4:1-12, when a crippled man is cured by Peter, saved in the name of Jesus Christ. “We must all sincerely pray for the person who may be crippled by the actions of another – perhaps not crippled in a way that is seen or easily perceived but very deeply buried.”

Bishop Dewane explained that under the leadership of Pope Francis, the Church has attempted to put in place mechanisms that facilitate decisions on how to carry out a response to sexual abuse – whether that be for bishops, for priests, for officials of the Diocese, or for officials in the Vatican. “The Holy Father was always aware of the sensitivities of how best to address abuse, and how to give that global application to the issue – particularly within the context of the cultural differences from area to area and how to best address it.”

Bishop Dewane said that Pope Francis often noted how the Church is responsible for a portion of society, but “the idea that the issue of sexual abuse is somehow only a problem for the Church, we know is not correct. It is a societal issue that all of us have to be engaged in, each according to their respective roles. Bishops have a role, a pastor has a role, the priest in a Parish has a role, but the faithful also have a role.”

The first role of the faithful is by praying for the victims of abuse and all who suffer from its impacts directly or indirectly. The faithful must also respond with their eyes and ears, protecting the innocents that are in our midst from what can occur.

While it is a good thing that the issue of clerical sexual abuse is not in the media as often as it once was, no one should think everything is okay or that everything is solved, Bishop Dewane explained.

Several who attended the Mass at Epiphany Cathedral noted that the words of Bishop Dewane reminded them that this issue is still something that must remain at the forefront, most important is the continuation of prayers for the victims of all abuse.

“It is too easy to backslide,” the Bishop said. “I commit to continue to address this issue. I ask you to pray for those victims; to pray for the priests to have the strength to overcome the evil we see out in society. It is throughout society, and we all have to take the opportunity to address it in that arena and in the conversations we have with our friends. Let us remain always united in Christ and concerned to protect any child from any form of abuse.”

The Diocese of Venice has a comprehensive Safe Environment Program which was established to protect the most vulnerable among us from abuse while raising awareness to prevent abuse from happening. The program educates thousands each year, working to provide education for all employees (clergy, religious and laity), and those volunteers and others regularly working with minors and vulnerable adults. The program provides information on the issue of abuse of children, including the detection, prevention, and reporting of child abuse. The Safe Environment Program has a component which includes training sessions for children and young people in Catholic schools. A key component of the Safe Environment initiative is that it includes a background check for all employees and volunteers.

The Diocese of Venice annually undergoes a comprehensive audit by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Secretariat of Child and Youth Protection to ensure that the Diocese is in compliance with current directives.

Report any abuse against minors to the Florida Department of Children and Families at 800-962-2873. Further, if Diocesan personnel or volunteers are involved, also notify the Diocesan Victims Assistance Coordinator, Susan Benton, at 941-416-6114.

For more detailed information about what the Diocese of Venice does to prevent abuse and the Safe Environment program, please visit https://dioceseofvenice.org/offices/programs/safeenvironment/.

PRAYER FOR HEALING VICTIMS OF ABUSE

The Secretariat of the USCCB encourages the faithful to recite the following Prayer for Healing Victims of Abuse.

God of endless love, ever caring, ever strong, always present, always just:

You gave your only Son to save us by his blood on the cross.

Gentle Jesus, shepherd of peace, join to your own suffering the pain of all who have been hurt in body, mind, and spirit by those who betrayed the trust placed in them.

Hear the cries of our brothers and sisters who have been gravely harmed, and the cries of those who love them. Soothe their restless hearts with hope, steady their shaken spirits with faith. Grant them justice for their cause, enlightened by your truth.

Holy Spirit, comforter of hearts, heal your people’s wounds and transform brokenness into wholeness. Grant us the courage and wisdom, humility and grace, to act with justice. Breathe wisdom into our prayers and labors. Grant that all harmed by abuse may find peace in justice.

We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Courtesy of the Secretariat of Child and Youth Protection of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

 

UNA ORACIÓN DE SANACIÓN VÍCTIMAS DE ABUSO

Dios del amor infinito, Siempre presente, siempre justo;

Tú nos cuidas y nos proteges Y nos diste a tu único Hijo Para salvarnos con su sangre en la cruz.

Jesús manso, pastor de la paz, Dígnate unir a tu propio sufrimiento

El dolor de todos los que han sido heridos De cuerpo, mente y espíritu

Por parte de aquellos que traicionaron la confianza puesta en ellos.

