Renewal of Priestly Promises; Consecration and Blessing of Holy Oils
Bishop Frank J. Dewane was joined by at least 150 priests and 1,000 of the faithful from across the Diocese for the annual Chrism Mass March 31, 2026, at St. Leo the Great Parish in Bonita Springs.
At the Chrism Mass, which the Bishop concelebrates with priests from throughout the Diocese, the Bishop consecrates the sacred Chrism oil and blesses two other oils used throughout the year for the administration of the sacraments at the Diocese’s 61 Parishes. The Mass is among the principal manifestations of the fullness of the Bishop’s Priesthood and is considered to be a sign of the close bond between the Priests and their Bishop. It is with the sacred Chrism that the priests are ordained, the newly baptized are anointed, and those to be confirmed are signed. It is with the Oil of Catechumens that catechumens are prepared and disposed for Baptism. Finally, it is with the Oil of the Sick that those who are ill are comforted in their infirmity.
The Chrism Mass is typically held at the Diocesan Cathedral in Venice but was relocated due to ongoing renovations. Usually celebrated on Holy Thursday, the Mass was celebrated on a Tuesday to allow the priests and the faithful the opportunity to attend from throughout the large Diocese.
The celebration not only brings into focus the historical context of the priesthood by the renewal of Priestly Promises, but also presents an opportunity for the priests to recall their ordination and to reflect upon their ongoing priestly vocation. Having all the priests of the Diocese come together at the Chrism Mass, united with their Bishop, just before the Easter Triduum, reminds priests of their calling to act in persona Christi – in the person of Christ. This is the largest annual gathering of the clergy for the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.
During the Renewal of Priestly Promises the gathered priests stood as one, and spoke with one voice responding, “I am,” three times to a series of questions asked by Bishop Dewane. These same questions were asked of them at the time of their Ordination to the Priesthood.
Bishop Dewane publicly thanked the priests for their continued service to the People of God throughout the Diocese of Venice. He also called upon the faithful to continue to support the priests who bring the Sacraments into their lives.
“The sacred Chrism Mass is the profound manifestation of the priestly, prophetic and kingly calling that all of us have,” Bishop Dewane said. “This comes about through the anointing that comes from Scripture. The sacramental life of the Church takes place through these men – the priests of the Diocese – who administer the sacraments with these blessed and consecrated oils which signify the Church’s healing aspect and Her mission in the many ways it is carried out.”
Importantly, the priests, who themselves are anointed with sacred Chrism at their ordination, stand in a great line that goes back to King David, through Christ.
“The anointing runs to our limbs and garments that should flow out into the world. Don’t let it go stale, instead it should flow forth and be transformative because the world needs us to be out there as agents of the Lord,” Bishop Dewane said. “It is the priests who carry those oils to the boundaries to the limits of the Diocese of Venice. A priest is sanctified to make others holy. This is the life all priests are called to live. There is no checking out and no time out. We have to respond. The Lord will give the grace needed to go forward. The Lord has ordained you for a lifetime to go out and do that each day just as King David was called, as priest, prophet and king.”
Jesus was anointed as the New David, but it does not end with Christ or the priests, because through the oils used in the sacraments, and through our encounters with Christ, every person takes on that role of priest, prophet and king according to their state in life, the Bishop said. Each sacrament brings with it an encounter with Christ, and we must be changed as a result.
“We must all listen to that call of the Lord,” Bishop Dewane said. “The priests present heard that call in a specific way, but everyone is called to share in the kingly mission – as a royal people, made in the image and likeness of God. The Lord has asked each one of us to be prophets, kings and priestly according to his or her own state in life. We are differentiated by talents given to us by the Lord, but you must not let them sit idle and not respond. The Lord is waiting for us to use the gifts given. To hear the Lord, we are called repeatedly to be men and women of prayer. It is how we respond and come to know the Lord. Listen and allow time for the Lord to speak to you, to enlighten within you what God wants you to do in your life. Learn how the Lord sees you in fulfilling His mission in the world. We each have a role to live out our prophetic identity and speak up by being the leaven, uplifting the world to highlight to others what salvation is.”
