Tag: feast day

News Briefs for the week of Oct. 11, 2024

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Diocesan priest named Monsignor

Congratulations to Father Robert R. Cannon who has been named Chaplain to His Holiness with the title Monsignor. Monsignor Cannon, who is a priest of the Diocese of Venice, and a retired U.S. Air Force Colonel, has recently retired as the Chancellor of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA (AMS), where he served for the past eighth years.

 

Pets blessed across Diocese

To mark the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, Oct 4, 2024, Diocese of Venice Catholic Schools and Parishes hosted a blessing of the animals. At St. Francis Xavier Catholic School in Fort Myers, the Administrator, Father Steven Clemente, blessed with holy water each animal in turn. They ranged from horses to hamsters and every type and size of creature in between. Whether they were furry, scaly or feathery, there was no doubt the God’s creatures were much loved by their owners.

Many stand up against Amendment 4

Public prayer vigils took place in multiple locations throughout the Diocese of Venice in early October seeking the defeat of Amendment 4, an extreme and dangerous proposed amendment to the Florida Constitution that would radically expand access to abortion. The first “VOTE NO ON 4!” rally took place during rush hour on Oct. 1, 2024, in downtown Bradenton. The rally was sponsored by the St. Joseph Parish Respect Life Ministry. Holding “Vote No on 4” signs, the rally had a captive audience as traffic was at a near standstill. The goal was to educate motorists on the dangers of Amendment 4. On Sunday, Oct. 6, there were two “Life Chain Across America” prayer vigils, one on U.S. 41 in Bonita Springs, near St. Leo the Great Parish, and the other was in Naples at U.S. 41 and Pine Ridge Road, near St. William Parish. Several hearty women, men and children withstood the rain to be visible. To learn more about Amendment 4, please visit https://dioceseofvenice.org/offices/offices-departments/respect-life/amendment4/. Also, please remember that the 40 Days for Life Prayer Vigil is taking place through Nov. 3 in Sarasota, Fort Myers and Naples. For details, please visit www.40daysforlife.com and search for the nearest location. VOTE NO ON 4!

Catholic Charities hosts Family Fun Day

Guadalupe Social Services of Catholic Charities hosted its annual Family Fun Day on Oct. 6, 2024, in Immokalee. The events welcomed families for games, fun and food. The games included sack races, hoop tosses and more. Fun consisted of facepainting and playing games for prizes. The food included hot dogs, chips, frozen flavored ice, popcorn and more. For the adults there were also games with prizes. Staff from Catholic Charities and volunteers, such as the women’s lacrosse team from nearby Ave Maria University, helped run the event.

Register NOW for Oct. 19 Diocesan Marriage Conference – Space is Limited

Don’t miss the chance to discover holiness in your marriage! Time is running out to register for all Catholic engaged and married couples to join Bishop Frank J. Dewane for the fourth annual Diocesan “Together in Holiness” marriage conference, 8 a.m. to 2:45 p.m., Oct. 19, 2024, at Church of the Resurrection of Our Lord, 8121 Cypress Lake Drive, Fort Myers. The Conference, a collaboration between the Diocese of Venice and the St. John Paul II Foundation, is a unique opportunity for all Catholic engaged and married couples in the Diocese to gather for a day dedicated to prayer, conversation, fellowship, and reflection on the beautiful vocation of marriage.  The day-long conference includes a Mass and Marriage Blessing celebrated by Bishop Dewane, and then inspirational talks by Catholic speakers Renzo and Monica Ortega, Father Alex Pince and Mallory Smyth. Childcare, as well as full and partial scholarships, are available. To register or for further information, please visit http://www.togetherinholiness.org/venice.

Rosary Congress continues until Oct. 11

The 2024 Diocesan Rosary Congress, scheduled at more than 50 Parishes between Oct. 5 and 11, 2024, got off to a strong start. At St. Thomas More Parish in Sarasota, the Rosary Congress ran from Oct. 7-8 and included 24 hours of Eucharistic Adoration with the hourly praying of the Holy Rosary. Prayer intentions were for the protection of life and the defeat of the dangerous Amendment 4, which, if approved, would radically expand access to abortion in Florida. However, several host Parishes were forced to cancel their participation in the Rosary Congress due to the threat and impacts of Hurricane Milton. For a list of participating Parishes, please visit https://dioceseofvenice.org/offices/offices-departments/evangelization/rosary-congress-2024/.

Red Mass in Naples Oct. 16

The Catholic Lawyer’s Association of Southwest Florida cordially invites all to its inaugural event. The Red Mass will be celebrated by Most Rev. Frank J. Dewane, Bishop of the Diocese of Venice at 6 p.m., Oct. 16, 2024, at St. Peter the Apostle Parish, 5130 Rattlesnake Hammock Road, Naples. RSVP to Tylan Ricketts at tricketts@willisdavidow.com.