Escucha el clamor de nuestros hermanos y hermanas Que han sido lastimados gravemente, Así como el clamor de aquellos que los aman. Dales la esperanza que mitigue el desosiego de sus corazones, Dales la fe que calme sus espíritus perturbados. Concédeles justicia para su causa, Ilumínalos con tu verdad.

Espíritu Santo, consolador de corazones, Cura las heridas de tus hijos e hijas

Y devuelve la integridad a lo que ha sido quebrantado. Concédenos el valor y la sabiduría, La humildad y la gracia, para actuar con justicia. Sopla tu sabiduría en nuestras oraciones y empeños. Que todos los que han sido heridos por el abuso

encuentren paz y justicia.

Te lo pedimos por Cristo, nuestro Señor. Amén.

Masses honoring Pope Francis celebrated at Parishes

Parishes throughout the Diocese of Venice have been holding Memorial Masses in the wake of the death of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025.

Bishop Frank J. Dewane celebrated a Diocesan-wide Mass to commemorate the papacy of Pope Francis on April 24, at Our Lady of Lourdes in Venice.

Subsequently, Parishes throughout the region have followed suit with many of the Masses in honor of Pope Francis, first the Masses of the Day within the Octave of Easter with the repose of the soul of Pope Francis as the intention. Following the Octave of Easter Parishes followed the Mass for the Dead, where the celebrating priests wore red vestments and prayer intentions were for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis.

At St. Agnes Parish in Naples, the Mass to honor Pope Francis was April 25, Friday within the Octave of Easter in English and Spanish, with Father Bob Kantor, Pastor, and Father Alejandro Giraldo-Roldan, Parochial Vicar, concelebrating.

Speaking of Pope Francis, Father Kantor said at the opening of the Mass that “this is a Mass to acknowledge his life and service to Our Lord, and for the special place he had in the Church as the successor to the Apostle .In a way we gather as do for a funeral, because we mourn the death in the family. This time it is our Holy Father, someone who served faithfully and to his last breath proclaimed the Gospel of Jesus Christ.”

Father Kantor later reflected upon the extraordinary mercy and humility Pope Francis brought to his papacy, reminding the Catholic faithful that Jesus’ death and resurrection brought with it mercy from God for us all.

“He described the Church as a field hospital, an instrument of healing for those in need,” Father said. “He stressed this fact over and over again, with a Year of Mercy (2016) and ministering to those on the margins of the Church.”

Father Kantor encountered Pope Francis during World Youth Day pilgrimages, first in 2013 to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, months after Pope Francis was elected Pope, and then again in Krakow, Poland in 2016. The papal message to the youth, which resonates to this day: “I’m inviting you to set out on a journey to discover life along the path of love and to seek the face of God – do not set out as mere tourists but as true pilgrims.” That message is reflected in the ongoing 2025 Jubilee Year, with its message calling all to be “Pilgrims of Hope.”

Father Giraldo-Roldan said having Pope Francis be the first Pope elected from the Americas will always be close to his heart, himself being from Columbia. He also appreciated how the Holy Father made himself accessible to the people, personally interacting with many sharing his true love for all.

Prior to the Mass at St. Agnes was a Holy Hour, with Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and the prayer intentions also said for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis.

Similar Memorial Masses took place throughout the Diocese leading up to the end of the mourning period on May 4. Prayer intention at Masses will then shift to calling for the Holy Spirit to guide the College of Cardinals in the voting for the next Pope during the coming Conclave.

News Briefs for the week of May 2, 2025

Appointment

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

Father Franckel Fils-Aime, assigned for post graduate study at Pontifical North American College in Rome effective April 10, 2025, and thus is relieved of his duties as Parochial Vicar of St. Peter the Apostle Parish in Naples

 

Two from Mooney receive accolades for basketball success

The star player and head coach of the State Championship Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School Lady Cougars, who won the FHSAA 3A Championship on March 1, 2025, have both received top honors for their success this year. Senior Kali Barrett was voted the Florida Dairy Farmer 2025 3A Girls Basketball Player of the Year, while Head Coach Marlon Williams was named the Florida Dairy Farmers 2025 Class 3A Girls Basketball Coach of the Year. The Lady Cougars won the first State Championship in school history in March with a 27-9 record, finishing on a 17-game winning streak after starting the season 7-9. The program is rooted in hard work, discipline, and in the heart – and it showed every step of the way. Congratulations Kali and Coach Williams!

