Tag: mass

Bishop offers community hope for future

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Mass of Remembrance celebrated at site of destroyed church

A cool breeze blowing through the parking lot of the Church of the Ascension in the early morning of Sept. 28, 2026, was in sharp contrast to four years earlier when the devastating winds and water of Hurricane Ian reshaped the lives of the people of Fort Myers Beach and many.

On this day, the fourth anniversary of Hurricane Ian, Bishop Emilio E. Biosca, O.F.M. Cap., celebrated a Mass of Remembrance on the grounds of the destroyed church before a crowd of hundreds, including parishioners, local officials and those who in the community felt a lasting connection to the parish. Bishop Emilio offered prayers for those who lost their lives in Ian, as well as for those whose lost their way of life (homes and businesses) on that terrible September day.

“Ascension has an integral bond with the Fort Myers Beach community, and we want to rebuild the church,” Bishop Emilio. “May we follow the will of God and how God is leading this church at this time… We pray for the courage and intelligence to be able to make good decisions as we rebuild the church and our community.”

The public commitment from Bishop Emilio to rebuilding the parish was met with great joy and enthusiasm from the parishioners of Ascension and the community at large.

Bishop Emilio cited the example of St. Francis of Assisi as one inspiration to follow during the rebuilding process. The bishop noted that St. Francis is being celebrated in 2026, marking the 800th anniversary of his death in 1226, and also noted that the day’s Mass of Remembrance fell within the novena of the feast of St. Francis (Oct. 4).

The bishop said that St. Francis prayed and heard the voice of the Lord say, “Go and rebuild my church as you see it has fallen into ruins.” The saint rebuilt the San Damiano church, stone by stone, but Bishop Emilio said the message of the Lord meant more than rebuilding a physical church, it was about rebuilding the whole church community, as is currently needed on Fort Myers Beach.

With the faithful of Ascension currently scattered to neighboring parishes, such as St. Leo the Great in Bonita Springs, as well as Resurrection of Our Lord and St. Columbkille in Fort Myers, the former community of the Church of the Ascension is fractured, and the people feel the vacancy in their souls, something Bishop Emilio said pains him.

While the process moves forward with designing and eventually building a new parish church, Bishop Emilio said an announcement will come in the near future of a plan to have a regular Sunday Mass on the parish grounds. There are several options under consideration, and various logistical considerations that will factor into the decision, but the bishop said he wants the Mass celebrated on the property as soon as is practical. This is a temporary solution to meet the pastoral needs of the community as the process of rebuilding continues.

Father Bill Adams, who was pastor of Ascension at the time of Ian, and was there throughout the hurricane, shared his gratitude to Bishop Emilio for celebrating the Mass of Remembrance on the anniversary.

“You are our St. Francis, because you have reached out to us,” Father Adams said. “The community is here and this whole celebration is thanks to you.”

Father Adams recalled being stranded on the island for four days before being rescued by a Knight of Columbus from Fort Lauderdale. He knew many of those who died in the hurricane and tried to comfort those who lost everything.

“I’m so grateful to all of you for being here,” Father Adams said of the large crowd. “I am so happy to see so many familiar faces.”

Ray Murphy, who was mayor of Fort Myers Beach during Ian, said the Mass of Remembrance and celebration “is the first day of our rebirth. There has been a massive hole – we’ve missed our church – the spirituality and community. When you don’t have that, a big part of life is missing.”

Scott Safford, current Vice Mayor of Fort Myers Beach said Sept. 28, 2022, was Fort Myers Beach’s darkest day, but on Sept. 29, grace was found. “We measure our world before Ian and after Ian. You helped one another get back to that life after that darkness. We will continue to rebuild together. Faith is here. Grace is here. We just need a church.”

Father Jaroslaw “Jarek” Sniosek, pastor of St. Leo the Great in Bonita Springs, where many from Ascension currently go to Mass and from where some of the support for the Mass was provided, said the bonds will remain between their adopted parish and Ascension. “Whatever is built, they (the parishioners from Ascension) are welcomed and loved and never forgotten. Thank you for the hope you have brought today. Looking around (at the crowd), we can already see what matters.”

F

ather Bob Kantor, Episcopal Vicar for Clergy, pastor of St. Agnes Parish, Naples (which provided additional logistical support for the Mass), and State Chaplain for the Knights of Columbus, praised the Knights for their contribution to the Mass and support for the Poor Clare sisters who were displaced by Ian.