Undy Sunday Collier County collection begins Oct. 19

The annual Undy Sunday Campaign will take place in Collier County the weekends of October 19 and 20, and October 26 and 27, 2024. This collection of new and unused underwear and socks helps thousands of underserved Elementary School students receive underwear and socks, a basic necessity many do not have. There are several ways to assist. To learn more, contact Allegra Belliard at 239-793-0059.

Red Mass in Sarasota Oct. 22

The 16th Annual Red Mass will be celebrated by Bishop Frank J. Dewane, Bishop of the Diocese of Venice at 5:30 p.m., Oct. 22, 2024, at St. Martha Catholic Church, 200 N. Orange Avenue in Sarasota. Judges, lawyers, lawmakers, their families and staff are cordially invited to attend.   A reception hosted by the Planning Committee of the Catholic Lawyers Guild will follow in the Fr. Fausto Parish Hall. Please send RSVPs before October 11 for the Red Mass and/or reception to Tina Mroczkowski at 941-366-5510 or tinam@bowmangeorge.com.

Catholic Mass on Veterans Day

On Veterans Day, Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, the Diocese of Venice will hold a Memorial Mass in honor of the men and women who have served our country and continue to serve and protect us today. This is the 15th year the Diocese has held a Mass on Veterans Day. The opening ceremonies begin at 2:45 p.m., with the Mass at 3:00 p.m. in the Amphitheater at the Sarasota National Cemetery, 9810 State Road 72/Clark Road, approximately five miles east of I-75. The priests, deacons and Knights of Columbus in the Diocese will join in the celebration of the Mass. All are invited to attend, and active military personnel are asked to wear their uniform. Attendees are also encouraged to wear sunscreen and bring a hat. There is ample seating and parking at the cemetery. For further information please contact Gail Ardy at ardy@dioceseofvenice.org or 941-486-4714.

Diocesan Rosary Congress runs Oct. 5-11

Posted on by Bob Reddy

The month of October each year is dedicated to the Most Holy Rosary. Yearly, on Oct. 7, the Universal Church celebrates the Feast of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary in honor of the Blessed Mother. October is also the month in which Mary appeared for the last time to shepherd children in Fatima, Portugal, urging them to “say the rosary every day to obtain peace for the world.”

In celebration of the Blessed Virgin, the Annual Diocese of Venice Rosary Congress will take place at more than 40 Parishes between Oct. 5 and Oct. 11, 2024.

The theme for the 2024 Diocesan Rosary Congress is, “Do Whatever He Tells You” (John 2:5), Mary’s last utterance in Scripture, in which she speaks to the servants at the Wedding Feast at Cana.

Each host Parish will offer the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass prior to the hourly praying of the Rosary. Many Parishes will include the Exposition and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament with five decades of the Rosary being prayed aloud by the faithful. The length of time will vary and could last up to 24 hours. All the faithful are welcome to participate at any location at any time. For a complete list of host Parishes and times, please visit https://dioceseofvenice.org/offices/offices-departments/evangelization/rosary-congress-2024/.

The primary public intention for the Rosary Congress in 2024 will be for the defeat of Amendment 4, an extreme and dangerous proposed amendment to the Florida Constitution that would radically expand access to abortion. To learn more about the amendment, please visit https://dioceseofvenice.org/offices/offices-departments/respect-life/amendment4/. Personal intentions are also welcomed.

Initiated in 2021, the Rosary Congress is encouraged by the Diocesan Office of Evangelization as a way to present a unique opportunity to place all prayer intentions and the needs of all the faithful into the loving arms of the Mother of God.

Bishop Frank J. Dewane said praying the Rosary is a key component in one’s Faith life. Citing the example of St. Mother Teresa, Bishop Dewane referred to the power of the Rosary, calling everyone to pray it and live it and persevere. In addition, the Bishop noted how Pope Francis frequently describes praying the Rosary as armor to be used in the spiritual battle we all face each day.

“We pray the Rosary to honor Our Mother, who said that glorious ‘Yes!’ to God, bringing His Son into the world for our salvation,” Bishop Dewane said.

Carol O’Neill of Incarnation Parish in Sarasota said the 2023 Rosary Congress inspired her to spend several hours in prayer. “Our Lady means so much to me. She is a true inspiration. She is who I pray to when I seek guidance or counsel. I felt this was a great opportunity to spend more time in focused prayer. The world needs prayers. We all do.”