The Bishop concluded his remarks stating, “Always remember, the Spirit of the Lord is upon you because the Lord has anointed you.”
During the Chrism Mass, Bishop Dewane recognized the 13 Priests and one Permanent Deacon who, in 2026, are celebrating the 50th and 25th anniversaries of their ordination for their years of service to Christ and Holy Mother Church. He also acknowledged the 364 students in attendance from Diocesan Catholic schools.
Also present to witness this special occasion were religious men and women; Diocesan seminarians; Knights and Dames of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem; Knights and Dames of the Sovereign Order of Malta; the Knights of Columbus, including those of the Color Corps; members of the Venice Diocesan Council of Catholic Women; many Diocesan staff, and the faithful of the Diocese of Venice.
Sacred Oils
The Chrism Mass takes its name from the sacred Chrism oil, the most eminent of the three holy oils, which the Bishop consecrates and blesses for use by Parishes of the Diocese.
The sacred Chrism is both blessed and consecrated. The verb “consecrate” is applied to the action of making holy the Chrism and indicates its use to spiritually separate, sanctify and purify its recipients.
For the blessing and consecration of the sacred Chrism oil, the initial motion is to pour balsam into the oil, and then this is mixed. The balsam is added so that it gives the oil a sweet smell intended to remind those who encounter it of the odor of sanctity. All of the Faithful are called to strive for sanctity. Next, the Bishop breathes on the Sacred Chrism to symbolize the Holy Spirit coming down. At a particular point in the consecratory prayer for the Sacred Chrism, all the priests join the Bishop in extending their right hand toward the Chrism, as the Bishop concludes the prayer.
The Oil of the Sick, used for those who seek anointing, and the Oil of the Catechumens, which is imposed on those preparing for baptism, are blessed by the Bishop at different times during the Chrism Mass.
Bishop Dewane referred to the Gospel message which described the oils as being the oil of gladness, which represent the indelible mark each bestows. After Mass, the oils were given to each Pastor to use in their Parish throughout the Liturgical Year.
Priest and Deacon Jubilarians
A reception was held in the Parish Hall following the Mass to honor Priests and Deacon celebrating their jubilee anniversaries in 2026.
Seven Priests celebrating 50 years were recognized, Father Edward Blackwell; Father Vincente Clemente; Father Lawrence Esposito; Father Francis Hanlon, OSFS; Father Thomas Heck; Father Michael Orsi; and Father Timothy Sheedy. The six priests celebrating the 25th anniversary of their priestly ordination were Father Lorenzo Gonzalez, Father Philip Joly, Father Jacek Mazur, Father David Pignato, Father Philip Scheff, and Father David Vidal. One Permanent Deacon, Deacon Gary Ingold, also marks his 25th year of service to the Catholic Church.
Born in Rocca Pia, Aquila, Italy in 1947 to Guido and Lesvina (Perfetto) Clemente, Father Vincent Luciano Clemente is the oldest of two children. After graduating from Borromeo College Seminary in Ohio, and the St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary, Father Clemente was Ordained to the Priesthood on May 8, 1976, in St. Petersburg. His first priestly assignment was as Associate Pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Dunedin, then at St. Joseph Parish in Bradenton, before being assigned to St. Martha Parish in Sarasota. He also served at that time as Director of the Office of Marriage and Family Life for the Diocese of Venice and as Chaplain at Sarasota Memorial Hospital. Father later served as Pastor at St. Michael Parish in Wauchula and at St. Paul Parish in Arcadia. Since 2018 he has served as Pastor at St. James Parish in Lake Placid. Further contributions on the Diocesan level include serving as Spiritual Director of the Curia of the Legion of Mary, as well as working with Cursillo and Retrouvaille Marriage Preparation; he still works with Marriage Encounter. He is also active in Prison Ministry.
