Tag: hispanic outreach

22nd Annual Christmas Appeal comes at critical time

Posted on by Bob Reddy

“Providing Help, Creating Hope, Serving All!” – the mission statement of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, Inc.

Catholic Charities continues to bring hope to families and people in need in Southwest Florida, thanks to the generosity of benefactors who support the many programs of Catholic Charities throughout the year.

Catholic Charities assisted more than 335,000 people in need, providing a wide range of services throughout the 10-county Diocese of Venice this year. Service included emergency assistance, food and housing assistance, counseling and mental health services, and programs for seniors and children. For example: $3,000,000 provided financial assistance to keep families housed and fed in the post-pandemic period and recovery; 1,000 families and seniors were provided housing assistance; disaster relief continued for more than 100,000 impacted by Hurricane Ian; 5,000 services were provided to victims of human trafficking; and more than 270,000 hungry children and individuals were assisted at numerous food pantries.

To enable Catholic Charities to continue to do its vital work, the 22nd Annual Catholic Charities Christmas Appeal is taking place now through January 2024. A donation strengthens Catholic Charities to provide this much-needed support.

Bishop Frank J. Dewane noted that the support of Catholic Charities by the faithful of Southwest Florida is inspiring and critical to ensure “our brothers and sisters in Christ continue to receive the help and support they need. Please remember that every number represents a child, family or individual who relied on the support of Catholic Charities to get through a crisis. Catholic Charities does a wonderful job in providing programs that not only help in a crisis but assist in improving daily the lives of those they reach. Your support is appreciated, and critical!”

In an appeal letter to supporters, Eddie Gloria, CEO of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, and Rita Cavuto, Chair of the Board of Directors, wrote, “This Christmas, help us to continue to bring the message of God’s hope. Your donation this Season holds the power to uplift the lives of people in need. Each person and family seeking assistance faces unique challenges. Your help allows Catholic Charities to develop the programs and services to meet these diverse needs.”

Perhaps the personal testimony of beneficiaries says it best:

 

  • Judith of Cape Coral, a victim of Hurricane Ian, said of Catholic Charities, “I was granted a place to live, and they helped me pay my bills and it was a tremendous blessing. May God continue to bless their heart and their mind and the good work that they’re doing for people. They helped me to put myself back on my feet.”

 

  • Nicolas of Naples said, “I was struggling financially with my health. I reached out to Catholic Charities, and they assisted me with a medical bill and a portion of my rent. I’m truly grateful for the help and can’t thank you enough.”

 

  • Alexa, a graduate of the Our Mother’s House program for homeless moms and their children, said, “Our Mother’s House provided me with the help I needed to get back on my feet and care for my son. Now I feel joy, and I am hopeful about the future – because now I have one.”

This is just a small sampling of the many positive outcomes Catholic Charities has been privileged to support during the past year and they are prepared for the possibilities of tomorrow because of donations to the annual Christmas Appeal.

To support the 22nd Annual Christmas Appeal, please mail a contribution to Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, Inc., 1000 Pinebrook Road, Venice, FL 34285, or visit https://catholiccharitiesdov.org/donate.

“No matter the amount of your gift, when combined with others, it will make a significant difference for those who turn to us for help!” the appeal letter concluded.

Pope Francis calls for visiting Diocesan priests to be “holy, holy priests”

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Six Diocese of Venice priests were among a group of nearly 100 who participated in the annual National Association of Hispanic Priests in the United States convention in Rome in mid-November 2023.

Leading the Diocesan contingent was Father Jiobani Batista, Pastor of Our Lady Queen of Heaven Parish and Holy Martyrs Mission, both in LaBelle, who became the new president of the National Association of Hispanic Priests (Asociación Nacional de Sacerdotes Hispanos). Also participating were Father Lorenzo Gonzalez, Pastor of St. Columbkille Parish in Fort Myers, who was elected treasurer of the organization, as well as Father Marcial García, Pastor of St. Joseph the Worker Parish in Moore Haven, and St. Theresa of the Child of Jesus Mission in Buckhead Ridge, Father Elbano Muñoz, Pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Bradenton, Father Felix Gonzalez, Parochial Vicar at St. James Parish and Santiago Mission, both in Lake Placid, and Father Luis Albarracin who is retired but continues to assist at Parishes throughout the Diocese.

