Tag: capuchin

Bishop Emilio presides over first confirmation as shepherd of diocese

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Bob Reddy, Florida Catholic

Bishop Emilio E. Biosca, O.F.M. Cap., presided over his first Sacrament of Confirmation as Shepherd of the Diocese of Venice, Sept. 19, 2026, at Sacred Heart Parish, Punta Gorda.

“I’m so happy the first confirmation as a bishop is taking place here at Sacred Heart,” Bishop Emilio said. “Like all priests, I’ve had confirmations at the Easter Vigil or under special circumstances, but this is first time as a bishop in this Rite of Confirmation. Where I came from, Sacred Heart in Washington, D.C., is going to be jealous they weren’t first.”

Bishop Emilio said the Sacrament of Confirmation holds a special place in his heart because it is day of tremendous joy, witnessing how the candidates have come to know God in their lives.

This rite of entering the Church is so important for the life of the Church, the bishop said it should also be a beautiful moment for those present to be witnesses. He added that when we witness a sacrament, whether it is baptism, marriage, First Holy Communion, even a funeral, something happens.

“There is something about witnessing a rite and that moment that splashes on us and enables us to renew our own Christian life and see our life in a different way,” Bishop Emilio said.

The stories of each candidate should serve as an inspiration and reminder of how God works in each person’s life differently, as the Lord knows unending mercy and love, the bishop said. The bishop also encouraged the sponsors, friends, family, catechists, and parishioners to accompany the newly confirmed and help them continue to grow in their faith, saying that full entry into the Church is just a beginning.

Bishop Emilio also reminded the candidates that while they renounced Satan as part of the renewal of their baptismal promises, they must get into the habit of renouncing their sins and professing their faith every day.

“You have a tremendous advantage, there are materials and catechetical instruction in the Catholic faith that I didn’t have access to years ago,” Bishop Emilio said of many online resources. “Life can get complicated and distract us from our faith. Take advantage of what is out there because having a vivid and dynamic faith is so important.”

As part of the rite, Father Russell Wright, administrator of Sacred Heart called each of the 12 candidates by name. Bishop Emilio then prayed over them before they individually came forward with their sponsor.

Each sponsor placed his or her right hand on the candidate’s right shoulder. Then with his right thumb, the bishop made the sign of the cross on each candidate’s forehead with the holy Chrism oil while saying their chosen saint name and “Be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit.” The confirmed replied, “Amen.” At this point, the bishop said, “Peace be with you,” and the newly confirmed responded, “And with your spirit.”

Afterwards, Bishop Emilio took photos with the group, individuals with their sponsors, and then with families.

The Diocese of Venice religious education program emphasizes the importance of the Sacrament of Confirmation during a two-year period. The young men and women go through a process where they renew and refresh what they previously learned before transitioning into studying about the gifts of the Holy Spirit. This program culminates in Confirmation, when they are full Christians who are called to be more and reflect the love and goodness of Christ in their heart and soul.

Catechists commissioned to share faith

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Bob Reddy, Florida Catholic

Catechists throughout the country were united and recognized on Catechetical Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026, for the important role they play in the mission of the Catholic Church.

These catechists impart the faith upon people of all ages either in parish religious education programs or in Catholic schools.

The 2026 theme for Catechetical Sunday was “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me… to bring good news to the poor” Lk 4:18. The passage reveals Jesus’ mission and identity. Anointed by the Holy Spirit, he is sent to bring hope, healing, and freedom – especially to the poor, the brokenhearted, and the forgotten.

At Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Venice, Bishop Emilio E. Biosca, O.F.M. Cap., celebrated the Mass and presided over the commissioning of about two dozen catechists.

Bishop Emilio said the catechists play a crucial role in helping those seeking sacraments and religious education to see how God works in their lives.

“The stories of catechumens and candidates reveal how God is so generous and merciful. He comes back, time and time again, inviting us to be a part of His Church,” Bishop Emilio said. “Each of us is called to be witness to the Gospel. Today you renew your commitment in this beautiful mission.”

