judicial vicar Archives - Diocese of Venice

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Editor’s Note: Father Joseph Waters is the Judicial Vicar of the Diocese of Venice. He shares his thoughts on Bishop Frank J. Dewane, who is also a canon lawyer.

I first met Bishop Frank Dewane in 1984 when we were students together at the Pontifical North American College in Rome. Our rooms were located on the same hallway, and we became friends. When Bishop Dewane returned to Florida as Bishop of Venice, we naturally reconnected. Shortly thereafter, he sought my assistance with several canonical matters, and I began traveling to Venice regularly.

In 2015, I began assisting the Diocese of Venice in a more permanent capacity by serving as Judicial Vicar, a position that had become vacant. Since that time, I have spent two days each week in Venice, leading the Marriage Tribunal and assisting with a variety of canonical matters.

Over these 11 years as Judicial Vicar, Bishop Dewane and I have worked closely together. During that time, I have come to value not only his friendship and mentorship, but also his remarkable pastoral leadership. As a Successor of the Apostles, he has demonstrated a profound love for the Church and a deep commitment to the pastoral care of God’s people. I remain grateful for the confidence and trust he has placed in me and for the opportunity to serve alongside him. Through our shared work, our friendship has grown stronger.

During his years as Ordinary of the Diocese of Venice, Bishop Dewane has faced significant physical challenges, including major surgeries and lengthy periods of recovery. Throughout those trials, he has shown extraordinary courage, resilience, and fidelity to his apostolic responsibilities. His unwavering commitment to his ministry during difficult times has been a powerful witness to his love for Christ and Holy Mother Church.

I will forever treasure these years of collaboration and friendship. The work was not always easy and often required me to stretch both my canonical expertise and pastoral sensitivity. Yet it has been a privilege and a joy to accompany Bishop Dewane in his service to the Church as Bishop of Venice.

As he enters retirement, I offer him my heartfelt gratitude, prayerful best wishes, and the assurance of my continued prayers. May this new chapter of his priestly and episcopal ministry be filled with peace, renewed strength, and many blessings from the Lord whom he has served so faithfully.

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