One of the highlights of the association convention was an audience with Pope Francis on Nov. 16, 2023, in Clementine Hall of the Apostolic Place in Vatican City.

Pope Francis told the group, the daily rhythm of the life of a priest should resemble “ping pong” – praying on one’s knees before the tabernacle, helping those in need and returning to prayer.

“Do not leave those who suffer alone; do not leave the Lord in the tabernacle alone. Convince yourselves that you cannot do anything with your hands unless you do it on your knees,” the Holy Father said. “It’s like ping pong, one thing leads to the other.”

Pope Francis told them to “beware of ecclesiastical elegance,” because concern for keeping churches pristine increases the temptation to keep the doors closed and “that won’t do.”

During the U.S. National Eucharistic Revival and with preparations well underway for the National Eucharistic Congress in July 2024, the Holy Father focused his remarks on the importance of eucharistic adoration and the essential tie between reverencing the Eucharist and serving one’s brothers and sisters.

Pope Francis said he did not want to make anyone “blush,” so he would not ask the priests how many hours a week they spend in adoration, but “I’ll throw the question out there.”

In the busy life of a priest, there are many possible excuses for limiting time in private prayer, the Holy Father said. “But if you don’t pray, if you don’t adore, your life is worth little.”

Pope Francis told them to be “priests for the people.” While priests often will not get to see the results of the seeds they plant, the Holy Father said, God wants them to trust that he will make them bear fruit.

Father Batista said the annual convention is always a great opportunity to share with other Hispanic priests and some that work with the Hispanic community from across the U.S.

“The atmosphere of friendship and fraternity is what we all consider the best gain we have,” Father said. “Sharing moments of prayer, the Eucharist in the major Basilicas in Rome was a plus. To be able to have deep insights about the Synod on Synodality from some participants brought us closer to what our Universal Church is facing and will continue working on.”

Father Batista added that meeting personally with Pope Francis was a blessing. “I brought him a book of poems written by a priest friend and a letter sent by a parishioner who was a Cuban political prisoner and it led us to share a few words. He asked me to pray for those who live in that condition.”

He concluded by saying that being president of the National Association of Hispanic Priests is a great responsibility but also is a joyful way of serving the Church in the U.S.

Father Muñoz described the trip to Rome and convention as an inspiring experience.

“Getting together with many other priests doing Hispanic Ministry all over the U.S. was encouraging; sharing different experiences working with Hispanic parishioners and realizing that it almost the same kind of situations,” Father said.

He said the private audience with Pope Francis was “incredible. His talk was touching, inspiring and realistic. Pope Francis really wants us to be holy, holy priests.”

While in Rome and at the Vatican, the group had the opportunity to celebrate Holy Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica, the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, the Basilica of St. John Lateran, and the final Mass together as a group was at St. Patrick Parish. The main celebrant at this Mass was Father Batista.

Feast Day celebration in Clewiston

Posted on by Bob Reddy

St. Margaret of Scotland, patroness and eponym of the Catholic Parish in Clewiston, was canonized for her concern with and ministry to the poor, the orphaned, the widowed, and the sick. She built schools and hospitals and spent time each day listening to the needs of the people in the outer court of the castle where she reigned as queen with her husband, Malcolm III.

“The history of St. Margaret Parish has continued the witness of St. Margaret,” Bishop Dewane said during a Mass honoring the Saint on Nov. 19, 2023. “I am pleased and honored to be here with all of you today as you honor your patroness, someone who lived a long time ago and far away. You do honor St. Margaret today, but you also do this in how you live your lives, responding to the needs of the community with compassion.”