Bishop Emilio then offered the commissioning prayer: “With your fatherly blessing, Lord, strengthen these servants of yours in their resolve to dedicate themselves as catechists. Grant that they will strive to share with others what they themselves derive from pondering your Word and studying the Church’s teaching. And let them gladly join those they teach in honoring and serving your name.”

Following the prayer, Bishop Emilio blessed the catechists with holy water. This took place at parishes throughout the Diocese of Venice. For example, there were 41 catechists who were commissioned at St. Paul Parish, Arcadia.

All religious education programs across the diocese are either already running or starting by mid-October for the faithful of all ages. Some classes are working on requirements necessary to receive the various sacraments, while others are continuing their religious education, which never formally concludes.

 

The Gift of Formation and Fraternity – Bishop Emilio shares reflections on journey to Italy.

Posted on by Bob Reddy

By Bishop Emilio E. Biosca, O.F.M. Cap.

Peace and Goodness.

The days from September 2–13, 2026, were a blessed time of grace, formation, fraternity, and renewed hope. I return to the Diocese of Venice with a grateful heart.

Upon arriving in Rome, the Capuchin brothers, Father Diogo Escudero and Brother Aklilu Petros, met me at the airport and generously accompanied me throughout my stay. On the first day, Father Diogo and I visited the tombs of St. Peter and St. Paul to pray for the faithful of the Diocese of Venice. The pastoral visits were still fresh in my heart, and I was grateful to entrust our priests, deacons, religious, and lay faithful to the intercession of these great Apostles.

The first 10 days were dedicated to the new bishops formation course (Annual Formation Course for New Bishops from Around the World, with its theme: “In Christ, Guardians of the ‘Magnifica Humanitas’ in Times of Transformation”), which brought together approximately 150 bishops from around the world who had been ordained during the past year. It was a wonderful opportunity to meet bishops from different cultures and pastoral situations and to recognize the unity of our vocation and mission in the Church.

The course provided an extraordinary opportunity to listen, learn, reflect, and share. Seventeen formal presentations were given by bishops, archbishops, and cardinals, addressing various dimensions of the vocation and ministry of a bishop. Each presentation was followed by questions and discussion, allowing the new bishops to share their pastoral experiences, hopes, and concerns.

The seventeenth, and final, presentation was given by the Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV on Sept. 10, 2026. He reminded the new bishops that our ministry begins with discipleship and that we must remain close to Jesus through prayer, Scripture, and the Eucharist. He called us to embody the compassionate heart of Christ, to love and support our priests, to remain close to our people, and to serve with pastoral charity.

This encounter was especially memorable because the Holy Father opened the floor for the new bishops to ask questions and share their thoughts. For more than an hour, we experienced a genuine closeness and fraternity with the Successor of Peter. It was deeply encouraging and reminded us that the episcopal ministry carries great responsibility and none of the bishops are alone.

The daily celebration of Mass was at the heart of the entire course. Each day, a bishop, archbishop, or cardinal offered the homily, grounding our reflections in the Eucharist. This was an important reminder that episcopal ministry ultimately flows from communion with Christ. Everything we do as bishops must begin and end at the altar. Before we can shepherd others, we must first allow ourselves to be shepherded by Christ.

Formation and Fraternity in Assisi

From Rome, the journey continued to Assisi for the gathering of Capuchin bishops from September 10–13. These days were a natural continuation of the formation received in Rome, with a particular emphasis on our identity and vocation as Capuchins.

To gather in Assisi was itself a profound grace. We were in the places made holy by the lives of St. Francis and St. Clare. Our time together included prayer, meditation, Eucharistic celebrations, and formation sessions focused on the responsibilities of episcopal ministry and the importance of remaining faithful to the charism we received as Capuchin friars.

On the final day of the gathering in Assisi, the Capuchin Cardinal Sean O’Malley celebrated Sunday Mass and preached on Matthew 18:21–35, teaching that a defining mark of a Christian is the willingness and then the ability to forgive one’s brother from the heart. He shared examples of the genuine fruit of forgiveness and reconciliation. This was a profound teaching that can only truly be lived out through the action of the Holy Spirit. We pray for this grace and for each other.