The fourth of 12 children, Father Thomas Heck was born in Parkston, South DAkota in 1949 to John and Mildred (Weber) Heck. Father was Ordained to the Priesthood in Sioux Falls on June 3, 1976. In the Diocese of Sioux Falls, he served at Parishes in Aberdeen, Sioux Falls, Mallette, Chelsea, Armour, Stickney, Pierre, and Brookings. Prior to Ordination, he graduated from Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary at St. Mary University and St. Paul Seminary at the University of St. Thomas, both in Minnesota. In the Diocese of Venice, Father Heck served as Parochial Vicar at San Antonio Parish in Port Charlotte and St. Andrew Parish in Cape Coral, then as Administrator of St. Finbarr Parish in Naples, and as Pastor of St. Charles Borromeo Parish in Port Charlotte and St. Therese Parish in North Fort Myers before retiring in 2020. In retirement, Father continues to assist at various Parishes.
Father Michael P. Orsi was born in Brooklyn in 1950 to Pompeo and Lavinia (Savino) Orsi and is one of four children. Father earned degrees from Cathedral College in Queens, New York, St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Fordham University in the Bronx, New York. He was Ordained to the Priesthood on May 20, 1976. In the Diocese of Camden, New Jersey, Father served at a Parish in Stone Harbor and as Vice Principal at a Catholic school in Wildwood. In the Diocese of Venice, Father was Chaplain at Ave Maria School of Law and served as Parochial Vicar at St. Agnes Parish in Naples. Father Orsi retired in 2024 and assists the Diocese of Venice at Parishes in Collier County.
Born in Cuba in 1970 to Lorenzo Gonzalez Abreau and Amparo Suares Martinez, Father graduated from San Basilo Magno Seminary in Santiago, Cuba, Pontifical Seminary of St. Thomas of Aquinas in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, and was Ordained to the Priesthood for the Diocese of Venice on Oct. 25, 2001, at Epiphany Cathedral. Father served as Parochial Vicar at Sacred Heart Parish in Bradenton, St. Leo the Great Parish in Bonita Springs, and St. Peter the Apostle Parish in Naples, as well as with the Hispanic Apostolate at St. Agnes and St. Elizabeth Seton Parishes in Naples. He was Administrator at St. Joseph the Worker Parish in Moore Haven and St. Theresa of the Child Jesus Mission. Father currently serves as Pastor at St. Columbkille Parish in Fort Myers.
Father Jacek Mazur was born in Milomlyn, Poland in 1968 to Francisek and Genowefa (Bonislawska), and is one of three children. Father graduated from the Seminary of the Archdiocese of Gdansk, Poland, and Ss. Cyril and Methodius Seminary in Michigan. He was Ordained to the Priesthood for the Diocese of Venice on Oct. 25, 2001, at Epiphany Cathedral, and has served as Parochial Vicar at Epiphany Cathedral, St. Ann Parish in Naples, and as Administrator at San Antonio Parish in Port Charlotte. Father was also Pastor at Incarnation Parish in Sarasota and currently serves as Pastor of Our Lady of Miraculous Medal Parish in Bokeelia.
Born in Attleboro, Massachusetts in 1969 to David and Carol (DiMarzio) Pignato, Father David A. Pignato is one of two children. Father earned degrees at the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts, Harvard Law School, and the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome, Italy. Ordained to the Priesthood on July 14, 2001, in Fall River, Massachusetts, Father Pignato served at Parishes in North Dartmouth as Parochial Vicar and Pastor, and as Chaplain at a Catholic high school there. Additionally, he served as a Pastor in Raynham and as Secretary to the Bishop and Vicar for Priests in Fall River. Presently in the Diocese of Venice, Father Pignato is Chaplain, Associate Dean of Mission, and Visiting Associate Professor of Law at the Ave Maria School of Law.