The celebration included a bilingual Mass (English and Spanish), and this was followed in the Parish Hall with a feast.

Father Jean Woady Louis, Administrator of St. Margaret Parish, expressed his gratitude for the presence of Bishop Dewane and explained that the Parish is proud of its heritage, serving the faithful in Hendry County since 1932.

The Feast of St. Margaret is celebrated on Nov. 16, and honors a Saint who was born in Hungary in 1045 and died in 1093. She was canonized in 1250 by Pope Innocent IV as a Saint, acknowledging her life of holiness and extraordinary virtue. She was honored for her work for reform of the Church and her personal holiness.

St. Margaret is best remembered for her love of the poor. When she walked or rode out in public, crowds of the needy flocked to her, and none left her without being comforted.

Although very generous with material gifts, St. Margaret also visited the sick and nursed them with her own hands. She and her husband were also renowned for serving orphans and the poor on their knees during Advent and Lent.

Youth challenged to reflect on their relationship with Jesus

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Each of us is made in the image and likeness of God, giving us everything we have, from the sun in the sky, to the food we eat and the clothes we wear. How we respond to that gift from God will define who we are, and who we are becoming.

This was the straightforward message shared with more than 500 youth at two separate retreats on Nov. 11, 2023. Building on Jesus’ questioning of the Apostles in the Gospel of Matthew (16:13-20), the two retreats focused on engaging the teens to think about their personal relationship with the Lord, and how they would answer the question Jesus posed to the Apostles, “Who do you say that I am?”

At St. Raphael Parish in Lehigh Acres, more than 300 Hispanic youth from Parishes in Lee and Collier counties gathered for a day of prayer and reflection in a presentation led by the group Los Hermanos Unidos. Among the first speakers were Father Christian Chami, Parochial Vicar at St. Jude Parish in Sarasota, and Father Daniel Scanlan, Parochial Vicar at St. Thomas More Parish in Sarasota.

The second group included 170 high school sophomores from nine different Parishes in Sarasota and Manatee counties, who gathered at the Zazarino Center of St. Martha Catholic School for a Confirmation Retreat. The theme of the retreat was “Hearts on Fire, Ablaze, Live Out Loud,” and the guest speaker was Jimmy Mitchell, founder of Love Good. Mitchell is also the director of campus ministry at Jesuit Catholic High School in Tampa.

At both retreats, the youth heard about the need to build their personal relationship with the Lord, the importance of prayer and virtue, and how to find their vocation in life.

Father Chami told the Lehigh Acres group that a vocation to the priesthood, religious life, married life, or consecrated single life, is how you choose to respond positively to God because he made us intentionally and personally. Father continued by saying that a vocation is a free choice that comes from an open dialogue with God by going to Mass and through personal prayer time.

“If you take the time, God will make it clear what you are called to do and will help make evident what He is calling you to do,” Father Chami said. “Believe me. By choosing to follow the Lord, you will not regret it. It is the best life you can live. It is not always easy, but it is the most joyful and wonderful life.”

Father Scanlan said his vocation to the priesthood was a way that he could give himself completely to God.

“It is our prayer that you have a personal encounter with God today and every day,” Father Scanlan said. “When you get to know God, you can answer that question, ‘Who do you say that I am?’ What is more important in your life? Does God have a place in your life?”

Each teen will answer that question differently, but Father Scanlan said that they must keep their hearts open to listening and hearing the call of God in their life.

“God is always reaching out to you,” Father said. “Are you listening?”

The day in Lehigh Acres also included Eucharistic Adoration, the opportunity for the teens to go to confession, small group activities and more.

Both retreats concluded with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.

In addition, in Sarasota, the teens took part in service projects that included making “Get Well” cards for those sick in the hospital, bagging lunches for the homeless, and making Christmas treat bags for children in foster care.