Perhaps the greatest gift of Assisi was the fraternity we experienced. We shared meals, prayer, and many conversations. These ordinary moments became important occasions of grace.

Thank you all for your kindness and support.

To read what Pope Leo XIV said during the new bishops meeting on Sept. 10, please visit https://dioceseofvenice.org/newbishops/.

Bishop meets Pope Leo XIV

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Bishop Emilio E. Biosca, O.F.M. Cap., met the Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, at the conclusion of his participation in the Annual Formation Course for New Bishops from Around the World in Rome.

The meeting with Pope Leo took place Sept. 10, 2026, in the Synod Hall of the Vatican, following a Mass by all the new bishops in St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican. The bishops gathered for Mass and spent time in veneration of the relics of St. Peter the Apostle.

The audience with Pope Leo lasted approximately two hours with the pontiff offering greetings and having a free exchange of questions and comments for about an hour.

Bishop Emilio expressed his joy and humility at meeting the holy father, “Pope Leo asked about the priests, deacons, religious and faithful in the Diocese. He was very interested in knowing about the people in the Diocese. He promised prayer and support.”

The formation course was Sept. 2-10 and was organized by the Dicastery for Bishops (Dicasterium pro Episcopis) with its theme: “In Christ, Guardians of the ‘Magnifica Humanitas’ in Times of Transformation.” The gathering brought together newly appointed bishops from across the world for a time of formation, fraternity, prayer, and reflection on the mission of the episcopate in today’s rapidly changing world.

During the 10 days of the new bishop formation course in Rome, they listened to 16 formal presentations on various topics related to the vocation and mission of the bishop. There was also a formal homily during the daily Mass given by bishops, archbishops and cardinals.

Bishop Emilio found poignancy in four specific talks. The first was, Placuit In His Quos Elegisti Glorificare (The Mystery and Ministry of the Bishop in the Liturgy), was presented by Cardinal Arthur Roche, Prefect of the Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments.

Bishop Emilio said this presentation explored the bishop’s identity and ministry through the “episcopal ordination prayer, especially the phrase ‘God has willed to be glorified in those whom he has chosen.’ Episcopal ministry begins with divine initiative and election, and its purpose is to make Christ visible through humble, holy, self-giving service, rather than personal achievement, prestige, or power.”

The second talk, “Building Together: The Ministry of the Bishop in the Construction Sites of Our Time,” was presented by Cardinal Michael Czerny, S.J., prefect emeritus of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development.

Cardinal Czerny presented the episcopal ministry as “building together.” Bishop Emilio said the cardinal explained how “bishops inherit an ongoing diocesan construction site and must lead through listening, synodality, shared responsibility, and discernment. Drawing on St. Augustine and ‘Magnifica Humanitas,’ it calls the Church to engage society, digital transformation, and public life, guided by faith, charity, and hope.”

The third talk, “La trasmissione della fede e la dignità Umana” (The transmission of faith and human dignity), was by Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández. It was about examining the growing rupture in the intergenerational transmission of Christian faith worldwide. It calls for renewed missionary proclamation centered on the kerygma (‘proclamation,’ which represents the foundational, initial announcement of the Gospel rather than in-depth teaching or rules), supported by welcoming communities, meaningful liturgy, personal witness, beauty, cultural engagement, and pastoral accompaniment. Evangelization must ultimately unite faith with a profound commitment to human dignity and social transformation.

The other major talk Bishop Emilio referenced was, “Diocesan Structures of Communion and Collaboration and the Tribunals with Particular Reference to Mitis Iudex Dominus Iesus and Vos Estis Lux Mundi,” by Bishop Anthony Randazzo, Prefect of the Dicastery for Legislative Texts. The presentation explains that diocesan structures, tribunals, and safeguarding offices should express communion, collaboration, justice, and charity. Focusing on “Mitis Iudex Dominus Iesus” and “Vos Estis Lux Mundi,” it calls bishops to exercise personal responsibility, ensure accessible and fair procedures, protect confidentiality, and prioritize the salvation of souls.