Announced on Oct. 2, Pope Francis has called for a global day of prayer and fasting on Oct. 7, the Feast of the Holy Rosary, to mark the one-year anniversary of the Hamas attack of Israel amid escalating violence in the region. Pope Francis will personally go to Rome’s Basilica of St. Mary Major on Oct. 6 to pray the rosary on the eve of the Feast Day, “to invoke the gift of peace through the intercession of the Most Holy Mary.”

The Memorial of Our Lady of the Rosary directly commemorates the 1571 naval Battle of Lepanto. The Holy League (a naval coalition of European Catholic maritime states) defeated the vastly superior Ottoman navy in the Gulf of Patras near modern day Greece, overcoming tremendous odds after Pope Pius V called upon all Catholics to pray the Rosary for victory. This victory successfully halted the spread of the Ottoman Empire into Rome and beyond. The Feast Day is also referred to as Our Lady of Victory.

Sarasota Parish hosts relic of St. Padre Pio

Posted on by Bob Reddy

From the earliest years of the Church relics from the bodies of the saints and martyrs have been vivid reminders to the faithful of the heroic virtue that God worked in and through their lives.

Catholics venerate relics of saints as a means of asking their intercession before the Lord. It is well documented in Christian history that credible blessings, favors, miracles and conversions have taken place due to the intercession of saints.

For this reason, hundreds gathered for a visitation of a relic of St. Padre Pio on Sept. 28, 2024, at Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Parish in Sarasota. The relic, a cloth stained with the blood of the saint who was known for many extraordinary gifts, including stigmata, prophecy, ability to speak languages he had never studied, gift of conversions and more.

Father John Hoang, Pastor of Our Lady Queen of Martyrs, said the Parish was blessed to have the relic available for public display. The visitation closely coincided with the 25th anniversary of his beatification (1999), Sept. 23. St. Padre Pio passed away in 1968 and was beatified in 1999, and was canonized by St. John Paul II in 2002.

Father Hoang encouraged the faithful to venerate the relic, and spend a few moments in quiet devotion. “You can devoutly ask the Lord for His intercession for any intention you carry in your heart.”

The day began with the offering of the Sacrament of Reconciliation prior to the Sunday Vigil Mass. The relic was placed on a table ahead of the front pew during the Mass.

After Mass, the faithful were encouraged to come forward. Many touched the reliquary (the metal container holding the relic) with rosaries, prayer cards, and other objects, as a means of intercessory prayer. Still others kissed the reliquary.

Christina Reynolds of St. Joseph Parish in Bradenton was a visitor to Our Lady Queen of Martyrs specifically to be near the relic of St. Padre Pio, bringing two rosaries and three prayer cards to touch the reliquary.

“He was a remarkable man who was given great gifts,” Reynolds said. “To know that his blood is present in the reliquary means so much to me. I feel honored to be in its presence.”

Holding the reliquary was Gino D’Alessandro, who leads the Parish devotional to St. Padre Pio. During a reception in the Parish hall, D’Alessandro offered stories about how he began his own personal devotion to the saint. His devotion included the backing of the construction of a Shrine to St. Padre Pio next to the Parish Hall. The Shrine was dedicated by Bishop Frank J. Dewane in 2008. A movie documenting the saint’s extraordinary life was also presented.

Born to a peasant farmer in Pietrelcina, Italy, in 1887, St. Padre Pio decided at a very young age to dedicate his life to God. First experiencing the stigmata in 1916, he shied away from public ministry until 1934. In 1947, Father Karol Wojtyla visited Padre Pio who prophetically told him he would rise to the highest post in the Church. Father Wojtyla later became Pope John Paul II. St. Padre Pio became internationally famous. He was known for his piety, charity and the quality of his preaching. He famously advised, “Pray, hope and don’t worry.” He is the patron of civil defense volunteers, adolescents, and the village of Pietrelcina.

Relics

Relics are usually broken down into three classes. First class relics are the body or fragments of the body of a saint.

Second class relics are something that personally belonged to a saint such as a shirt, prayer card, sacred vessel or vestment, or book (or fragments of those items). Third class relics are items that a saint touched or that have been touched to a first- or second-class relic of a saint. Sacred Scripture teaches that God can act through relics, especially in terms of healing and intercession.

Most Catholic church altars are embedded with relics. Many Parish churches host additional relics for veneration.

Reverencing the saints through the use of relics is not a required devotion of the Catholic Church but does reflect the Church’s belief that the saints in Heaven continue to intercede for us in response to our prayers.  However, veneration of the saints through their relics — along with praying the rosary, wearing medals and going on pilgrimages — should not be misconstrued as adoration or worship, which are due to God alone according to the Church.