Ordained to the Priesthood for the Diocese of Venice on Oct. 25, 2001, at Epiphany Cathedral, Father Philip J. Scheff served as Parochial Vicar at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Venice, San Antonio Parish in Port Charlotte, St. Mary, Star of the Sea Parish on Longboat Key, St. Andrew Parish in Cape Coral and St. Charles Borromeo Parish in Port Charlotte. The second of three children, he was born in St. Petersburg in 1956 to Joseph and Joan (Willis) Scheff and earned degrees from Florida State University and St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary. Father Scheff retired in 2025.
Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina in 1973 to Julio Cesar and Alicia (Proche) Vidal, Father David Mariano Vidal is the fifth of seven children. Of the children, three are priests and three are women religious. Father was Ordained to the Priesthood Aug. 9, 2001, in Buenos Aires, for the Institute of the Incarnate Word. For the religious order, Father served in 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 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 is the current Pastor of Ave Maria Parish. He earned degrees from Maria Madre Del Verbo Encarnado Seminary, Argentina, and Catholic University in Washington, D.C.
Ordained to the Permanent Diaconate on June 9, 2001, in the Diocese of Buffalo, Deacon Ingold’s Diaconate formation took place at Christ the King Seminary in East Aurora, NY, and he first served at a Parish in Williamsville, New York. Deacon Ingold then served as a Permanent Deacon for the Archdiocese of the Military Services at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland; he is a 1975 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy. Deacon Ingold retired from the U.S. Navy as a Captain in the U.S. Naval Reserves after 23 years of service. In civilian life, Deacon Ingold held numerous leadership positions in the medical field and was CEO of Community Pregnancy Clinics Inc. in Florida. In the Diocese of Venice, Deacon Ingold served at St. William Parish in Naples and currently serves at Ave Maria Parish; he is also a Deputy Chaplain for the Order of Malta. Deacon Ingold and his wife Ginny have been married for 50 years; they have two children and 10 grandchildren.
The Televised Mass for the Homebound on Palm Sunday (March 29, 2026), and Easter Sunday (April 5 and celebrated by Bishop Frank J. Dewane), will air for a full hour on both Sundays. Because of the length, the time of the broadcast on these two Sunday will air at a special time. For viewers in the northern portions of the Diocese (DeSoto, Hardee, Highlands, Manatee, and Sarasota counties), the Masses will air at 10:30 a.m. on the CW Network. In the southern portions of the Diocese (Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry, Lee counties), the Masses will air at 8 a.m. on WFTX-TV (FOX-4). Please check your cable provider for channel listings. The televised Mass is also always available online at 
The Catholic Charities Venetian Charity Ball is 6 p.m., March 22, 2025, at St. Leo the Great Parish Hall, 28290 Beaumont Road, Bonita Springs. This event supports the programs in Lee, Hendry, and Glades counties, and the communities still recovering from Hurricane Ian in 2022. Tickets are $250. Register online at 
The Catholic Charities Emerald Ball is 5:30 p.m., March 26, 2025, at the Ritz-Carlton Tiburon Golf Resort, 2600 Tiburon Drive, Naples. This year’s theme, “Pilgrims of Hope,” inspired by Pope Francis in honor of the Jubilee Year, reflects Catholic Charities’ commitment to providing help and hope to all individuals, regardless of race, nationality, or religion. Tickets are $400. Register online at 
The third Diocese of Venice Eucharistic Conference will take place Saturday, March 29, at the Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center in Punta Gorda. The theme for the day-long event is inspired by the Jubilee Year 2025 while also building upon the three-year National Eucharistic Revival. The theme for the Conference is “Becoming Eucharistic Missionaries,” and it offers an opportunity to celebrate the Catholic faith with others. The Diocesan Eucharistic Conference will feature Mass celebrated by Bishop Frank J. Dewane. There will also be dynamic presentations by nationally renowned Catholic speakers, with the keynote given by Dr. Scott Hahn, a theologian and Catholic apologist, who has written numerous books. There will be breakout sessions in Spanish. In addition, there will be Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, the opportunity for Confession, as well as Catholic vendors and exhibitors. The cost to attend is $35. per person and includes lunch. To learn more and register, visit 
The 40 days for Life Spring Campaign (from Ash Wednesday to Palm Sunday, April 13, 2025) aims to end abortion locally through prayer and fasting, community outreach, and a peaceful all-day vigil in front of abortion businesses. In the Diocese of Venice, 40 Days for Life campaigns are held in three locations: Sarasota – Daily from 7 a.m. – 7 p.m., 736 Central Ave., or visit 
The Catholic Charities Emerald Ball is 5:30 p.m., March 26, 2025, at the Ritz-Carlton Tiburon Golf Resort, 2600 Tiburon Drive, Naples. This year’s theme, “Pilgrims of Hope,” inspired by Pope Francis in honor of the Jubilee Year, reflects Catholic Charities’ commitment to providing help and hope to all individuals, regardless of race, nationality, or religion. Tickets are $400. Register online at 
Bishop Frank J. Dewane congratulated each jubilarian for their years of service to Christ and Holy Mother Church. A reception was held in the Parish Hall following the Mass.