Other highlights of the bishop’s visit to Rome included Mass with the other bishops Sept. 8, Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, celebrated at the very first Church in the West erected in her honor, St. Mary Major. The bishops also paid their respects to Pope Francis, who is buried there. Bishop Emilio joined other bishops for a tour of the Pontifical North American College where many diocesan priests have studied.

Bishop Emilio had the opportunity to visit with Father Franckel Fils-Aime, a diocesan priest who is currently studying in Rome. Bishop Emilio shared that he had connected with Bishop Manuel de Jesús Rodríguez, of the Diocese of Palm Beach, who was appointed in December 2025; Bishop Osmany Masso Cuesto, Bishop of Bayamo-Manzanillo, Cuba, who was appointed in January 2026 (Bishop Emilio was previously a missionary in that diocese); and Bishop Jacek Piotr Tendej, C.M., of the Diocese of Alotau-Sideia, in Papua New Guinea, who was appointed in July 2025 (Bishop Emilio was also a missionary in Papua New Guinea).

Earlier in his trip to Rome, Bishop Emilio took time to pray before the tombs of the apostles Ss. Peter and Paul, as well as those of several popes, carrying with him the prayers of the faithful of the Diocese of Venice. He also visited the tombs of St. John Paul II, St. John XXIII, St. Paul VI, St. Pius X, and Pope Benedict XVI.

Bishop Emilio went directly from the bishop formation course to Assisi, where he joined about 150 other Capuchin bishops for a weekend retreat for a time in fraternity. The gathering coincides with the occasion of the 500th anniversary of the reforms among Franciscans that led to the formation of the Capuchin religious order (1525-1528). The Capuchin bishops will celebrate the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass at the Tomb of St. Francis on Sept. 12.

Please continue to pray for Bishop Emilio as he continues his journey through Italy.

Episcopal Vicar for Clergy assumes new role

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Bishop Emilio E. Biosca, O.F.M. Cap., has a deep devotion and passion for the care of the clergy of the Diocese of Venice.

During his recent 50-day 61-parish tour of the diocese, Bishop Emilio saw a need to put a priest into the role of Episcopal Vicar for Clergy. The role is intended to accompany each priest through the different stages of his life, from priestly ordination until his final reward at death.

On Aug. 20, 2026, Bishop Emilio appointed Father Robert J. Kantor as Diocesan Episcopal Vicar for Clergy.

“Father Bob has been a priest for a long time and is very well respected and regarded by the priests of the Diocese,” Bishop Emilio told a gathering of diocesan staff Aug. 25, at the Catholic Center in Venice. “This appointment has huge ramifications for the diocese. All priests, no matter whether they are active or retired, are still part of the larger diocesan family. It is part of the human responsibility of the diocese to accompany these priests, whether it is in financial, health or spiritual matters, they must be assisted all the way to the end.”

Father Kantor, who is also currently pastor at St. Agnes Parish, Naples, said, “I’m humbled that Bishop Emilio asked me to work in this capacity and it’s a position that’s close to my heart.”

“Over many years, I have worked with and come to appreciate the diverse group of priests and deacons who serve in our diocese,” Father Kantor said. “Everything I do will be with an eye to making it a better place to minister and serve our Lord. The more the clergy is supported through good policies, clear communication, continuing education, and opportunities for spiritual growth, the more fruitful all the People of God here will be.  I hope in some small way that I can contribute to that.”

Father Kantor was born in Buffalo, New York and graduated with a BA in Journalism and Broadcasting degree from SUNY College in Buffalo, New York, and with a Master’s Degree in Divinity from Christ the King Seminary. Father Kantor was ordained to the priesthood Oct. 24, 1998, at Epiphany Cathedral, Venice.

Following his ordination, Father Kantor served as parochial vicar at Ss. Peter and Paul the Apostles Parish, Bradenton before he was assigned administrator of St. Agnes in 2007. For more than 22 years, Father Kantor served in the United States Navy, first as a Public Affairs Officer and then a Chaplain in the reserves including a mobilization to Afghanistan from 2004 to 2005.  He traveled to the Arabian Gulf four additional times between 2003 and 2006.  Father is a Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Air Force Auxiliary, Civil Air Patrol, and is presently serving as Leadership Officer and teaches Character Development for the Naples Cadet Squadron.