Diocese honors Mary on Solemnity of Her Assumption

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Pope Francis described why on Aug. 15 the Church celebrates one of the most important feasts dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary: the Solemnity of Her Assumption. “At the conclusion of Her earthly life, the Mother of Christ was raised in body and soul to Heaven, that is, in the glory of eternal life, in the full communion with God,” said

In celebration of this important Solemnity, Parishes throughout the Diocese of Venice offered additional Mass to allow the faithful to participate in this Holy Day of Obligation. In addition, Diocesan Catholic Schools also celebrated school-wide Masses.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church describes the Assumption as follows: “The Immaculate Virgin, when the course of her earthly life was finished, was taken up body and soul into heavenly glory, and exalted by the Lord as Queen over all things, so that she might be more fully conformed to her Son, the Lord of lords and conqueror of death.”

Bishop Frank J. Dewane stated, “Since the corruption of the human body is a consequence of sin, it would not be right that the Virgin Mary – who is free from sin – should be affected by this natural law. It is a privilege granted to Mary, as the Mother of Jesus.”

Pope Francis said that “Mary’s Assumption is a great mystery that concerns each one of us; it concerns our future. Mary, in fact, precedes us on the way in which all those go that, through baptism, have bound their life to Jesus, as Mary bound her life to Him. This (Solemnity) pre-announces the ‘new heavens and the new earth,’ with the risen Christ’s victory over death and the definitive defeat of the Evil One.”

Students at St. Joseph Catholic School in Bradenton observed the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary with the celebration of the first Mass of the 2024-2025 Academic Year. This was also the case at many other Diocesan Catholic Schools, as they prayed that all students hold Mary’s example close to their hearts as they navigate new classes, experiences, and friendships.

Following a Solemnity Mass for students St. Francis Xavier Catholic School in Fort Myers, third graders took time to reflect on ways they can be more like Mary throughout this year. They also created works of art which depicted the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

The students at Bishop Verot Catholic High School in Fort Myers joined as a student body for the first Mass of the academic year, which was celebrated by Father Shawn Roser. Father is the new school Chaplain and is also Parochial Vicar at nearby Church of the Resurrection of Our Lord Parish.

Jesuit Father John Belmonte, Diocesan Superintendent of Catholic Education, celebrated Mass on the Solemnity at Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School in Sarasota. Father Belmonte also reminded the students to grow in their devotion to the Blessed Virgin in their lives, using Mary as an example.

To stress this point, Father Belmonte spoke how in the New Testament, the last words spoken by Mary occurred during the Wedding at Cana: “Do as He says!” Her instruction to the servants – who represent the faithful throughout the generations – was to always do as Jesus, Her Son, says. “This is the lesson we must all learn and live by in our lives,” Father said.

News Briefs for the week of July 26, 2024

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Watch this important video

Watch a short video which is offered for the faithful to learn the facts about Amendment 4, a dangerous and misleading amendment which will appear on the ballot in the fall. To learn more, visit Vote No on Amendment 4! – Diocese of Venice or contact Jeanne Berdeaux, berdeaux@dioceseofvenice.org, 941-374-1068.

Participants in World Grandparents Day will be offered Plenary Indulgence

The Fourth World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly will take place July 28, 2024, and those Catholics who participate will be eligible for a Plenary Indulgence. The World Day is celebrated annually on the fourth Sunday of July, close to the liturgical memorial of Saints Joachim and Anne, the foster grandparents of Jesus. The theme this year is “Do not cast me off in my old age.” (Ps 71:9). A Plenary Indulgence offers remission of the temporal punishment due to sins already forgiven, which can be applied to oneself or to the souls in Purgatory. The Indulgence will be granted to grandparents, the elderly, and all faithful who “motivated by a true spirit of penance and charity” will participate in the various functions to be held for the Day throughout the world. It will also be extended to those who dedicate significant time to visit—either in-person or by virtual means of communication—their elderly brothers and sisters who are in need or facing difficulties, such as the sick, abandoned, and those with disabilities. It is also available to the elderly sick and all those who, unable to leave their homes for a serious reason, will unite themselves spiritually to the sacred functions of the World Day, offering their prayers, pains, or sufferings to God, especially during the various celebrations which will be broadcast through the media. The Indulgence is subject to the usual conditions of sacramental Confession, reception of the Eucharist, and prayer for the intentions of the Holy Father.

Mission celebrates Feast Day

Holy Child Mission in Bowling Green celebrated its patron on July 21, 2024, with a Mass, procession and festival. The Feast of the Divine Child Jesus (Divino Nino) is an important celebration for this rural community, and this was reflected in the joy of the people of all ages. Father Juan Lorenzo led the procession which included carrying a statue of the Divine Child Jesus through the streets near the Mission church as the faithful prayed and sang. The fiesta rich foods followed. The celebration also marks the 44th anniversary of the founding of the Mission in Hardee County (1979).

