To honor those who serve as first responders in the community as well as to commemorate the 24th Anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks on the U.S., several Masses, and special events took place throughout the Diocese of Venice.
Bishop Frank J. Dewane was the principal celebrant for a Blue Mass on Sept. 14, 2025, at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Venice, recognizing the work of active first responders in the community while also reflecting on the sacrifice of those who served or perished in the line of duty both locally as well as on 9/11 in New York City.
Noting that it is important to come together to remember the events and sacrifice of the first responders on 9/11, Bishop Dewane said the Blue Mass also honors those active duty first responders who serve as “ambassadors of peace, bringing peace to so many people as you do your job in our community each day.”
The Mass fell on the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross which the Bishop said recognizes Christ’s suffering and death on the Cross while bringing healing to the world.
“The job you do is so very important to all of because as you respond to the call to serve the common good,” Bishop Dewane said. “We ask God to bless you this day, as you go forward in your vocation, your mission – doing the good the Lord asks of you – and that you be kept safe. We ask that you receive the wisdom of the Holy Spirit, needed at times to make difficult decisions, as you strive to respond to help your brothers and sisters in need. We also pray for those who have lost their lives in the line of duty. Know the Lord sees what you strive to do and reaches out to protect you as well as to be with you. And know that you are in the prayers of everyone here.”
Present for the Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes was the Sarasota County Fire Department Honor Guard, uniformed firefighters, Venice police officers, North Port police officers, Sarasota County Sheriff’s deputies, K-9 search and rescue teams, among others. In addition, the Knights of Columbus Color Corps, the Knights on Bikes and many members of the Knights Council 9924 took part in the opening procession.
Following the closing prayer, Knight Nick Catone read the names of three local first responders (all retired) who died in the past year. As each name was read, a bell tolled to honor and mark the death.
On Sept. 11, a memorial Mass for 9/11 was celebrated at St. Peter the Apostle Parish in Naples. A piece of the World Trade Center steel was made into a cross and is in the Parish Chapel. The Parish has hosted an annual 9/11 Mass since 2002 for all Collier County first responders.
Students at Diocesan Catholic schools also took part in Masses, various prayer services and classroom activities to commemorate this important moment in the nation’s history even though none of the students were born in 2001.
For example, at St. Ann Catholic School, students paused for a moment of silence in remembrance of September 11. Eighth grade students also visited the 9/11 Memorial on the campus to honor the lives lost and the heroes who served with courage.
These activities help all remember the bravery and courage, the sacrifice and loss, and the unity that followed September 11, 2001, and to ensure that the students and the faithful never forget the impact that day continues to have and will forever have on this nation.
The opening procession was led by a bagpiper, the Knights of Columbus Color Corps, Columbiettes, Knights on Bikes (but not on their bikes) and Rolling Thunder Motorcycle Club, followed by the concelebrating priests.
“We are here to recognize and pray for those of you here who have sacrificed so much in your challenging professions,” Father Kantor added. “Your calling is not an easy one, but it is so vitally important in our society today and we deeply appreciate you and we wish to honor you for your selfless service. Our prayer today is that you be safeguarded from all harm and that God will lovingly bless you and your family who share in the sacrifices that you make to keep our community safe and well. May our prayers today give you comfort and strength.”
The opening procession was led by a bagpiper, the Knights of Columbus Color Corps, then retired and active honorees and finally members of the Rolling Thunder Motorcycle Club.
What first responders do daily is to stand in harm’s way in defense of human dignity, Msgr. Criscuolo concluded. “Do not despair. You are witnesses to the great hope that there is a better way. That’s who you are. You are that defense for each one of us, and are witnesses to hope, love and charity.”
During the Jan. 28-30 Catholic Days at the Capitol, Bishop Frank J. Dewane gave a legislative briefing to participants from across Florida. A group of nearly 50, including students from each Diocesan Catholic high school traveled for this important lobbying opportunity.
The Order of Malta – American Association, held and Board of Counsellors meeting in Naples in late January. Bishop Frank J. Dewane celebrated a Mass for the group on Jan. 27 at St. William Parish.
Bishop Frank J. Dewane celebrated Mass at St, Agnes Parish in Naples on Jan. 26, the Sunday of the Word of God. During the Mass, Bishop Dewane offered a special recognition for the Knights on Bikes, a club of Knights of Columbus which includes avid motorcycle enthusiasts. Members took part in the opening and closing processions of the Mass. At the conclusion, the Bishop blessed special key chains with a cross. Each member wears a vest with patches that read: “In God We Trust and Ride” and “In Service to One. Inservice to All.”
St. Agnes Parish in Naples, honored Law Enforcement Officers, Fire Fighters, and First Responders, both active and retired with a Blue Mass on Jan. 25. Dozens of officers attended with their families to honor first responders who died in the line of duty and to pray for the safety of those still serving. The guest homilist was Father Sean Connor, Chaplain of the Boston Police Department. During the final blessing Father Michael Orsi, Parochial Vicar of St. Agnes, blessed medals of St. Michael the Archangel to give out to all the first responders for protection.
Catholic Charities Diocese of Venice Inc. and the Knights of Columbus hosted The Goldtones Jan. 25 at the first ever North Port Sugar Bowl Show of Shows. Playing songs from 50s and 60s The Goldtones entertained an enthusiastic crowd at the North Port Performing Arts Center at North Port High School. The Sugar Bowl Fund helps support families in crisis, providing emergency financial assistance for low-income families in Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte counties. The Sugar Bowl Fund is a community partnership between Catholic Charities and the local Knights of Columbus Councils. The goal of the fund is an attempt to keep families together, self-sufficient and relieved of some of the pressures that cause greater hardship. Financial assistance can include help for car repairs, medical bills, utilities, rent or mortgage payments as well as relocation fees. The North Port Show of Shows was the first in this part of the area, similar events have been taking place for several years in Venice each fall and in Bradenton each Spring.