Prior to his appointment as Episcopal Vicar for Clergy, Father Kantor was Vicar Forane for the southern deanery of the diocese, as well as serving on the Presbyteral Council, Personnel Board, Diocesan Building Commission and on the Catholic-Jewish Dialogue of Collier County. Prior positions held include Vocation and Seminarian Formation Director and Mission Office Director concurrent with his parish duties.

Father Kantor is a Fourth Degree Knight and assumed the office of State Chaplain in 2021.  He was also invested as a Knight of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre in 2018.  Beginning in 2007, Father has led numerous pilgrimages to Catholic religious sites, including three pilgrimages to the Holy Land as well as to Ireland, Italy, Portugal, France, Spain, Germany, Greece and Turkey. He also accompanied youth to five World Youth Days between the years of 1993 (as a lay youth minister) to 2016.

Young adults “surrender” to call of Jesus

Posted on by Bob Reddy

A large group of faithful young adults took time out of their busy schedules to join a special daylong Catholic retreat on Sept. 5, 2026, at St. Peter the Apostle Parish in Naples.

St. John Paul II Young Adult Group led the retreat in English and Spanish for about 150 men and women from different area parishes. The retreat sought to engage the young people to grow in their faith through the Holy Scriptures. The theme for the day was “Surrender.”

The 12-hour retreat was filled with prayer, formation, Mass, reconciliation, and Eucharistic Adoration, all accompanied by a group of Capuchin Franciscan friars. The day also included breakout sessions for men and women, group discussions, games, as well as taking part in a procession with an image of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Father Thomas Faiola, O.F.M. Cap., who led the Capuchin Friars, said his prayer for the day was that the young men and women left knowing how much they are loved by God.

“You must be looking to deepen your relationship with God, as you develop a more intimate relationship following Jesus Christ. There is no greater happiness than that,” Father Faiola said during the concluding Mass.

Looking to break down misconceptions about the Universal Church, Father Faiola said most view the Church as an institution, which includes buildings, rituals and procedures.

“The Church is something much more vital than that. The Church is the living body of Christ,” father said, adding that the Vatican, the diocese, the parish and the faithful are each an important part of the one Church. “We are all the body of Christ. That is important to remember.”

For those having trouble hearing the call of the Lord in his or her own life, Father Faiola said the young adults need to actively ask God what is that they are being called to do. By doing so, “God will start working in you as you discover, through your love, who you are as the image and likeness of the Lord. As we deepen our faith and our understanding, we experience more of what it is to be loved by Jesus Christ.”

Guest speakers included Andres Prias, Diocese of Venice Director of Youth & Young Adult Outreach, Father Alex Pince, Diocese of Venice Vocations Director, as well as Father David Portorreal and Father Wilian Montalvo Tello of St. Peter the Apostle.

Several participants said they came to the retreat with few expectations and were leaving transformed in their faith. Still others said they were comforted to know there were other young adults who have the same interest in building up their spiritual life by participating in more activities at the parish.

At the conclusion of the retreat, Father David Portorreal said it was an honor to again host the young adult retreat at St. Peter the Apostle.

“I am thankful for your ‘Yes!’ to this day,” Father Portorreal said. “I pray for you that each and every day you will continue to open your hearts and minds, surrendering to Jesus Christ and to actively answer His call; that is to proclaim the Good News of the Lord to the world.”

Bishop Emilio prays for people of Diocese before tombs of apostles and popes

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Bishop Emilio E. Biosca, O.F.M. Cap., is currently in Rome participating in the Annual Formation Course for New Bishops from Around the World (Aug. 2-10, 2026), organized by the Dicastery for Bishops (Dicasterium pro Episcopis).

This year’s formation course has as its theme: “In Christ, Guardians of the ‘Magnifica Humanitas’ in Times of Transformation.”

The gathering brings together newly appointed bishops from across the world for a time of formation, fraternity, prayer, and reflection on the mission of the episcopate in today’s rapidly changing world.