Thousands attend Hispanic Fall Festival

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Beautiful weather accompanied a day filled with food, fun, entertainment and lots of smiling faces for the 19th Annual Hispanic Festival at St. Jude Parish in Sarasota.

An estimated 10,000 people gathered at St. Jude for this event on Nov. 4, 2023, a celebration of both the individual nations and the unified culture of a diverse Parish.

Held annually in early November this annual Festival is the oldest one in Sarasota County to feature authentic Latino food, music and culture. The day includes musical performances and ethnic dancers as well as food from many nations. Throughout the Parish grounds were tents full of a wide variety of foods that left many mouths watering. People attend the event annually from as far away as Naples and Clearwater. It has become a much anticipated and beloved event for the ethnically diverse Sarasota Parish.

The celebration of more than a dozen countries lasted from morning until sunset. Throughout the day, there were performances, offering folk and modern music, and dance. Many proudly wore clothing representing their country of origin.

Martha Perez, 11, enjoyed trying a variety of foods, including papas rellenas from the Cuban food tent, which is a meat-filled potato ball. The highlight of the day for the young girl was the various dancers who wore colorful dresses. “It was so wonderful to see them dancing to such beautiful songs.”

The Hispanic Festival opened with prayer, followed by a “Parade of Flags” as each country represented at the festival was announced, and the respective flags brought forth cheers.

As a bilingual Parish, the members of both the English and the Spanish speaking congregation at St. Jude participated and volunteered to staff the booths.

Whether it was the food, the music, the dancing, or the joy of being around so many happy people, the Hispanic Festival was a success by any measure.

The proceeds of the Hispanic Festival go to support the various outreach efforts of St. Jude Parish, including a food pantry and other programs which help countless families throughout the year.

News Briefs for the week of November 3, 2023

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Seminarian Admitted to Candidacy

Diocese of Venice Seminarian Joseph Bao Quoc Nguyen took a significant step in his vocation journey with his Admission to Candidacy for Holy Orders. He was one of four men to be admitted to candidacy on Oct. 25, 2023, at Pope St. John XXIII National Seminary in Weston, Massachusetts. The Rite was presided over by Most Rev. Earl K. Fernandes, Bishop of the Diocese of Columbus, Ohio. During the Rite, each man expressed his intention to complete his preparation for Holy Orders and his resolve to dedicate himself to that goal. To be admitted to candidacy, Seminarian Nguyen had to have been first approved by Bishop Frank J. Dewane, and will continue his studies to become a Catholic priest.

Bishop celebrates Mass for students on All Saints’ Day

Bishop Frank J. Dewane celebrated Mass for students at both St. Francis Xavier Catholic School in Fort Myers and St. Andrew Catholic School in Cape Coral on All Saints’ Day, Nov. 1, 2023. In his message to the students, Bishop Dewane said it is important to learn about these Saints who are described as ordinary people of faith who lived extraordinary lives. They lived their lives in response to a call to holiness from the Lord. The Bishop asked the students at both Masses to respond to a call to holiness in their own lives.

Decline to Sign Petition for Dangerous Pro-Abortion Ballot Initiative

An extremely grave initiative is underway in Florida that seeks to erase pro-life protections by inserting language into the Florida State Constitution banning regulation of abortion. Abortion activists are working to gather petition signatures to place a pro-abortion constitutional amendment, titled “Amendment to Limit Government Interference with Abortion” on the November 2024 ballot. This amendment would allow abortion up until birth, including when the baby is capable of feeling pain, and would eliminate laws requiring parental consent and safety protocols for women. Floridians should not sign the petition. Please spread the word to your spheres of influence and continue to pray for the protection of the unborn.

