Tag: blue mass

Diocese commemorates 25 years since 9/11 terror attacks

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Although it has been 25 years since the United States was attacked by terrorists on Sept. 11, 2001, raw emotions still come to the surface for those who remember that dark day.

Johnny Schroeder, a retired New York firefighter who was on Engine 10, the first company to arrive at the World Trade Center after a jet airliner struck the north tower, spoke during a Sarasota Ministerial Association 9/11 commemoration at Sarasota National Cemetery.

Schroeder said he shouldn’t be alive, recounting moments of that terrible day in which he barely escaped the collapse of both towers, the horrific loss of countless friends, and how he suffers the lingering health struggles from inhaling toxic dust while working at Ground Zero. “I’m here to say thank you all for showing up and being here,” Schroeder said. “To all who survived that day, 25 years later we’re still rocking it.”

The commemoration included talks by various first responders and 9/11 survivors about the necessity to continue to mark Sept. 11, so that people can remember that day and its impact on America, to honor the fallen and to thank the first responders, and members of the military and veterans. The event was made possible in partnership with the Diocese of Venice and Sarasota County Emergency Services.

Father Jacob Gwynn, U.S. Navy Reserve, of St. John the Evangelist Parish, Naples, offered the opening invocation. Father Jiobani Batista and Deacon Humberto Alvia, of St. Jude Parish, Sarasota, offered the prayer of condolences in English and Spanish. Other priests and deacons from St. Martha and Incarnation parishes in Sarasota also participated. Students from Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School, Sarasota, volunteered and handed out programs and water.

The commemoration included the colors presented by a combined fire, police and sheriff’s office honor guard, a Knights of Columbus Honor Guard, patriotic music, and a flyover by the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office helicopter. The remembrance concluded with a 21-gun salute by the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard and the playing of “Taps.”

Several Diocesan parishes celebrated commemorative Masses, including at St. Thomas More, Sarasota, St. John XXIII, Fort Myers, as well as at St. Peter the Apostles, St. Agnes, and St. John the Evangelist, each in Naples.

A Blue Mass to honor first responders took place Sept. 13, at Our Lady of Lourdes, Venice. The Mass was celebrated by Msgr. Patrick Dubois, Rector of Epiphany Cathedral. Msgr. Dubois acknowledged and was in awe of the selfless acts of bravery by all first responders, from those who entered the Twin Towers on 9/11 to those who work in the local community each day.

The Mass included 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. The service concluded with the reading of the names of several retired first responders who died in the past year.

Diocesan Catholic schools also commemorated the 9/11 attacks, where the lessons were about remembering and educating a new generation about the impacts of 9/11 on the nation and the world, particularly because none of the students were born when the attacks occurred.

Bishop Verot Catholic High School in Fort Myers gathered to remember those lives, to hear the personal stories of those who experienced that day, and to pray together as one school. In addition, 2,977 American flags were placed across the front of the campus – one for each life lost on September 11, 2001. Prior to the evening home football game, there was a tribute to first responders, the military and veterans.

Archbishop Paul S. Coakley, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops issued a statement, which said in part: “As conflicts intensify around the world, let us renew our commitment to be Christ’s instruments of peace in an increasingly fractured and divided world.” To read the full statement, please visit Marking September 11 Anniversary, Archbishop Coakley Offers Prayers and Encourages Continued Commitment to be Instruments of Peace | USCCB.

All other schools held prayer services to mark the day.

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.

9/11 24th anniversary commemorated, first responders honored

Posted on by Bob Reddy

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.

First responders honored, 9/11 Anniversary commemorated

Posted on by Bob Reddy

To honor those who serve as first responders in the community as well as to commemorate the 23rd 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. 15, 2024, 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.

“We honor them all for what they do; their dedication and their devotion to lives of others,” Bishop Dewane said of all current and past first responders. “We say ‘Thank you!’ We congratulate you all for the fine job that you do in our society, and for the safety and security you give us. We join in praying with you and for you that the Lord continues to bless you that are here and your colleagues who are not here who set about to do service. It is through the actions of all first responders, every single day, that they reach out and clearly evidence to will the good of the other, and in doing so they become ministers of love – living out that Commandment – ‘love one another as I have loved you.’ In that act of willing the good for the other, know that Christ sees the good that you do in loving your neighbor.”