“Know that we all pray with you and for you as you move forward in rebuilding this beautiful parish community,” Father Kantor said.

Bishop Emilio concluded the Mass and celebration by promising that a solution that best fits the needs of the parish community will be at the forefront of all work within the diocese going forward.

The bishop offered no timeline for when a regular Sunday Mass would resume, or when construction of the new parish church would begin. Bishop Emilio did promise that, going forward, the parish community would be kept informed throughout the process.

Special thanks to the Knights of Columbus from the area, and to Knights of Columbus State Secretary Deacon Richard Dahn, for the support and effort provided to make this Mass happen.

Several from diocese present for Archbishop Sheen’s beatification

Posted on by Bob Reddy

A contingent from the Diocese of Venice was blessed to be present for the beatification of Archbishop Fulton Sheen, in St. Louis, Sept. 26, 2026. The groups included two priests, as well as three deacons and a diaconate candidate.

Among those attending was Father Robert Beligotti, who was ordained, along with his twin brother, Richard, by Bishop Sheen on June 1, 1968, for the Diocese of Rochester.

“How wonderful this event was,” said Father Beligotti, who retired 11 years ago, and since 2016 has been assisting at Epiphany Cathedral in Venice. His brother died in 2024.

“It was sacred and beyond my imagination. I felt I was in paradise with the heavenly choirs… the throngs of angels coming in… being among the huge crowds.”

Father recalled that early in his priesthood he suffered a severe back injury and was told he would have trouble walking and would not be able to genuflect during the Mass for the rest of his life. Bishop Sheen came to visit him and was upset he would miss the Christmas Masses, to which the bishop said: Father don’t think that way at all. Think this way now. You will offer the best Mass of your whole life now. Offer all your sufferings and pains to the Lord… and that will be the best of your whole life.” Father Beligotti fully recovered, suffering no long-lasting effects from his injuries, “I was blessed in a special way.”

Throughout the week, as word spread of his connection to Archbishop Sheen, Father Beligotti became a minor celebrity from those wanting to hear personal stories.

Also present from the diocese was Diaconate Candidate David Wallace and his wife, Jill, of St. Vincent de Paul Parish, Fort Myers, who said it was such a privilege to serve at the Mass as an usher. “I was moved to tears as the proclamation of Archbishop Sheen’s Beatification was read,” Wallace said. I will remember this experience for the rest of my life. I reflected on the words of St. Peter at the Transfiguration, Lord it is good that we are here!”

Deacon Jun Roca, and his wife Colleen, of Epiphany Cathedral, said the couple went to the beatification with much anticipation and the experience of being there was an amazing and unforgettable experience. The couple attended the Vespers at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis. During the beatification, Deacon Jun was part of the procession in, along with priests, bishops, and seminarians, before 50,000 of the faithful at the Dome at America’s Center. He said his parents were privileged to see Bishop Sheen in Cebu, Philippines, in 1965, during the 4th Centennial Celebration of Christianity in the Philippines. His brother, who was a Boy Scout at that time, and his troop were tasked to direct traffic and were also able to see him up close.

Colleen Roca said she loved Archbishop Sheen, specifically because of his love for the Blessed Virgin Mary, his love for the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, and his commitment in early seminary to making the Eucharistic Holy Hour every day, which he did for 60 years.

Deacon Rick Hellenbrand, and his wife, Paula, of St. Andrew Parish, Cape Coral, were also present. Deacon Rick said that to be numbered among so many clergy and people of the faith brought tears to his eyes. “The minute we processed into the auditorium, one couldn’t help but feel the Spirit and be awestruck by the numbers in attendance,” he said. Earlier, when sharing with his father that the couple would be at the beautification, his father immediately lit up and said that Deacon Rich’s grandfather watched Archbishop Sheen’s television show and was a loyal fan.

Others from the Diocese of Venice present for the beatification were Father Joseph Gates, pastor of St. Francis Xavier Cabrini parish, Parrish, and Deacon Joseph Nguyen, from St. Andrew Parish, Cape Coral. Every priest at the beatification was gifted a custom vestment with Archbishop Sheen’s iconic, “JMJ” (Jesus, Mary, and Joseph), on the back in his handwriting.

Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle proclaimed the apostolic letter from Pope Leo XIV, officially declaring the 20th-century radio and television pioneer as “Blessed.”

The beatification was based on the miraculous 2010 healing of James Fulton Engstrom, a newborn who was stillborn and revived after his heart began beating again following 61 minutes of no vital signs, after prayers for Sheen’s intercession.