All Saints’ Day Party held in Wauchula

Saints of all ages participated in the annual All Saints’ Day Party at St. Michael Parish in Wauchula on Oct. 28, 2023. Children dressed as the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Michael the Archangel were the most common costumes. Others dressed as St. Joseph, angels, popes, bishops and even superheroes. The evening included food, games and lots of candy. Prior to the party, there was an All Saints’ Day procession, led by a statue of St. Michael the Archangel and directed by the Servant Sisters of the Lord and the Virgin of Matará who serve the Parish.

Veteran’s Day Ball in Ave Maria

The Knights of Columbus of Ave Maria invite all to a Veteran’s Day Grand Ball, on Saturday, November 11, in the del Webb Grand Hall. The keynote speaker is Most Rev. Joseph L. Coffey, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of the Military Services, USA. The evening begins with a 6:00 p.m. cocktail hour/cash bar, with a 7:00 p.m. program, dinner and dancing. Black tie is optional for civilians, active duty military and veterans are asked to wear dinner dress or Class A Uniform. Tickets are $125 per person and seating is limited. For tickets, go to https://www.avemariakofc.org/.

National Night of Prayer for Life

The 2023 Annual National Night of Prayer for Life marks its 34th anniversary of people across the country praying to convert America’s heart to cherish life and encourage living the Gospel of Life.  It unites the Feast of the Immaculate Conception with the Feast of St. Juan Diego from Friday, December 8, at 9:00 p.m. to Saturday, December 9, at 1:00 a.m., with a national hour of unity across all time zones from midnight to 1:00 a.m.  People are invited to join in unity of prayer to restore the protection of life, the family, and the church, establish peace and inspire courage in our nation.  For more information, see www.nationalnightofprayerforlife.org, or contact Jeanne Berdeaux at Berdeaux@dioceseofvenice.org or 941-374-1068.

Gloria Concert in Naples

St. Peter the Apostle Parish, 5130 Rattlesnake Hammock Road, Naples, is hosting a free Gloria Concert at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, December 14. The concert will include all the Parish choirs of various languages (English, Spanish and Creole) as well as a children’s pageant. For further details, please contact Nancy Spolsino at 239-774-3037.

Hispanic Festival a part of Parish Jubilee

Posted on by Bob Reddy

When it comes to planning the 50th Jubilee of the Parish, there is an option to host one large celebration or to be more inclusive and include commemorations which reflect the broad cultural diversity of the faith community. St. Peter the Apostle Parish, erected in Naples on June 11, 1974, has opted to host many Jubilee celebrations in the coming months, culminating in a big event in June 2024.

Therefore, Oct. 22, 2023, was the day of a Hispanic Festival at St. Peter’s, with more than 1,000 celebrating this diverse community with food, music, dance and ethnic clothing.

Bishop Frank J. Dewane was present and offered a prayer for the Festival participants, as well as for the continued success of the ongoing Parish Jubilee celebrations.

Father Gerard Critch, St. Peter the Apostle Pastor, said he was pleased by the response to the Hispanic Festival and said he was delighted to have such a vibrant Parish community that includes people of many different backgrounds.

Father Wilian Montalvo Tello, Parochial Vicar at St. Peter who supports the spiritual needs of the Hispanic community, was overjoyed by the celebration, and held a wide grin as he wore the traditional clothing of his native Peru.

Also present was Father Alejandro Giraldo-Roldan, Parochial Vicar serving the Hispanic faithful at nearby St. Elizabeth Seton and St. Agnes Parishes. Father is a native of Columbia who was ordained to the priesthood in July.

The Festival began with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. This was followed by a procession and music led by performers dressed in Mayan and Aztec garb.

Throughout the afternoon and into the evening, participants had the opportunity to sample cuisine from more than a dozen Latin American countries. On the stage, there was a constant rotation of singers and dancers from the various countries.

As the music played, many sang along with the more traditional ballads. Throughout, nearly everyone present had small flags on their lapels, while most wore hats and traditional clothing or the colors of their homeland. Another option was to wear a shirt of the national sports team.