Father Richard Bondi graduated from Boston College in 1970 with a degree in philosophy and theology, then from Mount Saint Mary Seminary in Emmitsburg, Maryland, with a degree is sacred scripture. On May 11, 1974, he was ordained a priest of the Diocese of Springfield (Massachusetts) where he served as both Parochial Vicar and Pastor in various Parishes. Further assignments, in addition to Parish ministry, members of the Diocesan Priest Senate, head of the Renew Program, as well as assisting at six different university and colleges within the Diocese. Father Bondi served as Chair of the Diocesan Building Commission and further advanced his studies, receiving a Doctor of Ministry Degree in Psychology and Clinical Studies from Weston Jesuit School of Theology. In 2009, Father purchased a home in Ave Maria and since 2022 he retired to the Diocese of Venice, assisting at Ave Maria Parish and Ave Maria University. Born the second of twin sons, Father Bondi was born in 1948 in Pittsfield, Massachusetts.
Father Brian Manning was Ordained to the Priesthood in Boston, Massechusetts, on May 18, 1974. Father Manning obtained degrees from St. John Seminary College in Boston. Upon his ordination, Father served as Parochial Vicar at several Parishes in the Boston area. As Pastor, Father Manning served at Parishes in Somerville, Scituate, and Franklin, before retiring in 2023 to Naples. Father currently assists at St. John the Evangelist Parish in Naples. Father Manning was born in 1948, the fourth of six children.
Prior to ordination, Msgr. Mark Svarczkopf studied at the Latin School of Indianapolis High School Seminary, St. Meinard Seminary College and then at Pontifical North American College in Rome. Ordained to the Archdiocese of Indianapolis on June 8, 1974, Msgr. began his priestly ministry in various capacities including Associate Pastor, Administrator, Pastor, Chaplain of Scouts, Dean of the Indianapolis Northern Deanery, and Priest Moderator. He was also named Prelate of Honor, Director of the Institute for Continuing Theological Education, U.S. Bishop’s Seminary, North American College in Rome, and Vice-Rector for Administration of the North American College. Msgr. Svarczkopf retired in 2019 and for the Diocese of Venice currently assists in the Eastern Deanery, including at St. Michael in Wauchula, St. Catherine in Sebring, St. James in Lake Placid, and Our Lady of Grace in Avon Park. Born in 1948, Msgr. has two brothers.
Father Victor Caviedes, a native of Lima, Peru, earned degrees from the University of Martin de Porres in Peru, and Autonomous University in Madrid, Spain. While in Madrid, he met Father Celestino Gutierrez who arranged for him to come to the United States in 1997. He studied as St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary in Boynton Beach. Bishop John J. Nevins ordained Father Victor as a Diocesan priest at Epiphany Cathedral in Venice on Oct. 22, 1999. For the Diocese of Venice, Father has served at numerous Parishes as a Parochial Vicar, including Our Lady Queen of Heaven in LaBelle, Jesus the Worker in Fort Myers, and St. James in Lake Placid, dedicating himself to pastoral work with poor families and immigrants. Father’s current assignment is as Parochial Vicar at St. Jude Parish in Sarasota. He was born in Peru in 1953.