Parish hosts youth missionaries aiding in hurricane recovery

St. Columbkille Parish in Fort Myers recognized a group of young men and women from the Diocese of La Crosse, Wisconsin at Mass on Sunday, July 21, 2024. This group, 40 in total, including some adult leaders and Father Jared Clements, a 13 months ordained Priest, came to the area on a Mission trip to help out some area residents who are still struggling from Hurricane Ian which devastated the area in September 2022. While in Fort Myers, at the end of each day, the group had daily Mass and Eucharistic Adoration in the Chapel. In addition, members of the Knights of Columbus also hosted a dinner for the missionaries.

Catholic Charities Summertime Appeal continues

Every day, Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, Inc., serves in the 10 counties that constitute the Diocese of Venice the most vulnerable population by feeding, housing, empowering, and helping all in need. This summer, you can be the one that makes a difference. Your acts of kindness have the power to transform lives and leave a positive impact in our community. The Catholic Charities “Summertime and the Giving is Easy” Appeal is asking for your support. Any gift will make a positive impact on our less fortunate brothers and sisters! To donate to Summertime and the Giving is Easy Campaign, please visit www.catholiccharitiesdov.org or mail a check to Catholic Charities, “Summertime and the Giving is Easy,” 1000 Pinebrook Road, Venice, FL 34285.

 

Solemnity honors founders of the Church – Saints Peter and Paul have impact across Church, in Diocese

Posted on by Bob Reddy

The Church celebrates the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul the Apostles on June 29, 2024, the founders of the See of Rome. The Diocese of Venice is blessed to have a troika of Parishes which honor these important saints.

Bishop Frank J. Dewane, in a message to the faithful on the occasion of the Solemnity, said they are honored in Rome through their preaching, ministry and martyrdom there. “Saint Peter is the rock upon which Jesus built His Church; Saint Paul was the preacher of truth to the whole world!”

A bold follower of the Lord, “St. Peter was the first to recognize that Jesus was ‘the Messiah, the Son of the living God,’ and eagerly pledged his fidelity until death. St. Peter led the Apostles as the first Pope and ensured that the disciples kept the true faith,” Bishop Dewane wrote.

St. Peter spent his last years in Rome, leading the Church through times of persecution and eventually was martyred there in the year 64. He was crucified upside-down at his own request, because he claimed he was not worthy to die as his Lord. He was buried on Vatican hill, and St. Peter’s Basilica is built over his tomb.

“St. Paul’s letters are included in the writings of the New Testament, and through them we learn much about his life and the faith of the early Church” Bishop Dewane stated. He spent his life preaching the Gospel tirelessly to the Gentiles of the Mediterranean world. Eventually imprisoned and taken to Rome, where he was beheaded in the year 67, Saint Paul is buried there in the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls.

Within the Diocese of Venice, there is a special devotion to the early saints, with three Parishes which bear their names.

The faithful at St. Paul Parish in Arcadia have been active since the 1880s, with the first Mass recorded in the area in 1882. St. Paul Mission was established in 1910. It became a formal Parish in 1958 for the then-Diocese of St. Augustine. The Parish serves a rural farming community and has a large active program for children and youth. Bishop Dewane dedicated a new Parish church in March 2021. The Parish has more than 2,000 families with Mass celebrated in English and Spanish.

Serving the southern end of the Diocese, St. Peter the Apostle Parish in Naples was erected in Naples on June 11, 1974, and currently has more than 4,500 families with seven weekend Masses in three languages. In 2019, the Parish Spirit Center, which includes the Parish Hall and offices, was dedicated by Bishop Dewane.

The newest of the three Parishes, Saints Peter and Paul the Apostles Parish in Bradenton, was erected in November 1986 and was one of the first Parishes in the newly created Diocese of Venice in Florida. The Parish now has more than 2,500 families, with a sprawling campus that includes three main buildings which host more than 100 Parish outreach programs. A church roof replacement was recently completed.

Father Mark Heuberger, Pastor for the past 14 years, said the dynamic Parish was blessed to be named after the two early saints. A mural, which is above the altar, depicts the saints and their related symbols, St. Peter with a net and upside-down cross. St. Paul with a sword, a staunch defender of the early Church who died by the sword. There is also an image of Christ and a boat.

As we celebrate the Solemnity, Bishop Dewane concluded his message, saying: “Why not ask Saints Peter and Paul today for their intercession, that we may enjoy a lively faith, a firm hope, and a burning love for the Lord, as they both did.”

