Tag: consecration

Cathedral joins consecration to Most Sacred Heart of Jesus

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Epiphany Cathedral Parish in Venice embraced the opportunity to participate in the national consecration to Sacred Heart of Jesus with a Novena of prayer, Mass and consecration on July 11, 2026.

The consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus comes from a call from the U.S. Bishops to join the festivities surrounding the United States’ commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence by recognizing and celebrating the contributions of Catholics and the impact of our faith on the history of this country.

The consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus signals to God that His goodness is not forgotten and that our country relies on God’s providence for continued flourishing, bringing blessing and hope to a country suffering from wounds of division.

The U.S. Bishops consecrated the United States to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus during the Bishops’ biannual meeting in Orlando on June 11.

That same evening, Epiphany Cathedral celebrated the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass and consecration. Prior to the Mass, the Cathedral offered Exposition and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, and many took the opportunity to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Msgr. Patrick Dubois, who offered the homily, said the consecration is something that might be viewed as just a simple act, but is not that.

“We bring the United States to the Sacred Heart of Jesus,” Msgr. Dubois said. “We cannot say our country is perfect, that there are no wounds or divisions, or we have all the answers, because we do not. But because Jesus tells us, “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you, remain in my love (John 15:9).’ Our nation needs that love. We need that love.”

While many are oppressed by burdens, families struggles and the young are searching for meaning, these are wounds that politics, money and success cannot heal.

“Tonight, the Church does not bring our nation to a program or ideology, She brings our nation to a heart – the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus,” Msgr. Dubios said.

The Monsignor asked the faithful to truly look at the Sacred Heart of Jesus and realize what is seen: his love in a wounded, but still burning heart; a heart pierced, but still open; and a heart crowned with thorns, but still offering mercy.

“Jesus reveals to us the deepest desire of His Heart, that is to ‘love one another as I have loved you.’ The Sacred Heart is not simply a symbol of Christ’s love for us, but an invitation for us to love as He loves,” Msgr. Dubois continued. “The renewal of our nation will not begin in government buildings or public debates. It will begin in hearts, transformed by the love of Christ, and it is graced through simple acts of charity, patience and sacrifice. We all need to learn that.

The Mass also included a Litany of the Sacred heart of Jesus, special prayer intentions and a reading of the prayer to the Sacred Heart by all. This was the same prayer with which the U.S. Bishops consecrated the United States to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus earlier the same day in Orlando.

The Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is celebrated on the Friday immediately following the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi), which the Church incorporated in the Liturgical Calendar in response to the mystical visions experienced by St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, in Paray-le-Monial, France, between 1673 and 1675. However, the foundational devotion of meditating on the wounded Heart of Christ was born at the foot of the Cross through the divinely inspired love which the saints bore from then on to the Sacred Passion of the Crucified and Pierced Christ. Later, the early Church Fathers and countless saints, such as St. Bernard of Clairvaux, St. Gertrude the Great, St. Bonaventure and St. John Eudes, all encouraged devotion to the Pierced Heart of Jesus. This is why many Popes have also lauded such devotion and encouraged the practice of consecrating themselves, their homes, and even whole nations to the Sacred Heart.

Prayer to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

On the occasion of the U.S. Bishops Consecrating the United States of America to the Sacred Heart of Jesus:

O Most Sacred Heart of Jesus:

You know the longings of our hearts, and you desire that we enjoy friendship with you.

From your pierced side, you have poured out the wellspring of life, for which we thirst.

Your heart burns with a love for all people to return to a right relationship with you.

We celebrate the abundant gifts you have given this nation, founded on the self-evident truths that our Creator has endowed

all people with the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

We make reparation for the offenses against you and against human dignity that have taken place in this nation.

May our hearts be united to yours, so that our families and communities enjoy peace and happiness; may broken

relationships be reconciled, injustices repaired, and the wounds of our land be healed.

May your holy Catholic Church serve as a sign, pointing all people to your infinite love.

O Desire of Nations and Center of History, we ask you to bless these United States of America.

Who live and reign with God the Father

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

God, for ever and ever.

Amen.

Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us!

Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us!

