In a special treat for the Diocese of Venice, Relevant Radio’s “Family Rosary Across America” was broadcast live from St. Isabel Parish on Sanibel on March 7, 2022.
Host, Father Francis “Rocky” Hoffman, had two special guests, Bishop Frank J. Dewane and Archbishop Bernard Hebda of Minneapolis – St. Paul, In addition, a group of more than 60 parishioners were present for the live broadcast which was recorded in the Parish church.
Father Rocky opened the broadcast at 7:45 p.m., interrupting regularly scheduled programming, with an interview of Bishop Dewane and Archbishop Hebda during which they discussed their time together in seminary at the North American College in Rome.
Bishop Dewane asked about about his history and life before entering seminary when he worked in the then-Soviet Union for NBC. The Bishop offered his unique perspective on the current war between Ukraine and Russia, saying that the situation deeply saddens him, knowing the Russian and Ukrainian people who don’t want war.
“There is a strong spirituality in both of those countries, and it is particularly painful to see what has happened and developed and wonder where they have put the place for Christ in their lives,” Bishop Dewane stated. “In the northern part of the Diocese there are large numbers of Ukrainians, and they have a strong spirituality.”
Father Rocky inquired about the reported large number of participants in the daily Mass and wondered if there was something in the water.
“It’s the good people who come here, and those who are here; that’s really what it is, and also the Grace of God,” Bishop Dewane said. “It is true the daily Mass is shoulder to shoulder, crowded. Some Parishes do not have enough room in their Chapel during (the winter) season so the Mass goes into the main Church. I’d say this is a good problem to have.”
When asked for his special prayer intentions during the Family Rosary Across America, Bishop Dewane said: “I think we all need to pray for peace in our world, particularly with Ukraine in mind. To ask Our Lady’s intercession for people who have deep roots in spirituality, in the recognition in Our Lady, that they can come together and that the Holy Spirit will inspire the respective leaders to worry not so much about their egos but to worry about their people who are in such desperate need. Also, here in the Diocese of Venice, for our young people… that the Lord continue to inspire them in a desire for faith and a living of their faith throughout their lives.”
Archbishop Hebda led praying of the rosary who Bishop Dewane lead the responses. Father Rocky described the Joyful Mysteries (used each Monday on the program) while also sharing prayer intentions from callers across the country. These callers included young children who were praying for family members while others called in to request prayer intentions for the ill or those who have died. The faithful from St. Isabel were also afforded the opportunity to share their own prayer intentions.
Relevant Radio can be heard on 106.7 FM and 1410 AM in Fort Myers and 93.3 FM (NEW) and 1660 AM in Naples and is also available online at https://relevantradio.com/.
Bishop Dewane has a monthly radio show “Witnessing Faith with Bishop Dewane,” which can be heard at 8:30 a.m. on the last Friday of the month. The next broadcast is March 25. Outside of the listening area, access to the program is available at https://dioceseofvenice.org/our-bishop/relevant-radio-podcasts.
A reception in the Parish Hall preceded the live broadcast hosted by the staff of St. Isabel Parish including Father Ed Martin, Pastor.
The format of the Listening Sessions includes an opening prayer and remarks from Bishop Frank J. Dewane. The Sessions transition into group table discussions focusing on some of the key questions posed by the Synod.
The annual Wine Tasting, Auction & Dinner Dance “Child’s Play” event to benefit Our Mother’s House of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, Inc., was held Feb. 24, 2022, at the Venice Community Center in Venice.
Two examples of the positive impact Our Mother’s House has was represented in unique ways during the evening. The first was the announcement that a former resident has now returned as a caseworker, offering unique insight into the effectiveness of the program.
“I will never have enough words of thanks for Our Mother’s House and everyone who came into my life during that time. They have really changed me into a better person and planted the seed that continues to grow.” Christina received a standing ovation.
For Bishop Dewane, the installation of a Pastor reinforces the leadership role of the priest as a guide in the spiritual life of the Parish, as each person lives the call of Christ in his/her own way. Father Ligenza has been serving as Administrator at St. Joseph Parish since 2019.
The installation ceremony concluded with the signing of documents by the Bishop, the new Pastor, and two official witnesses of the Parish community who serve as witnesses for all of the parishioners.
Grand displays are not what the Lord wants, explained Father Robert Tatman, Parochial Vicar of St. Jude Parish in Sarasota. The clear example of this is represented in the ashes marked on one’s forehead to open Lent on Ash Wednesday, March 2, 2022.
For those not prepared for the collection, donations may be sent to the Diocese of Venice, with “Ukraine” indicated in the memo or note line at the following address: Diocese of Venice in Florida, Ukraine Relief, 1000 Pinebrook Road, Venice, FL 34285.
To celebrate its years of service as the main Retreat Center for the Diocese of Venice, a “Butterfly Ball” was held Feb. 19, 2022, at the St. Thomas More Parish Chelsea Center in Sarasota. The elegant evening included a live and silent auction as well as a “Gift from the Heart” appeal.
The Bishop also thanked everyone present for their support of OLPH that evening and through the years. “Your assistance will allow OLPH to remain the sacred and spiritual haven that it is today and will continue to be for many years to come.”
With the exception of the founding Director, Father Mallen, all past and present Directors and Administrators were in attendance at the “Butterfly Ball.” The past Directors included Redemptorist Father Peter Sousa, Carmelite Father J.J. McCarthy, Oblates of the Virgin Mary Fathers Sean Morris and Shawn Monahan. Currently serving is Father Yavarone and assisting is Father Lino Estadilla, OVM. Sister Carmella was Administrator of OLPH for 18 years, and Denise Riley has held that position since 2013.
The 40-day Season begins on Ash Wednesday, March 2, 2022, ending at sundown on Holy Thursday, April 14, and is an opportunity for the faithful to undertake the practices of prayer, fasting and almsgiving as a means to know Christ better and follow His will more faithfully.
I ask the Faithful of the Diocese of Venice to join me in condemning these despicable acts. Hate is never to be tolerated. Pope Francis said anti-Semitism is “a fuse that must not be allowed to burn. And the best way to defuse it is to work together, positively, and to promote fraternity.” Let us be united in prayer.
The combined years married for the couples present in Venice was well over 15,756, with 57 couples present celebrating their 50th anniversary this year, and five couples each celebrating 70 or more years.
The longest couple married present in Venice were Donald and Nonna Rassier of Epiphany Cathedral, who will be celebrating 74 years together on Oct. 2, 2022. Four additional couples, celebrating 70 or more years, were present for the Mass including: Carl and Natalie Pensak, Raymond and Gayle Bickowski, both 70 years; Thomas and Dolores Martorana, 71 years, and Leon and Ann Reser, 73 years.