In remembering the sacrifice of the hundreds of first responders who died on 9/11, doing their duty and willing the good of others, Bishop Dewane said, “For those who were lost during 9/11, we pray for them, and for the whole other cadre of firefighters and police officers who survived but were injured or have suffered health problems because of their bravery and are becoming fewer and fewer. Your goodness is respected. Know and remember that true love is Christ’s love, and it never fails!”

Present for the Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes was the Sarasota County Fire Department Honor Guard, uniformed firefighters, Venice police officers, Sarasota County Sheriff’s deputies and more. In addition, the Knights of Columbus Color Corps, the Knights on Bikes and many members of the Knights took part in the opening procession. Following the closing prayer, the names of five first responders were read and then the fire bell was rung to note the death of a member. The bell was rung in a series of five rings, repeated four times.

On Sept. 11, a memorial Mass for 9/11 was celebrated at St. Peter the Apostle Parish in Naples. The Parish has hosted on annual 9/11 Mass since 2002 as a piece of the World Trade Center steel was made into a cross and is in the Parish Chapel. In addition, the Parish is also home to Father Gerard Critch, Pastor at St. Peter the Apostle, who ministered as a chaplain for first responders in New York in the weeks following the terror attacks.

Students at Diocesan Catholic schools also took part in Masses, or various prayer services and classroom activities to commemorate this important moment in the nation’s history.

For example, St. Charles Borromeo Catholic School held a prayer service in their school courtyard, inviting local first responders to participate and be recognized.

Several students at St. Francis Xavier Catholic School in Fort Myers participated in the Sept. 7 Tunnels to Towers 5K at Florida Southwest College. The race honors a group of firefighters who ran through a tunnel to reach the World Trade Center Twin Towers on 9/11 before dying during the rescue and subsequent collapse of the buildings.

In a similar annual event, 16 St. John Neumann Catholic High School students participated in the 17th Annual “Take a Soldier Fishing Tournament” in Naple on Sept. 14, 2024. This event supports veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan in the fight against terror.

In a special classroom project at Bishop Verot Catholic High School in Fort Myers, students first researched 9/11 memorial websites to learn about and to connect with the story of one survivor, bringing a personal understanding to the tragedy. Following this reflective online journey, the students participated in a visual tribute, placing 2977 toothpick flags into Styrofoam spheres – one for each life lost on that fateful day. This act of remembrance served not only as a history lesson but as a profound connection to the human stories of 9/11.

These activities took place to 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.

Blue Mass honors sacrifice of First Responders

Posted on by Bob Reddy

St. Agnes Parish in Naples hosted an annual Blue Mass on Jan. 28, 2023, to honor and remember the service of active, retired and fallen law enforcement officers, firefighters and first responders who offer their lives in service to the community to keep us all safe and well. A crowd of more than 800 were present.

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.

Father Bob Kantor, Dean of the Southern Deanery, State Chaplain for the Knights of Columbus, welcomed everyone to the Parish. Father Kantor said the Mass serves to honor law enforcement, firefighters and all first responders, both active, retired and in remembrance of the deceased, particularly those who lost their lives in the line of duty.

In addition to many retired first responders from across the country, present at the Mass in and out of uniform were members of the Collier County Sheriff’s Office, Collier County Fire Department, Naples Fire Department, Naples Police Department, Florida Highway Patrol, Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, and Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

“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.”

In attendance for the Mass were Governor Ron DeSantis and his family, U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds (District 19), Kathleen Passidomo, President of the Florida Senate, as well as Collier County Commissioners, Naples City Council Members and more.

The guest homilist, Father Kevin G. Donovan, a priest of the Archdiocese of Hartford, who has been a Chaplain at multiple public safety agencies, including the Connecticut State Police, and is a retired volunteer firefighter for more than 30 years, reflected upon his own experiences as a first responder and Chaplain. He noted, from the telecommunication experts in the 911 dispatch center who takes the 911 call for help, all the way to the last person to leave an emergency scene; they each take a pledge to repeatedly and immediately respond to do what they are trained to do.

“We once again give our oath to the safety, security, and wellbeing of people, to the protection of lives and property of the people of whom we have been called to serve – it doesn’t matter what kind of incident that call may be. It doesn’t matter whether the incident is a nuisance call or a terrible fire, in all of our efforts – when we respond — we recall that pledge that we made on the day we took that oath.”

Father Donovan concluded by calling on all people to reach out to first responders, known or unknown, and thank them and say that they are valued and treasured for choosing their life’s work.

Father Michael Orsi, Parochial Vicar at St. Agnes Parish as well as a police and fire Chaplain in Collier County, helped to spearhead the organization of the annual Blue Mass several years ago into an annual event. Father Orsi said he is always humbled to be in the presence of so many who put their life on the line each day, committed to helping others.