Bishops consecrating the United States to the Sacred Heart of Jesus 

Posted on by Bob Reddy

As the United States of America commemorates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) joins the festivities by recognizing and celebrating the contributions of Catholics and the impact of our faith on the history of this country. As part of this celebration, in a historic moment the U.S. Bishops will consecrate the United States to the Sacred Heart of Jesus on June 11, 2026.

Consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus signals to God that His goodness is not forgotten and that our country relies on God’s providence for continued flourishing, bringing blessing and hope to a country suffering from wounds of division and an epidemic of loneliness.

“May this time be embraced by all as an opportunity for prayer, reflection, and renewal, as hearts entrust themselves more deeply to the loving Heart of Jesus and all pray for the healing of our country,” Bishop Frank J. Dewane said.

The Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is celebrated on the Friday immediately following the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi), which the Church incorporated in the Liturgical Calendar in response to the mystical visions experienced by St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, in Paray-le-Monial, France, between 1673 and 1675. However, the foundational devotion of meditating on the wounded Heart of Christ was born at the foot of the Cross through the divinely inspired love which the saints bore from then on to the Sacred Passion of the Crucified and Pierced Christ. Later, the early Church Fathers and countless saints, such as St. Bernard of Clairvaux, St. Gertrude the Great, St. Bonaventure and St. John Eudes, all encouraged devotion to the Pierced Heart of Jesus. This is why many Popes have also lauded such devotion and encouraged the practice of consecrating themselves, their homes, and even whole nations to the Sacred Heart.

Parishes across the country, including here in the Diocese of Venice, were asked to join in this consecration. Epiphany Cathedral in Venice has embraced the opportunity by celebrating a special Novena to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus from June 3-11. The Novena prayers will be offered after every morning Mass, except on Sunday, June 7, when they will be prayed individually. There will also be a Vigil of the Solemnity on July 11, when the Consecration will take place. The Cathedral will offer Exposition and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, as well as opportunities for Confession beginning at 5 p.m., followed by Mass at 6 p.m.

All the faithful, including families, are encouraged to pray the Novena Prayer (Novena to the Sacred Heart of Jesus | USCCB), at home if they are unable to attend the Mass at Epiphany, for an ever greater increase of our love for others, especially all in need, after the Pierced Heart of Jesus, Who willingly gave His life for our salvation. The faithful are also encouraged to pray that we grow evermore as a nation, in defense of the weak, protection and greater increase of justice, and in our union, so blessed by God.

Two Parishes within the Diocese are named for the Sacred Heart, one in Bradenton, the other in Punta Gorda. To celebrate the Solemnity, Sacred Heart Parish in Bradenton 1220 15th St. W., Bradenton, will celebrate its daily Mass at 7:30 a.m., and then celebrate a Mass for the Solemnity and Parish Feast Day at 7 p.m., followed by a reception. At Sacred Heart Parish in Punta Gorda, the daily Mass at 7:30 a.m. will cover both Solemnity and Feast Day.

Prayer to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

On the occasion of the U.S. Bishops Consecrating the United States of America to the Sacred Heart of Jesus:

O Most Sacred Heart of Jesus:

You know the longings of our hearts, and you desire that we enjoy friendship with you.

From your pierced side, you have poured out the wellspring of life, for which we thirst.

Your heart burns with a love for all people to return to a right relationship with you.

We celebrate the abundant gifts you have given this nation, founded on the self-evident truths that our Creator has endowed

all people with the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

We make reparation for the offenses against you and against human dignity that have taken place in this nation.

May our hearts be united to yours, so that our families and communities enjoy peace and happiness; may broken

relationships be reconciled, injustices repaired, and the wounds of our land be healed.

May your holy Catholic Church serve as a sign, pointing all people to your infinite love.

O Desire of Nations and Center of History, we ask you to bless these United States of America.

Who live and reign with God the Father

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

God, for ever and ever.

Amen.

 

Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us!

Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us!

Parish celebrates Feast Day Consecrated to Blessed Virgin Mary

Posted on by Bob Reddy

The faithful of Our Lady of Light Parish in Fort Myers celebrated their Feast Day Feb. 27, 2026, and at the same time the Parish was consecrated to Our Lady of Light.