 

Mother’s Day Mass and Brunch at OLPH

Father Greg Cleveland, OMV, presents, “Precious and Hidden: Reflections on Motherhood,” on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 11, 2025, at 3989 S. Moon Drive, Venice. Continental breakfast at 9:30 a.m. is followed by a morning conference, Mass with Mother’s Day Blessing, lunch, and the afternoon conference and optional Rosary Walk. Register online at www.olph-retreat.org and click on “Schedule of Events.”

 

Students collect food for local community

Students at St. Francis Xavier Catholic School in Fort Myers completed a service project for Lent that included collecting peanut butter and jelly for the Community Cooperative, a soup kitchen and food bank. Students collected an astounding 1,400 jars, packing up and delivering them on April 16, 2025. This is a great example of how Catholic school students live out their Catholic values through service and generosity.

 

Theology on Tap May 15 in Sarasota

Calling all young adults! Come enjoy an evening of faith, fellowship and fun at Theology on Tap on the third Thursday of every month. The May 15, 2025, gathering will feature a talk by Father Leland Thorpe, OMV, who assists at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center in Venice. The talk is titled “Behold Your Mother: Thoughts on Mary in Mary’s Month.” Theology on Tap is a program for young adults in their 20s and 30s, providing an opportunity to explore faith topics in a relaxed social setting. The evenings are held at Oak & Stone, 5405 University Parkway, University Park, and begin with food and refreshments at 7 p.m., and presentations and discussions about the Catholic Faith beginning at 8 p.m. For more information, or with questions, contact Andres Prias, prias@dioceseofvenice.org.

 

St. Mary Academy Golf Tournament May 18

St. Mary Academy is hosting their 12th Annual Golf Tournament with a shotgun start at 1 p.m., May 18, 2025, at University Park Country Club, 7671 The Park Blvd, Sarasota. This is a best-ball tournament, and the cost is $150 per player. Participants will receive a goody bag, drinks, snacks, prizes, awards, and a sit-down BBQ dinner buffet. The event supports St. Mary Academy, which educates students with special learning needs. Contact Connie Taft, Director of Development and Marketing at 941-366-4010 ext. 318 or ctaft@stmarysarasota.org for more information and to register.

 

Apply NOW to be a Totus Tuus Summer Camp Missionary

Time is running out to apply to become a Diocese of Venice Totus Tuus Summer Camp Missionary. The deadline to apply is May 8. Totus Tuus is an exciting Catholic Parish Catechetical Camp for students in grades 1 – 12. The weeklong day camp held at Parishes in the Diocese of Venice is led by trained, paid missionaries. Missionary applications for the summer 2025 camp are now being accepted from anyone, age 18 or older, with an authentic, dynamic Catholic faith who is actively living the teachings of the Catholic Church. One year of college/work is preferred, but mature recent high school graduates will be considered. This is a great summer experience for anyone who wants to work in ministry, education, or with children in other settings. Please visit https://dioceseofvenice.org/totustuus2025/ for more information, or to apply.

 

Eucharistic Conference at Ave Maria May 16-18

The 2025 Mary, Mother of the Eucharist Conference is scheduled for May 16 – 18, 2025, at Ave Maria University. The theme is “Be it done to me according to thy word” (Luke 1:38). The Conference will include talks from Father Chris Alar, Dr. Edward Sri, Mary Healy, Mother Adela Galindo of the Servants of the Pierced Hearts of Jesus and Mary, Jon Niven, and Deacon Mark Miravalle. The Conference will include Mass, Adoration, lodging and meals. Registration is $190 per person. For more information and to register, please visit https://www.aveconferences.com/.

 

Ave Maria Youth Conference July 11-13

The 2025 Ave Maria University “Proclaim” Youth Conference is July 11-13, 2025. The theme for the Conference is “But as for you, go and proclaim the Kingdom of God” (Luke 9:60). The Conference will include talks from Sister Maria Jose Socias, SCTJM, Michael Gormley, Mari Pablo, and Father Joseph Lugalambi. Music will be by Epic Music Ministries. The Conference will include Mass, Adoration, praise and worship, lodging, meals, t-shirts, a pizza night, and more. Registration is $195 per person. For more information or to register, please visit https://www.aveconferences.com/.

 

Respect Life volunteers needed

Do you have a passion for life?  The Diocese of Venice needs you!  We are looking for volunteers and leaders interested in becoming involved in local respect life activities with their Parish. Many new families are moving to Southwest Florida, and we need your help! It’s very rewarding work! To get involved, please contact Tavia Ames, ames@dioceseofvenice.org, or 941-441-1101.