Corpus Christi Sunday – Celebrating the Real Presence with processions

Posted on by Bob Reddy

In a tradition which dates back nearly 800 years, on the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi), the faithful at Parishes throughout the Diocese of Venice celebrated the Real Presence of Jesus Christ on June 2, 2024.

Eucharistic processions throughout the Diocese of Venice gave a “public witness of our faith in the Most Blessed Sacrament,” a true celebration of the Eucharist and the Real Presence of Our Lord.

At Our Lady of Light Parish in Fort Myers, the Pastor, Father Hugh McGuigan, Oblate of St. Francis de Sales, explained the importance of the Solemnity as a “celebration of the fulfillment of God’s great desire to be one with His people – to establish an everlasting covenant with us – a covenant which guarantees our forgiveness and reconciliation.”

Following Mass, Father McGuigan invited the faithful to take a “walk with Christ.” The Corpus Christi procession began with the placement of a consecrated host in the monstrance (a sacred vessel that displays the sacred host to the faithful). After a brief time for all to pray before the Most Holy Eucharist, the procession, led by altar servers carrying candles and an incenser, advanced out of the Church sanctuary.

Because of the heat, the procession led out into the courtyard and into the Parish Hall. At three locations along the route there were decorated altars where the monstrance was placed and, after a period of prayer, which included a Gospel reading and intercessions, the people were blessed. In this way the Church shows that Christ, here among us, walks with us on our pilgrimage to heaven. A Eucharistic Procession is not only a tradition in the Catholic Church but is a public witness of our faith in the Blessed Sacrament in the community.

Processions, like the one at Our Lady of Light, and elsewhere throughout the Diocese, took on a special meaning during a time of National Eucharistic Revival and teaching leading up to the July National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis. There, tens of thousands of Catholics will gather to celebrate the National Eucharistic Revival, a three-year movement by the U.S. Bishops to answer the call of Jesus Christ to return to the source and summit of Our Faith – the Real Presence in the Holy Eucharist. Bishop Frank J. Dewane will be leading a group of pilgrims to the Congress.

The National Eucharistic Revival was launched as an initiative of the U.S. Catholic Bishops in 2022. Here in the Diocese of Venice, at the direction of Bishop Dewane, several major events have taken place, including a 2023 Diocesan Eucharistic Congress and Youth Rally, a 2024 Diocesan Eucharistic Conference, as well as many more Most Blessed Sacrament-themed Parish initiatives. These events drew thousands together to set hearts afire in celebration of the Most Blessed Sacrament.

Growing closer to Jesus through His Mother – May, a month dedicated to Mary

Posted on by Bob Reddy

The path of faith and hope that the Blessed Virgin Mary provides to the world is something which is celebrated during the month of May. This path brings us to a greater understanding of Christ, and a closer relationship with Him.

When Mary, the Immaculate handmaid of the Lord, said “yes” to the message of the Archangel, she followed the One who bestows universal favors, and the human race would never be the same. Mary trusted in the will of God to the fullest measure: “Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled (Luke 1:45).”

Bishop Frank J. Dewane said through Mary’s example, “we learn the important lesson that ‘nothing will be impossible for God.’ Mary said, ‘Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to Your word.’ Then the angel departed from her’ (Luke 1:37-38). Without God, we cannot fulfill His Mission. Our Lady understood that, so must each one of us. We must radically change our inner selves and have that same strength to do the will of the Lord.”

Pope Francis said Mary’s greatness does not consist in performing an extraordinary deed, but in silence and adoration, she placed Jesus at the center and bears witness to Him as Savior.

“She is Mother not only because she carried Jesus in her womb and gave birth to Him, but because she brings Him into the light, without occupying His place,” the Holy Father said. “She will remain silent even beneath the cross, in the darkest hour, and will continue to make room for Him and (make Him accessible) for us… With her silence and humility, Mary is God’s first ‘cathedral,’ the place where He and humanity can meet.”

During Advent 2017, Bishop Dewane, in unity with the priests and faithful of the Diocese of Venice, formally consecrated the Diocese to Jesus through the Immaculate Heart of Mary. By this Act of Consecration, which coincided with the 100th anniversary of the apparitions of Our Lady of Fatima, the faithful entrusted the Diocese and its good works to Our Lady so as to fulfill more readily the will of her Divine Son for His Church.

Honoring Mary in May

The Month of May serves as an opportunity to reflect upon the season of the Liturgical Year which largely corresponds with the 50 days of Easter. Therefore, time should be taken to reflect on Our Lady’s participation in the Paschal mystery and in Pentecost (May 19, 2024), which marks the beginning of the Church.

May is often when young Catholics receive the Sacrament of Holy Communion for the first time. In addition, at Parishes and Diocesan Catholic schools May Crowning ceremonies take place, during which a statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary is given a crown of flowers as a public commitment to pray for the intercessions of the Blessed Virgin Mary throughout the month.