Father Eric Scanlan, Pastor of Our Lady of Light, opened the Friday Mass explaining that when he was appointed by Bishop Frank J. Dewane to the Parish in January, he immediately looked up information about the patroness. There are only six Parishes that hold the name of Our Lady of Light in the world. The others are in Ohio, California, Mexico, where the original image resides today, the Philippines, and Brazil.

“It is a beautiful title with an interesting history,” Father Scanlan explained.

The origin of the title dates to the 18th century, when in Palermo, Sicily (now in the country Italy), Jesuit Father Giovanni Antonio Genovesi, seeking an appropriate image of Our Lady to bring on his missionary work to Mexico, consulted a nun, whose vision was of the Virgin Mary surrounded by intense light, holding the Child Jesus, and rescuing a soul from the jaws of a demon.

Referring to the image of Our Lady of Light, Father Scanlan said Our Lady is the image that all mothers can relate to, as she is shown juggling tasks while remaining composed and loving. “While holding Jesus, she is saving us at the same time,” Father said. “It is a beautiful source of life – a tenderness and goodness – an invitation to deepen our relationship to Our Lady as we seek to grow in our faith.”

Though not favored by many Jesuits, in 1732 the image ended up in León, Mexico, where it immediately gained great popularity. Today, the Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Light stands as testimony to the lasting impact of Our Lady on the community.

Father Scanlan said the image also reminded him of the Prologue to the Gospel of John 1:4-5, “the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”

“This speaks to the victory of good over evil, grace over our weak humanness,” Father said. “Mary provides loving maternal tender presence on our spiritual journey. At the crucifixion, Jesus says to John, ‘Behold your mother,’ then to Mary, ‘Behold your son.’ It is an invitation for all of us to deepen that relationship with Mary; to help lead us to her son Jesus to save us from sin.”

Because the Feast Day fell within Lent, Father Scanlan said he had to do some research to ensure the celebration met with Church norms. In this case, because the Feast Day celebration was for the Parish patroness, Our Lady of Light, the Mass and readings superseded what would usually be used for the Friday of the First Week of Lent.

Before the closing prayer, Father Scanlan knelt before an image of Our Lady, placed near the altar for the Feast Day Mass, and led the faithful, more than 600, in the Prayer of Consecration of the Parish and people to Mary, Our Lady of Light.

Afterwards, many thanked Father Scanlan for celebrating the Feast Day Mass and for the added blessing of the consecration.

Catherine Major, a seasonal resident from New Jersey, was nearly moved to tears by the Prayer of Consecration, saying it was one of the most powerful moments she has had at a Mass in a long time. “This was really wonderful,” Major said. “I have a strong devotion to Our Lady. My family Parish is Our Lady of Mercy, so the Blessed Virgin has always had special place in my heart. But this was special, and more so because there were so many people here to be a part of this moment. Beautiful.”

Following the Mass, there was a reception in the Parish Hall.

2025 Chrism Mass – Symbol of Unity

Posted on by Bob Reddy

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 April 15, 2025, at St. John the Evangelist Parish in Naples.

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 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. The Mass was celebrated on a Tuesday, versus Holy Thursday, to allow the priests the opportunity to attend from across 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, on the eve of the Easter Triduum, reminds priests of their calling to act in the person of Christ – in persona Christi. 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.

“During the consecration of the sacred Chrism, I pour balsam into the oil, which creates a fragrance,” Bishop Dewane said. “In this, we are reminded of the Gospel of Mark, and Mary of Bethany, who had nard, an expensive perfume, and she had the courage to break the jar and pour it on the head of Jesus. As priests, we must also have the courage to break the jar, the shell we allow to close in on ourselves. Leave behind the comfortable religiosity that only serves personal needs. This is not what the Lord calls us to do. God knows well to care for those He has called.”

In recalling their priestly promises, Bishop Dewane said they must be bold in the mission to be accomplished, something he referred to as an “apostolic boldness.” This means living out their lives in mercy, forgiveness, and charity. He also reminded the priests about the importance of service in their vocation, an “identity card of Christ’s ministry,” and how their service must be visible to all, a service to the people of God, concentrating on the other.