Father Anthony Hewitt was Ordained to the Priesthood at Epiphany Cathedral in Venice on Oct. 22, 1999. He studied at St. John Vianney College Seminary in Miami, and at St. Vincent de Paul Regional seminary in Boynton Beach, and Catholic University in Washington, D.C., prior to his ordination. For the Diocese of Venice, Father Hewitt has served as Parochial Vicar at St. Andrew Parish in Cape Coral, St. Jude Parish in Sarasota, and Pastor at St. Francis Xavier Parish in Fort Myers. Father currently serves as Pastor of Our Lady of Mercy Parish in Boca Grande. In addition to his Parish duties, Father also serves as a Defender of the Bond in the Diocesan Tribunal Office. Father was born in Kokomo, Indiana, in 1971 and has three younger sisters.
Upon completing his studies at Cap-Haitien College Notre-Dame and the Grand Seminary Notre Dame of the Holy Cross in Haiti, Father Anthonio Jean was Ordained to the Priesthood on Oct. 22, 1999, at Epiphany Cathedral in Venice. Father has served as Parochial Vicar at numerous Parishes within the Diocese of Venice, including St. Charles Borromeo in Port Charlotte, St. Francis Xavier in Fort Myers, San Pedro in North Port, Ss. Peter and Paul the Apostles in Bradenton, and St. Katharine Drexel in Cape Coral. Father Jean also served as Administrator of St. James Parish in Lake Placid. His most recent assignment is as Parochial Vicar at Sacred Heart Parish in Bradenton. He also served on the Presbyteral Council as a representative of the Eastern Deanery. Father Jean was born in Carice, Haiti in 1966, and has eight siblings.
Having received degrees from Arul Anandar College, and St. Paul’s Seminary, all in India, Father Jayabalan (Jay) Raju was Ordained to the Priesthood on Aprill 11, 1999. His assignments as a priest included Parishes in India as well as Director of Madurai Multipurpose Social Service Society (Diocesan Catholic Charities), and Deputy Director of the Tamil Nadu Social Service Society (Regional Catholic Charities), also in India. For the Diocese of Venice, Father Raju has served as a Parochial Vicar at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Grove City, St. Andrew Parish in Cape Coral, St. Francis Xavier Parish in Fort Myers, and Epiphany Cathedral in Venice. Father’s current assignment is as Administrator of St. John XXIII Parish in Fort Myers. Father Raju was born in 1971 and is the middle of three children.
Deacon Michael Leahy obtained his education at the University of Dayton in Ohio, the University of Toledo in Ohio and Sacred Heart Seminary, Shelby, Ohio. On June 1, 1974, Deacon Michael was Ordained as a Permanent Deacon at Rosary Cathedral in Toledo. Since his Ordination, Deacon Leahy has served in nine different Dioceses in seven different states. Highlights from his career includes serving in jails, as well as state and federal prisons; being a Fire Department Chaplain in Ohio and Florida; leading a Deacon Training Course in New Hampshire and the Diocese of Charlotte; and serving in rest homes and hospitals in several different Dioceses. Deacon Leahy was born in 1939 in Tiffin, Ohio. He has been married to his wife, Judy, for 62 years. Together they have eight children, 31 grandchildren and 17 great-children.
Deacon Edward Gwiazda was ordained to the Permanent Diaconate on May 8, 1999, in Trenton, New Jersey. He completed his studies at Monmouth University, West Longbranch, New Jersey. Deacon Edward served at St. Isaac Jogues Parish, New Jersey, and currently serves at St. Raphael Parish, Lehigh Acres. For his career, Deacon Gwiazda was a software engineer. Deacon Edward was born in 1948 in Elizabeth, New Jersey. He is married to Kathleen, and they have one child and two grandchildren.