This month, in which we honor Our Lady, is also a time to renew a commitment to praying the Mysteries of the Rosary (Joyful, Sorrowful, Glorious and Luminous). Our Lady has 117 titles but selected this title at Fatima: “I am the Lady of the Rosary.” St. Francis de Sales said the greatest method of praying is to “Pray the Rosary.”

Our Lady is an important symbol throughout the Diocese of Venice. Our Lady of Mercy is the Patroness of the Diocese of Venice and is the name of a Parish in Boca Grande. Additionally, the Blessed Virgin is honored with numerous Parishes and other facilities named in her honor. These include: Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center, Venice; St. Mary, Star of the Sea, Longboat Key; Our Lady of the Angels, Lakewood Ranch; Our Lady of Grace, Avon Park; Our Lady of Guadalupe, Immokalee; Our Lady of Light, Fort Myers; Our Lady of Miraculous Medal, Bokeelia; Our Lady of Lourdes, Venice; Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Osprey; Our Lady Queen of Martyrs, Sarasota; and Our Lady Queen of Heaven, LaBelle.

Pope Paul VI wrote an encyclical in 1965 citing the Month of Mary devotion as a means of obtaining prayers for peace. May is the month during which the piety of the faithful is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, and is also the time for a “moving tribute of faith and love which Catholics in every part of the world [pay] to the Queen of Heaven,” Pope Paul VI wrote “During this month Christians, both in church and in the privacy of the home, offer up to Mary from their hearts an especially fervent and loving homage of prayer and veneration. In this month, too, the benefits of God’s mercy come down to us from her throne in greater abundance.”

The Christian custom of dedicating the month of May to the Blessed Virgin arose at the end of the 13th century. In this way, the Church was able to Christianize the secular feasts which were taking place at that time. In the 16th century, books appeared and fostered this devotion, which continues to this day.

News Briefs for the week of May 3, 2024

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Ascension Solemnity moved to Sunday, May 12

The Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord, Sunday, will be celebrated in the Diocese of Venice on May 12, 2024 (moved from May 9). The Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops voted in the year 2000 to transfer the Solemnity of the Ascension from the Thursday, 40 days after Easter, to the Seventh Sunday of Easter, in accord with an indult granted to the US. Conference of Catholic Bishops by the Holy See. Therefore, for the Catholic Churches in the State of Florida, the Seventh Sunday of Easter is replaced by the Solemnity of the Ascension.

Retired Venice priest dies

Father Richard John Beligotti, a retired priest who has served at Epiphany Cathedral in Venice for the past eight years, died April 26, 2024, at the age of 81. Born as an identical twin in Montour Falls, New York, on Sept. 8, 1942, Father Beligotti attended St. Andrew Minor Seminary and St. Bernard Major Seminary, Rochester.  He was Ordained to the Priesthood June 1, 1968, for the Diocese of Rochester. Later, Father Richard earned an advanced degree from St. Bernard Major Seminary and took two different sabbaticals, first at American College in Louvain, Belgium, and then at the Pontifical North American College in Rome. For the Diocese of Rochester, he served as a Parochial Vicar, Administrator or Pastor at Parishes in Irondequoit, Apalachin, Ithaca, Charlotte, Avon, Horseheads, Rochester, Newark, Chili, Elmira Heights, Leicester, Retsof, Bloomfield, Lima and Honeoye Falls. Father also served as a hospital chaplain in Auburn. Retired in 2013, Father Richard had been assisting at Epiphany Cathedral since 2016 alongside his twin brother, Father Robert Beligotti. A Memorial Mass was celebrated by Bishop Frank J. Dewane on May 1, 2024, at Epiphany Cathedral. A Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for May 8, 2024, at St. Mary’s of the Lake Parish in Watkins Glen, New York, with burial to follow. Please pray for the repose of his soul and for the consolation of his family. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in eternal peace.

Students gets colorful during fun run

The St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic School Color Run fundraiser took place April 19, 2024, in Naples. Students (and volunteers) had a wonderful time while helping raise funds for school improvements. During the event, students ran on the field and every lap they took, volunteers “colored” them with chalk. The top three participating classes won an ice cream party. The event was organized by the Home and School Association.

Donations of baby supplies needed

Community Pregnancy Centers Inc. is seeking donations of diapers and clothing to support the children of the women that are served each day. Items sought include new or gently used clothes (size 12 months to 3T); baby wipes; diapers (size 4-6); baby shampoo/lotion; new clothes for babies (0-3 months); pacifiers; pull ups/training diapers. Community Pregnancy Clinics has offices in Naples, Fort Myers and Sarasota. Please call 239-326-0453 or visit https://communitypregnancyclinic.com/ for locations.