To the faithful Bishop Dewane said that by being blessed and consecrated by oils in the various sacraments, we are all called to be the fragrance of Christ in the world. Just as Mary of Bethany kept the nard (perfume) for a long time, the fragrance of Christ will spread – His word will spread.

“Because of this, the Church exists to evangelize,” Bishop Dewane said. “We are all called to bring others to the sweet fragrance that is the Word of the Lord, the Gospel, the Light of Life.”

For priests, this is about taking the fragrance of Living Waters of the Gospel and using that on the souls of human hearts. “It is about the times in which we give a kind word; a soft gentle word out in our society today can do a lot to change lives,” Bishop Dewane said.

The Bishop concluded his remarks stating, “Always remember all of us gathered here, the Spirit of the Lord is upon you because the Lord has anointed you.”

During the Chrism Mass, Bishop Dewane recognized the five Priests and one Permanent Deacon who, in 2025, 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 367 students in attendance from Diocesan Catholic schools.

In attendance for 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 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 Deacons celebrating their jubilee in 2025.

Three Priests celebrating 50 years, but who were unable to attend the Chrism Mass, were recognized. Father Normando Feliz, who has served in numerous capacities, including as a Parochial Vicar at two Parishes, and Pastor at three others. In addition, he also served as Diocesan Director of Ministries and Director of Continuing Priest Formation. Father Gregory Klein, O. Carm., who served in the Diocese from 2008 until his retirement in 2014, at several Parishes, including as Pastor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Osprey. Father Michael Mullen joined the Diocese of Venice in 2000 and served as Administrator at Sacred Heart in Bradenton then as Pastor at St. Francis Xavier Parish in Fort Myers and at St. Bernard Parish in Holmes Beach before his 2018 retirement.

Father Luis Pacheco, who is one of two priest silver jubilarians, spoke at the reception, thanking Bishop Dewane for his leadership of the Diocese and expressed gratitude to all Priests and Deacons for answering the call of God in their lives, noting he has been blessed to live a life of service to the Church. Father Pacheco was born in Miami and was raised in Venezuela. He was Ordained to the Priesthood in Venezuela in 2000, and in 2002 began his service within the Diocese of Venice. Father Pacheco served in Parishes in Arcadia, Cape Coral, Bonita Springs, Avon Park, and Naples before 2021 when he was assigned to St. Paul Parish and was installed as Pastor in early 2025. The additional priest silver jubilarian was Father Saji Ellickal Joseph, MCBS, who served his religious order in India and then for 10 years in Tennessee, before coming to the Diocese of Venice in 2017, serving as Parochial Vicar at St. John XXIII Parish in Fort Myers and currently at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Venice.

Deacon Richard M. Klish was ordained to the Permanent Diaconate for the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis, and since 2012 has served in the Diocese of Venice at St. John XXIII Parish in Fort Myers.

During the Mass, Bishop Dewane recognized three priests who are marking the 65th anniversary of their ordination in 2025: Father J.J. McCarthy, O. Carm., Father Fausto Stampiglia, SAC, and Father Don Imming.

Diocese joins in Act of Consecration for peace

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Bishop Frank J. Dewane led the Act of Consecration from Epiphany Cathedral in Venice, on March 25, 2022, as a “gesture of the Universal Church” to invoke an end to the violence and suffering of the innocents during the war in Ukraine.

Pope Francis wrote to all the Bishops in the world, asking them to join him in offering “a solemn Act of Consecration of humanity, and Russia and Ukraine in particular, to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.” The Act of Consecration took place on the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord, when the Angel Gabriel told Mary that she would conceive and bear “the Son of the Most High” through the power of the Holy Spirit.

In a nearly full Cathedral, including students from Epiphany Cathedral Catholic School, Bishop Dewane remarked how important it was that the faithful gather “as a people of God, brothers and sisters in Christ, in response to the Holy Father. We gather to pray for the conflict going on in the Ukraine and the suffering that has been inflicted upon the people of Ukraine. It is a Consecration of humanity, as the Holy Father put it – in particular for those in Russia and Ukraine. This is a gesture of not just the Pope, Bishops, or priests, but of the Universal Church.”