During his time in Rome, Bishop Emilio will also have the opportunity to meet with Pope Leo XIV, a special moment of communion with the Holy Father.

While in Rome, Bishop Emilio is staying at the Capuchins’ house there. As he had mentioned during his tour of parishes in the diocese in July and August, Bishop Emilio took time to pray before the tombs of the apostles Ss. Peter and Paul, as well as those of several popes, and bringing to the prayers of the faithful of the Diocese of Venice.

The first stop on Sept. 2, was the tomb of St. Peter inside the Vatican. There, Bishop Emilio said he was, “Praying for the intentions of Bishop Emeritus Frank J. Dewane, the priests, deacons, religious and the faithful, especially the prayers of the parishes and schools of the Diocese of Venice and those who work at the Catholic Center in Venice.”

While there, the bishop noticed that the famous statue of St. Peter has been visited by many faithful pilgrims through the years as the feet have been rubbed down considerably. This is the bishop’s first visit to Rome since 2005.

He then visited the tomb of St. Paul the Apostle. Other stops included the tombs of St. John Paul II, St. John XXIII, St. Paul VI, St. Pius X, and Pope Benedict XVI.

Accompanying Bishop Emilio for his visit to the Vatican was Father Diego Escudero, O.F.M. Cap., from Capuchin Province of St. Augustine, Pittsburgh, who is currently working in the Capuchin General Curia in Rome

Also on Sept. 2, Bishop Emilio was present at the weekly catechesis presented by Pope Leo XIV in St. Peter’s Square.

Please join the faithful of the Diocese of Venice in praying for Bishop Emilio and all the new bishops gathered in Rome, that the Lord may strengthen them in their ministry and guide them as shepherds of His people.

Bishop 50-day tour of parishes complete

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Bob Reddy, Florida Catholic

A stroll across the parking lot of St. Agnes Parish in Naples marked the conclusion of a marathon tour of 61 parishes (plus eight missions and two retreat centers) in the Diocese of Venice by Bishop Emilio E. Biosca, O.F.M. Cap.

Starting July 12 and concluding Aug. 30, 2026, the visits to the parishes was of tremendous value to Bishop Emilio who admits he knew virtually nothing about the diocese before his appointment by Pope Leo XIV was announced on May 13.

Realizing he needed to learn a great deal of information in a short time, Bishop Emilio told the staff at St. Agnes Parish, his final stop of the tour on Aug. 30, that his decision to go turned out to be a great idea.

“It gave me a chance, especially for someone from the outside, to be able to go out and see the parishes and see the priests really where they are. And to see you all,” the bishop said. “It was much more valuable than I expected.”

The bishop had a sense of urgency to his tour of parishes, realizing that if he delayed the visits, he would be competing with the influx of snowbirds which would have made travel more difficult. This meant it could have been into 2027 before he would have made it to some parishes, something he said was unthinkable.

Bishop Emilio said the idea of the tour came from his experiences in the missions, going and learning about the region, the people, and the customs before diving into his missionary work. This practice paid off in Papua New Guinea, Cuba and again at his parish in Washington, D.C.

To help him to clarify what needed to be prioritized, the bishop went to each parish with three questions in mind, what is needed in the first three months, six months and a year.

When he visited the diocese in June, a few weeks before his episcopal ordination, Bishop Emilio asked the priests, religious and deacons these questions.

More than 60 comments were submitted in writing, while others made observations in person. As the parish visits progressed, the bishop said many of the issues brought forward began to make more sense.

“Some problems are complicated, and while they are important, you can’t solve them in one day or two; not even in a month,” Bishop Emilio said. “That is why you gather some people together to arrive at some solution. It may take six months to a year, but it can get done.”

This was one of the reasons why Bishop Emilio appointed a new Vicar General, Judicial Vicar, and Episcopal Vicar for Clergy, relying on clergy who understand the diocese to help him make some of the more important decisions.

Due to the timing of each visit, either a weekday, weekend, morning or afternoon, each parish visit was unique, with more than 30 including the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, while others have been less formal with a parish gathering or smaller meetings with priests, religious, deacons and parish staff.