Vocation Discernment Retreat May 11 in Cape Coral

A Vocations Discernment Retreat is taking place beginning at 10:30 a.m., May 11, 2024, at St. Katherine Drexel Parish, 1922 SW 20th Avenue, Cape Coral.  If you are of high school or college age, or a young adult, and wish to discover more about different vocations, plan to attend this one-day Retreat. The day will include breakfast, lunch and dinner, the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass and presentations regarding the different Vocations. Priests, as well as religious men and women will be present throughout the day. This retreat is co-sponsored by the Diocese of Venice Vocations Office and St. Katharine Drexel Parish. The cost for the day is $25. To register, visit https://www.venicevocations.org/events, or for additional information, please contact aileen@drexelcc.org or rose@drexelcc.org.

Calling all Pro-Life Advocates! 

If you’d like to volunteer to help educate people on the truth about the pro-abortion amendment on the November ballot, plan to attend a training opportunity within the Diocese of Venice in May (one of two). The first training is Monday, May 13, 2024, from 11:45 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Leadership Institute, 2163 Main Street (downtown), Sarasota.  The second session is also from 11:45 a.m., Wednesday, May 15, at St. John XXIII Parish Center, 13060 Palomino Lane, Fort Myers. Lunch will be included at both sessions.  Register online at www.LeadershipInstitute.org/Florida for either session by May 8. If you have questions, please contact Jeanne Berdeaux at 941-374-1068 or Berdeaux@dioceseofvenice.org.

“Jesus, I trust in You”- Divine Mercy Sunday celebrated

Posted on by Bob Reddy

The Second Sunday of Easter, or Divine Mercy Sunday, completes the Octave of Easter, a celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ and the blessing of His continuing presence in our midst. The Gospel reading for Divine Mercy Sunday, April 7, 2024, recalls the encounter between St. Thomas (the doubting Apostle) and Jesus after the Resurrection.

Divine Mercy Sunday celebrates the mercy of Jesus as reminded to us by St. Maria Faustina Kowalska, a religious sister who lived a humble life, to whom Jesus appeared. St. Faustina was born in Krakow, Poland and lived from 1905-1938. She was canonized by St. John Paul II in 2000, who at that time also declared the Second Sunday of Easter as Divine Mercy Sunday. This celebration also honors St. Faustina’s vision of Jesus Christ, and His message of love and peace for the world.

St. Faustina wrote in her diary from private revelation that Jesus told her: “I want to grant a complete pardon to the souls that will go to Confession and receive Holy Communion on the Feast of My Mercy (1109). The soul that will go to Confession and receive Holy Communion will obtain complete forgiveness of sins and punishment (699).”

The image of the Divine Mercy was created by St. Faustina who was told to paint the image of Jesus as she saw Him. The painting has the saying at the bottom: “Jesus, I Trust in You.” The rays emanating from the Sacred Heart of Jesus represent water (white) – which makes souls righteous — and blood (red) — which is the life of souls, Jesus told St. Faustina.

Many Parishes throughout the Diocese hold Divine Mercy services and several have novenas of prayer leading up to the Sunday. The popularity of Divine Mercy has been embraced by many diverse communities throughout the Diocese.

At St. Paul Parish in Arcadia, Divine Mercy Sunday included the traditional afternoon prayer service in English and Spanish. This included the Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, a reflection from Father Pawel Kawalec, a recitation of the Divine Mercy Litany, singing of the Divine Mercy Chaplet, and Solemn Benediction.

The prayer service concluded when the faithful were invited to come forward and venerate the image of Divine Mercy which adorns the wall to the right of the altar and was decorated with flowers.

Alicia Torres attended the Divine Mercy prayer service with her two children and said her prayers were focused on seeking help for family members who need to have Christ in their life more. “This day is about seeking Jesus’ Mercy for ourself and our family and the whole world.”

At St. John the Evangelist Parish in Naples, the Divine Mercy celebration included a presentation by Sister Teresa de la Fuente, Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy (St. Faustina’s religious order).

Pope Francis, during the Regina Caeli on Divine Mercy Sunday, noted that the “fullness of life” comes not from the pursuit of transitory pleasure but is “realized in Jesus.”

In his address, Pope Francis drew upon the disciples, who were despondent and secluded in the Upper Room, “going through the most tragic moment in life,” to showcase how Christ’s coming to them was a deeply transformative moment, one that not only reveals His mercy but also promises a new life.

“The Risen One comes to them and shows them His wounds,” the Pope said. “They were the signs of suffering and pain, they could stir feelings of guilt, yet with Jesus they become channels of mercy and forgiveness.”

 

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