The Act of Consecration began at noon, to coincide with the prayers in Rome of the Holy Father. The Diocesan prayer service was livestreamed and available on the Cathedral website and on social media (also available at www.dioceseofevnice.org). Simultaneously, Parishes and Catholic schools throughout the Diocese held their own Prayer services.

For example, students at St. Catherine Catholic School in Sebring joined in the Consecration by praying the rosary. Students at Bishop Verot Catholic High School in Fort Myers gathered in their courtyard to recite the Act of Consecration. At Incarnation Parish in Sarasota, the faithful, as well as students from Incarnation Catholic School joined together. The Consecration also included time for Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.

Pope Francis said during remarks from Rome that the consecration “is no magic formula but a spiritual act… It is an act of complete trust on the part of children who, amid the tribulation of this cruel and senseless war that threatens our world, turn to their Mother, reposing all their fears and pain in Her Heart and abandoning themselves to Her.”

The Holy Father added that the Act of Consecration “means placing in that pure and undefiled heart, where God is mirrored, the inestimable goods of fraternity and peace, all that we have and are, so that She, the Mother whom the Lord has given us, may protect us and watch over us.”

Bishop Dewane added that the Act of Consecration “is about people who are suffering. The Lord calls us to be His instruments and to pray and to call upon our Faith; to call upon Christ; to call upon the saints; to intervene to relieve that suffering that we see so much of – also intervene in that war in Ukraine.”

Following the Act of Consecration, Bishop Dewane said that we should all continue to pray the Act of Consecration, particularly “when you see the images that all of us have been inundated with through media. It is then that we need to stop, move away from that media, and say a prayer for those who suffer.”

Bishop Dewane then celebrated the Mass for the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord.

The practice of Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary is closely linked to the apparitions of Our Lady of Fatima. During the third apparition, on July 13, 1917, the Blessed Virgin Mary told three visionaries that God sought to establish the devotion to Mary’s Immaculate Heart in the world, stating that if this request was not granted, Russia would “spread her errors throughout the world, causing wars and persecutions of the Church.” Pope Francis, and previous Popes, have led various consecrations to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, for example, St. John Paul II’s consecration of Russia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary on March 25, 1984.

The monument sign and the entrances of Catholic Center and Epiphany Cathedral, both in Venice, have small Ukrainian flags as a sign of unity with the people of Ukraine.

Bishop Dewane has stressed the importance of continued prayer for those suffering. Also, the Diocese of Venice has made it possible for the faithful to contribute toward charitable relief and assist in providing humanitarian aid, as well as necessary recovery efforts.

Donations may be sent to the Diocese of Venice, with “Ukraine” indicated in the memo or note line at the following address: Diocese of Venice in Florida, Ukraine Relief, 1000 Pinebrook Road, Venice, FL 34285, or visit https://dioceseofvenice.org/ways-to-give/ and click the donate button.

Legion of Mary groups renew promises

Posted on by Bob Reddy

The Annual Acies of the Manasota Curia of the Legion of Mary took place March 26 at Our Lady of the Angels Parish in Lakewood Ranch.

Bishop Frank J. Dewane celebrated the Mass for the gathered members which represented 10 different Legion of Mary praesidiums from across the region.

Bishop Dewane praised the Legion of Mary for its commitment to carrying the message of the Blessed Virgin Mary to others. That message includes giving oneself over to the Lord by doing what He asks without question and without fail.

Annually, during the Acies ceremony, the members reconsecrate themselves to Mary by renewing their Legionary Promise, so that they may better work in union with the Blessed Virgin as they do their Legionary battle against the evils of this world.

In this consecration the members open their hearts to Mary, so that Our Lady may guide them and bless them through the year. This ceremony is held as close as possible to the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord (March 25). Following the Mass, the Acies included a luncheon and followed by the recitation of the rosary.

Janine Marrone, who serves as President of the Manasota Curia and a member of the praesidium at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Venice, said the gathering is a great boost of energy and vitality for the Legion of Mary.

“This is great to see so many of us together,” Marrone said. “That is particularly true this year, with (approximately) 90 members able to attend; this the largest Curia gathering in three years, or before the pandemic began. We are going strong.”

Jeannine Byrnes, of Our Lady of the Angels Parish, said the annual Acies rededicates each member of the Legion of Mary to Our Lady, providing the strength and guidance to continue forward with their work.