No matter where everyone was from, be it Latin America, the United States or elsewhere, a great time was had by all. As Father Critch explained, everyone better be prepared to party over and over again as the Jubilee celebration continues!

Hundreds Venerate Jesus in Eucharistic Procession

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Reciting prayers and singing hymns, hundreds participated in a public Eucharistic Procession through the streets around St. John Neumann Catholic High School in Naples on Oct. 22, 2023.

This procession consisted mostly of the faithful from nearby St. Elizabeth Seton Parish and was led by their Pastor, Father Casey Jones, and is one of several initiatives scheduled as part of “The Year of Parish Revival,” the latest phase of a National Eucharistic Revival. Launched as an initiative of the U.S. Catholic Bishops in June 2022, the National Eucharistic Revival is a three-year movement that aims to deepen Catholics’ love for Jesus through encountering His Real Presence in the Eucharist.

“This event is all about bringing Jesus Christ to the neighborhoods of the people,” Father Jones said. “The message is that our God loves us so much that he comes to us, rather than waiting for us to approach him. Just as Jesus Christ of Nazareth walked the streets of Galilee, He’s still alive and walks among us on our streets… We hope to give a witness to our belief in the Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist as a sign of Hope to a world that needs a Savior.”

Starting in Neumann’s Our Lady of the Angels Chapel with Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and Solemn Vespers, the group lined up for the Eucharistic Procession through the surrounding Golden Gate neighborhood. Father Jones said additional processions in other neighborhoods within the Parish boundaries will take place in the coming months. This includes one with the students at St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic School during Catholic School Week in early February 2024.

With a Knights of Columbus Honor Guard and a dozen altar servers carrying candles, Father Jones and Deacon Roberto Landron rotated carrying the monstrance with the Blessed Sacrament held high. Four volunteers carried a canopy to protect the Blessed Sacrament during the procession. This canopy served to create a sacred space that is reserved for the priest/deacon carrying the monstrance.

Hymns and prayers, both in English and Spanish, were heard as the group departed the Chapel and meandered their way to four stations where the monstrance was placed on a table and additional prayers were recited.

The National Eucharistic Revival will culminate in the first National Eucharistic Congress in the United States in almost 50 years. In July 2024, more than 80,000 Catholics are expected to join together in Indianapolis for a once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage in a celebration of the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist and our Catholic Faith.

Bishop Frank J. Dewane is leading a Pilgrimage to this 10th National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis. This historic 5-day gathering will take place July 17 – 21, 2024. It is a pivotal moment in the Church, and a unique opportunity for participants to draw into a deeper, more intimate relationship with Our Lord.

The cost of the Diocese of Venice pilgrimage package is $1,049. With the package, pilgrims receive the National Eucharistic Congress 5-day pass, which provides access to all speakers and events, as well as four nights’ accommodations in a 4-star hotel within walking distance of the convention center. Please note, the pilgrimage package does not include transportation or meals. Space is limited! Register today using https://ctscentral.rezmagic.com/Booking/Reservation/Start?tripID=5394&CategoryId=52540. Questions? Contact Carrie Harkey, harkey@dioceseofvenice.org.

Naples teacher recognized with state Hispanic Heritage Award

Posted on by Bob Reddy

St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic School Spanish Teacher Fabiola Galarraga-Cole is one of only four teachers in the State of Florida to be honored with the 2023 Florida Hispanic Heritage Excellence in Education Award.

Cole has been at St. Elizabeth Seton in Naples since 2017 and teaches weekly Spanish classes to students in Grades Pre-Kindergarten-8. In addition to her teaching role, she organizes events like the Latin Zumba Fiesta and Student Talent Show, and serves as Yearbook and Spanish Club Advisor, while also directing the school’s musical productions.

“I was surprised and honored to be selected for this award!” Cole said. “It is such a privilege to represent St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic School and my Hispanic heritage. Receiving this special award from the Governor of Florida and visiting the Governor’s mansion was an amazing and unforgettable experience for my family and myself. My heart is full of gratitude to God, the generous sponsors, and all those who nominated me.”