The bishop fielded questions at many locations with many focused on theological and liturgical concepts, while others sought his vision for the future of the Diocese of Venice. In lighter moments, some of the questions inquired about his likes and dislikes (food, drink, sports and more).

Bishop Emilio has stressed that more formal visits will take place later, with more advanced notice to offer more people the opportunity to participate.

As Bishop Emilio walked across the parking lot of St. Agnes Parish on Aug. 30, shortly before leaving for a journey to Rome for a gathering of new bishops, he said he was going confident that he now knows the Diocese of Venice, its priests, religious, deacons, faithful and parishes.

New Vicar General introduced to Diocesan Curia

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Bob Reddy, Staff Report

Bishop Emilio Biosca O.F.M. Cap. has appointed a new Vicar General who will assist the new Shepherd of the Diocese of Venice.

The bishop announced the appointment of Father David Vidal, pastor of Ave Maria Parish, Ave Maria, as Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia to the Diocese on Thursday, August 20, 2026.  Father Vidal was formally introduced to the Diocesan Curia (Venice Catholic Center staff) after a Mass at the Catholic Center on Aug. 25, 2026.

Bishop Emilio was joined at Mass by Father Vidal, Father Robert Dziadziak, the newly appointed Judicial Vicar, Father John Belmonte, SJ, Diocesan Superintendent of Catholic Education, Father Alex Pince, Diocesan Vocations Director, and Msgr. Patrick Dubois, Vicar Forane for the Northern Deanery.

The Mass was celebrated in the main conference room in Venice, held there because the Catholic Center’s Chapel is too small to accommodate the entire staff. During the Mass, the bishop explained the process he took to select a new Vicar General, as well as other key positions.

“I knew nothing about the Diocese of Venice when I was appointed and started doing research and reached out to the priests of the Diocese, giving them a survey of where they see the Diocese in three months, six months and a year,” Bishop Emilio said. “I was also seeking their input, whether in writing or through conversations, on who they thought would best fit in key positions.”

As Vicar General, Father Vidal is bestowed with all the duties and rights of a bishop; a Catholic vicar general is the highest administrative deputy appointed by a diocesan bishop to assist in the governance of the entire diocese. Father Vidal will work closely with Bishop Emilio and, as Moderator of the Curia, will manage the various offices and ministries of the Catholic Center. The role of Vicar General had been held by Msgr. Stephen E. McNamara, Pastor of Church of the Resurrection of Our Lord, Fort Myers, since 2010.

“Father Vidal will work closely with me and the chancellor in running the Diocese,” Bishop Emilio said. “He is very intelligent and well organized. He comes to us with great experience.”

That experience will be needed as the Diocese continues to grow, with some parishes needing new churches, while Catholic schools are at, or near, capacity. Father Vidal will also work closely with the Office of Vocations in support of the Diocesan seminarians, a job for which he is well suited. Father was an adjunct professor at St. John Vianney College Seminary in Miami, College and Graduate programs, where he taught philosophy, and where many young seminarians begin their studies.

Father Vidal said he was very grateful to Bishop Emilio for the appointment to such an important role in the Diocese adding that he will take on the task of Vicar General with his “whole heart.”

“I am humbled by that and am asking for your prayers and your help,” Father Vidal said to the Curia staff, adding that he was the beneficiary of the work of the Diocesan staff while serving at a rural parish (Our Lady Queen of Heaven, Labelle), and at a larger parish (Ave Maria). “I know many of you have been of assistance to me and I am very grateful for it.”

Father Vidal also shared some of his background, including that he was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and is one of seven children. Father Vidal’s two brothers are missionary priests and three of his sisters are nuns. A fourth sister, who inspired her siblings to religious life, Father Vidal shared, was a lay Carmelite, and Father Vidal noted that as such he had a special place in his heart for that religious order.