On June 6, 1999, Deacon William Hickey was ordained to the Permanent Diaconate in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. His post graduate education was completed at Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia. Deacon Hickey served in Philadelphia as Assistant to the Associate Vicar for Clergy – Permanent Deacons, and as Associate to the Director in the Archdiocese for Permanent Deacons as well as at St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish in West Chester. For the Diocese of Venice, Deacon Hickey serves at Our Lady of the Angels Parish in Lakewood Ranch. He was born in Philadelphia in 1962, and is married to Melissa (Carragher) Hickey. They have six children and eight grandchildren. His current profession is as an Instructional design consultant.
Following his Ordination to the Permanent Diaconate on June 5, 1999, in Philadelphia, Penn. Deacon Alfred Mauriello served at St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish and continues to serve at Ss. Simon and Jude Parish, both in Philadelphia. Since 2022, he assists in the winter months at St. Finbarr Parish in Naples for the Diocese of Venice. Deacon Alfred was born in Philadelphia in 1943, and attended St. Charles Seminary in Philadelphia. On June 1, 2023, Deacon Mauriello retired as a head and neck surgeon. Since his retirement, he still volunteers his time. Deacon Alfred is married to Susan (Patterson) and they have three children.
During the Chrism Mass, Bishop Dewane recognized the seven Priests and four Permanent Deacons who are celebrating the 25th and 50th anniversaries of their ordination for their years of service to Christ and Holy Mother Church. Bishop Dewane also recognized Father Celestino Gutierrez, who is marking his 60th anniversary as a priest in 2024 and recently retired as founding Pastor of St. Jude Parish in Sarasota.
Congratulations to Diocese of Venice Seminarian Joseph Bao Quoc Nguyen was one of five men installed to the ministry of Acolyte on March 15, 2024, at Pope St. John XXIII National Seminary in Weston, Massachusetts. Cardinal Sean P. O’Malley, OFM Cap., Archbishop of Boston, presided over the Mass of Institution which plays a significant role in the formation of these men as they journey towards their ordination to the priesthood. As an Acolyte, the primary responsibility will be assisting the Deacon and priest during Mass, with a focus on ensuring the altar is prepared. They may also serve as Extra-ordinary Ministers of Holy Communion at Mass and bringing the Holy Eucharist to the sick.
Following the Fourth Sunday of Lent, Bishop Frank J. Dewane continued to celebrate Mass for students at each of the 15 Diocesan Catholic schools during the Lenten Season. The most recent Masses were March 14, 2024, at Incarnation Catholic School in Sarasota, St. Joseph Catholic School in Bradenton on March 19 (the Solemnity of St. Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary), and Donahue Academy of Ave Maria Catholic School in Ave Maria, on March 20. Bishop continued to encourage the students to finish the Lenten Season strong in preparation for Holy Week.
Epiphany Cathedral in Venice hosted a Mass for the Solemnity of St. Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which was celebrated in Italian on March 19, 2024, and included the active involvement of the Italian American Club of Venice. Following the Mass, the statue of St. Joseph was carried to the Parish Hall in a procession led by the Knights of Columbus. There, Msgr. Patrick Dubois, Cathedral Rector, blessed the traditional St. Joseph’s table of bread and sweets, which were later distributed.
The St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic School Roaring 20’s Gala & Auction took place on March 16, 2024, at the Vineyards Golf and Country Club in Naples. A vintage Duesenberg was on display as guests arrived, many of the woman in sequined flapper-style dresses with feather headbands, while the men dressed in 20’s style tuxedoes, complete with fedoras. Bishop Frank J. Dewane was the guest of honor and thanked the parents for entrusting their children’s education to St. Elizabeth Seton. In addition, Bishop Dewane praised the faculty and staff for consistently delivering a quality education centered on faith, while also managing rapid growth and improvement of the school facilities.