Seton Principal Maria Niebuhr said, “We are proud that our very own Senorita Cole was recognized as one of only four in the state of Florida for this award. She is so deserving as you will find her in and out of the classroom displaying excellence. Senorita Cole gives 100% and we are blessed to have her as part of our school family.”

The Hispanic Heritage Excellence in Education Award winners were selected from nominations sent in by principals, teachers, parents or guardians, and students.

The award was presented to Cole by Gov. Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis during a reception at the Florida Governor’s Mansion on Oct. 10, 2023, with her family in attendance. In recognition for her achievement, she was also awarded $2,500 from Volunteer Florida.

Cole holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Spanish from John Carroll University and a Master of Education specializing in Latin America and International Studies. She is a distinguished member of Sigma Delta Pi, the National Spanish Honor Society.

With 14 years of experience in Catholic education, Cole firmly believes in the value of Catholic schools, particularly highlighting St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic School for its nurturing, family-oriented environment that combines Catholic values and traditions with academic excellence, fostering students’ spiritual, intellectual, physical, and social growth.

This recognition reflects Cole’s commitment to education and her remarkable contributions to her students and the community.

Affordable housing community blessed in Zolfo Spring

Posted on by Bob Reddy

The recently completed Casa San Alfonso affordable housing community with 21 single-family homes in Zolfo Springs was blessed by Bishop Frank J. Dewane on Sept. 28, 2023.

“Housing continues to be a vital concern and need for people throughout Florida,” Bishop Dewane said. “We’re pleased to support Zolfo Springs with affordable rental housing that will provide comfort and a sense of belonging for local residents.”

The Diocese of Venice partnered on the project with National Development of America, Inc., and supported by Zolfo Springs and Hardee County.

“We’re very grateful for our partnership with the Diocese of Venice and the strong support from county and city officials to help bring this project to fruition,” said John Raymond, director of real estate for National Development of America. “Casa San Alfonso is the perfect example of how a community can come together to achieve something impactful.”

Zolfo Springs Mayor Rod Cannon was overjoyed by the project and complimented the quality of the work noting that there were nearby tracts of land available if the Diocese was interested in expanding the project.

“This is beautiful. I am really overwhelmed by it,” Cannon said. “I have been excited about this whole project from the moment I learned about it to this day. We are blessed to have it, especially as it is available to families who might not have any other housing options in our community.”

Justin Smith, with the Development Group in Hardee County, said the county initially did not have a policy in place to support affordable housing but was able to back the housing project through grants to help make the finances work.

During the ceremony, Bishop Dewane offered a special thank you to the faithful of St. Michael Parish in Wauchula for their support of the project. Casa San Alfonso is located on repurposed land that was once used as a Mission of St. Michael.

Representing the Parish at the ceremony were Father Wilner Durosier, CS, Father Juan Lorenzo, women religious of the Servant Sisters of the Blessed Virgin of Matara, as well as many of the faithful.

Father Durosier said he was excited about the project and promised to promote the housing opportunities to the faithful.

The Diocese of Venice and National Development embarked on Casa San Alfonso in 2020 to address the growing demand for affordable rental housing in Hardee County. Additional affordable housing projects within Hardee County are already in the development process.

National Development of America will manage Casa San Alfonso which will provide affordable housing for qualified residents – those who make 50-60% of the Average Median Income. Monthly rents range from $673 to $976.

The community features 17 – 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom homes, and 4 – 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom homes, complete with new appliances. Amenities include an onsite clubhouse with a computer lab, and charming walking trails throughout the neighborhood, which is situated on a large outdoor greenspace of 12 total acres.

Casa San Alfonso is now leasing. Interested applicants should submit a leasing form at form.jotform.com/231163616210140 or email alfonso@ndcassetmanagement.com for more information.

 

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