Father Vidal was ordained to the priesthood Aug. 9, 2001, in Buenos Aires, for another religious order, the Institute of the Incarnate Word (IVE). He holds degrees from Maria Madre del Verbo Encarnado Seminary, Argentina, and The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., where he earned a doctorate in philosophy. For IVE, Father served in the order’s House of Formation in Chillum, Maryland, and later as pastor at parishes in Chillum and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

In the Diocese of Venice, Father Vidal first served as parochial vicar at Ave Maria Parish and then as administrator of Our Lady Queen of Heaven Parish in LaBelle. Father was welcomed into the Presbyterate of the Diocese of Venice in 2023 and has been pastor of Ave Maria since 2021.

Welcome to the Catholic Center, Father Vidal!

Priest appointments announced Aug. 20, 2026

Posted on by Bob Reddy

After consultation, Bishop Emilio E. Biosca, O.F.M. Cap., announces the following appointments and confirmations:

Father David M. Vidal, as Vicar General of the Diocese of Venice in Florida, and Moderator of the Curia, effective Aug. 20, 2026, while retaining his responsibilities as Pastor of Ave Maria Parish in Ave Maria, for a time.

Father Robert Dziedziak, as Judicial Vicar of the Diocese of Venice, effective Aug. 20, 2026, while retaining his responsibilities as Pastor of St. Mary, Star of the Sea Parish in Longboat Key.

Father Robert Kantor, as Episcopal Vicar for Clergy of the Diocese of Venice, effective Aug. 20, 2026, and therefore, relieved of his duties as Vicar Forane while retaining his responsibilities as Pastor of St. Agnes Parish in Naples, for a time.

Msgr. Patrick Dubois, V.F., as Vicar Forane for the Northern Deanery of the Diocese of Venice, effective Aug. 20, 2026, while retaining his responsibilities as Rector of Epiphany Cathedral in Venice.

Father José González, V.F., as Vicar Forane for the Eastern Deanery of the Diocese of Venice, effective Aug. 20, 2026, while retaining his responsibilities as Pastor of St. Catherine Parish in Sebring.

Father Tomasz Zalewski, as Vicar Forane for the Southern Deanery of the Diocese of Venice, effective Aug. 20, 2026, while retaining his responsibilities as Pastor of St. John the Evangelist Parish in Naples.

Father Jayabalan Raju, as Vicar Forane for the Central Deanery of the Diocese of Venice, effective Aug. 20, 2026, while retaining his responsibilities as Pastor of St. John XXIII Parish in Fort Myers.

Dr. Volodymyr Smeryk, J.C.D., J.D., as Chancellor of the Diocese of Venice, effective Aug. 20, 2026.

Msgr. Stephen E. McNamara, is relieved of his duties as Vicar Forane of the Central Deanery, while retaining his responsibilities as Pastor of Resurrection of Our Lord Parish in Fort Myers. At the same time, an expression of gratitude is extended to Monsignor McNamara for his years of service as Vicar Forane for the Central Deanery of the Diocese of Venice since 2003 and as Vicar General since 2010.

Father Joseph Waters, J.C.L., is relieved of his duties as Judicial Vicar of the Diocese of Venice while retaining other duties as Judge at the Tribunal. At the same time, an expression of gratitude is extended to Father Waters for his 11 years of service as Judicial Vicar of the Diocese of Venice. Father Waters has assumed responsibilities as Vicar General in the Diocese of St. Petersburg, Judicial Vicar, and Pastor of St. John Vianney in St. Pete Beach, Florida.

Attorney Joseph DiVito, as General Counsel of the Diocese of Venice, effective Aug. 20, 2026.

Father John Fitch, as a member of the Diocesan Finance Council of the Diocese of Venice, effective Aug. 20, 2026.

Father Robert Kantor, as a member of the Diocesan Finance Council of the Diocese of Venice, effective Aug. 20, 2026.

The following members have been appointed as members of the College of Consultors for the Diocese of Venice: Father David M. Vidal, V.G.; Father Robert Kantor; Father José Gonzáles, V.F.; Father Jiobani Batista; Father John Costello; Father Robert Dziedziak, J.V.; Msgr. Patrick Dubois, V.F.; Father Jayabalan Raju, V.F.; Father George Ratzmann;  and Father Tomasz Zalewski, V.F.

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