The Legion of Mary is a worldwide organization of lay Catholics focusing on Marian spirituality and apostolic works. It is the largest apostolic organization of lay people in the Catholic Church, with millions of members in nearly every country of the world.

It has been active in the United States since 1931, has been approved by the last six popes (including St. John XXIII and St. John Paul II), and was endorsed by the Second Vatican Council. The main purpose of the Legion of Mary is to give glory to God through the sanctification of its members.

Members become instruments of the Holy Spirit through a balanced program of prayer and service. Works include door-to-door evangelization, parishioner visitation, prison ministry, visitation of the sick or aged, crowd contact, religious education, visiting the newly baptized, Pilgrim Virgin Statue rotations, and meeting the other spiritual needs of the parish community. Legionaries are under the guidance of a spiritual director who is appointed by the Pastor. The Legion is, in essence, an extension of the heart and hands of the Pastor.

Members meet once a week for prayer, planning and discussion in a family setting. Then they do two hours of work each week in pairs and under the guidance of their spiritual director.

A main apostolate of the Legion is activities directed towards Catholics and non-Catholics, encouraging them in their faith or inviting them to become Catholic. This is usually done by encouraging them in prayer, attending Mass and learning more about the Catholic Faith.

For a list of Parish praesidia (chapters) in the Diocese of Venice, visit:

http://www.legionofmarymiamiregia.com.

Diocese to join Pope Francis in solemn Act of Consecration March 25

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Karen Barry Schwarz – Special to the Florida Catholic

Bishop Frank J. Dewane will join Pope Francis on Friday, March 25, 2022, in “a solemn Act of Consecration of humanity, and Russia and Ukraine in particular, to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.”

The Consecration will take place at Epiphany Cathedral, 350 Tampa Ave. W., Venice, beginning at noon with the Prayer of Consecration and followed by the Mass. All are invited to participate. The Consecration and Mass will also be livestreamed via Facebook.

At around the same time – 5 p.m. in Rome – Pope Francis will be reciting the Prayer of Consecration in St. Peter’s Basilica. Pope Francis has invited all of the world’s bishops to join him in this important moment of prayer.

“It is asked that all the Faithful offer prayer at that time, or some time on March 25, to join in the Consecration,” said Bishop Dewane. (Please visit https://dioceseofvenice.org/solemn-act-of-consecration-requested-by-pope-francis-to-occur-in-venice-march-25/ for the text for the Act of Consecration in English and Spanish.)

The practice of Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary is closely linked to the apparitions of Our Lady of Fatima. During the third apparition, on July 13, 1917, the Blessed Virgin Mary told three visionaries that God sought to establish the devotion to Mary’s Immaculate Heart in the world, stating that if this request was not granted, Russia would “spread her errors throughout the world, causing wars and persecutions of the Church.” Pope Francis and previous popes have led various consecrations to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, including Pope St. John Paul II’s consecration of Russia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary on March 25, 1984.

March 25 marks the Solemnity of the Annunciation, when the Angel Gabriel told Mary that she would conceive and bear “the Son of the Most High” through the power of the Holy Spirit.

To view the live streamed Mass that Bishop Dewane will celebrate at noon on Friday, March 25, please visit www.facebook.com/dioceseofvenice. In addition to prayer, should some want to offer financial assistance for humanitarian aid and recovery efforts in the Ukraine, please visit www.dioceseofvenice.org/giving.

USCCB leads country in prayer for reconsecration to Mary

Posted on by Bob Reddy

The Diocese of Venice in Florida encourages the faithful to join the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) for a live stream of the Re-Consecration of our nation to the Protection of the Blessed Mother under the title of Mary, Mother of the Church.  This will give the Church the occasion to pray for Our Lady’s continued protection of the vulnerable, healing of the unwell, and wisdom for those who work to cure this terrible virus.

The live stream will take place at 3:00 p.m., May 1, 2020, on Facebook @USCCB, and will also be shared on the Diocese of Venice Facebook Page.  Prayer resources are available at www.dioceseofvenice.org.

In addition, the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) will Consecrate the Nation of Canada on May 1, 2020.

 

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