After the Mass, each active and retired first responder present was asked to come forward to receive a token of appreciation. Law enforcement officials received a St. Michael the Archangel Medal, firefighters a St. Florian Medal, and a special medal was also presented for all other first responders.

A barbeque, hosted by the Knights of Columbus, followed in the Parish Hall. It was during the luncheon when Governor DeSantis spoke about how the state supports the role of first responders and what is being done to boost their ranks through a variety of ongoing efforts.

Blue Mass honors sacrifice of First Responders

Posted on by Bob Reddy

St. Agnes Parish in Naples hosted an annual Blue Mass on Jan. 29, 2022, to honor and remember the service of active, retired and fallen law enforcement officers, firefighters and first responders who offer their lives in service to the community to keep us all safe and well. A crowd of more than 500 were present.

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.

The guest homilist. Msgr. Salvatore A. Criscuolo, a police and fire Chaplain in Washington DC., said the Mass was “to celebrate you and thank you as we know we can’t get along without you. You have an extremely difficult job as you are called upon every day to go out onto the streets to protect and to serve while continuing to live the oath you took at the academy on the day you were sworn in as a first responder.”

Msgr. Criscuolo said each first responder knows that not everyone always returns from their shift, making the ultimate sacrifice. He cited recent tragic instances of first responders who were killed in the line of duty including two New York Police Department officers who were gunned down when they were ambushed responding to a call for help; and three Baltimore City firefighters who died in a building collapse while fighting a fire to protect a neighborhood.

“We especially remember those men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice,” the Monsignor continued. “We remember them not how they died but how they lived. We remember their courage, commitment, dedication and their calling given to them by God Himself. We also remember the families, the loved ones, the coworkers, the friends and the neighbors they left behind.”

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.”

Father Michael Orsi, Parochial Vicar at St. Agnes Parish as well as a police and fire Chaplain in Collier County, helped to spearhead the organization of the annual Blue Mass, and said he was humbled to be in the presence of so many who put their life on the line each day, committed to helping others.

A note of congratulation from District 28 State Senator Kathleen Passidomo was read at the conclusion of Mass. In addition, each active and retired first responder present was asked to come forward to receive a token of appreciation including a red, white or blue rosary made by a group of parishioners, and a St. Padre Pio token which read Hope, Pray, Don’t Worry, and was donated by the Robert L. Zore Fallen Officers Foundation.

Father Orsi was presented with several commemorative items including a U.S. Flag which was flown over the National 9/11 Memorial in New York City, as well as a Rolling Thunder motorcycle vest.

A barbeque, hosted by the Knights of Columbus, followed in the Parish Hall.

News Briefs from around the Diocese Jan & Feb 2020

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Diocesan group enjoys Catholic Days at the Capitol

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.

 

Seminarian becomes Lector

Diocese of Venice Seminarian Daniel Scalan was among a group of first-year students at Pontifical North American College in Rome, to receive the Ministry of Lector on Jan. 11. Archbishop Bernard Hebda, of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis, was the main celebrant and homilist. As part of the rite, the Archbishop placed the Holy Scriptures in the hands of each candidate and said, “Take this book of Holy Scripture and be faithful in handing on the word of God, so that it may grow strong in the hearts of his people.”

National Order of Malta leadership meets in Naples

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.

 

 

Register now Mission Possible Immokalee 2020

The very popular Mission Possible Immokalee 2020 trip registration for high school students is NOW OPEN! Organized as a joint effort of the Diocese Mission Office and Office of Evangelization, students will work on service projects from June 8-12, assisting at Catholic Charities of Collier and Lee Counties sites, Guadalupe Social Services and the Coalition of Immokalee Workers. The mission trip is $199 and includes meals, lodging and transportation to work sites. For more information, please contact the Diocese of Venice Mission Office at 239-241-2233. All registration must be through Youth Ministers at your local Parish or Catholic School.

Bishop recognizes Knights of Bikes

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.”

Parish honors first responders

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.

North Port Show of Shows

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.

Jammin’ for the Mamas a success

About 130 guests showed up at the Boca Royale Golf and Country Club in Englewood for a “jawsome” night of fun, food, music and fundraising with the Shark Sisters! The Jammin’ for the Mamas event featured the popular local music trio and all proceeds benefited Our Mother’s House of Catholic Charities which serves homeless mothers and their children and helps them to achieve self-sufficiency.

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