During the ceremony, a teenage James Fulton Engstrom carried a reliquary containing Sheen’s mandible (jawbone) – chosen to symbolize Sheen’s extraordinary gifts as an orator and evangelist – and a newly commissioned haloed portrait was unveiled.

Archbishop Sheen reached millions through his radio program “The Catholic Hour” and his groundbreaking weekly television series “Life is Worth Living,” which drew an estimated 30 million viewers.

Diocese commemorates 25 years since 9/11 terror attacks

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Although it has been 25 years since the United States was attacked by terrorists on Sept. 11, 2001, raw emotions still come to the surface for those who remember that dark day.

Johnny Schroeder, a retired New York firefighter who was on Engine 10, the first company to arrive at the World Trade Center after a jet airliner struck the north tower, spoke during a Sarasota Ministerial Association 9/11 commemoration at Sarasota National Cemetery.

Schroeder said he shouldn’t be alive, recounting moments of that terrible day in which he barely escaped the collapse of both towers, the horrific loss of countless friends, and how he suffers the lingering health struggles from inhaling toxic dust while working at Ground Zero. “I’m here to say thank you all for showing up and being here,” Schroeder said. “To all who survived that day, 25 years later we’re still rocking it.”

The commemoration included talks by various first responders and 9/11 survivors about the necessity to continue to mark Sept. 11, so that people can remember that day and its impact on America, to honor the fallen and to thank the first responders, and members of the military and veterans. The event was made possible in partnership with the Diocese of Venice and Sarasota County Emergency Services.

Father Jacob Gwynn, U.S. Navy Reserve, of St. John the Evangelist Parish, Naples, offered the opening invocation. Father Jiobani Batista and Deacon Humberto Alvia, of St. Jude Parish, Sarasota, offered the prayer of condolences in English and Spanish. Other priests and deacons from St. Martha and Incarnation parishes in Sarasota also participated. Students from Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School, Sarasota, volunteered and handed out programs and water.

The commemoration included the colors presented by a combined fire, police and sheriff’s office honor guard, a Knights of Columbus Honor Guard, patriotic music, and a flyover by the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office helicopter. The remembrance concluded with a 21-gun salute by the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard and the playing of “Taps.”

Several Diocesan parishes celebrated commemorative Masses, including at St. Thomas More, Sarasota, St. John XXIII, Fort Myers, as well as at St. Peter the Apostles, St. Agnes, and St. John the Evangelist, each in Naples.

A Blue Mass to honor first responders took place Sept. 13, at Our Lady of Lourdes, Venice. The Mass was celebrated by Msgr. Patrick Dubois, Rector of Epiphany Cathedral. Msgr. Dubois acknowledged and was in awe of the selfless acts of bravery by all first responders, from those who entered the Twin Towers on 9/11 to those who work in the local community each day.

The Mass included the Sarasota County Fire Department Honor Guard, uniformed firefighters, Venice police officers, North Port police officers, Sarasota County Sheriff’s deputies, K-9 search and rescue teams, among others. In addition, the Knights of Columbus Color Corps, the Knights on Bikes and many members of the Knights Council 9924 took part in the opening procession. The service concluded with the reading of the names of several retired first responders who died in the past year.

Diocesan Catholic schools also commemorated the 9/11 attacks, where the lessons were about remembering and educating a new generation about the impacts of 9/11 on the nation and the world, particularly because none of the students were born when the attacks occurred.

Bishop Verot Catholic High School in Fort Myers gathered to remember those lives, to hear the personal stories of those who experienced that day, and to pray together as one school. In addition, 2,977 American flags were placed across the front of the campus – one for each life lost on September 11, 2001. Prior to the evening home football game, there was a tribute to first responders, the military and veterans.

Archbishop Paul S. Coakley, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops issued a statement, which said in part: “As conflicts intensify around the world, let us renew our commitment to be Christ’s instruments of peace in an increasingly fractured and divided world.” To read the full statement, please visit Marking September 11 Anniversary, Archbishop Coakley Offers Prayers and Encourages Continued Commitment to be Instruments of Peace | USCCB.

All other schools held prayer services to mark the day.

Young adults “surrender” to call of Jesus

Posted on by Bob Reddy

A large group of faithful young adults took time out of their busy schedules to join a special daylong Catholic retreat on Sept. 5, 2026, at St. Peter the Apostle Parish in Naples.

St. John Paul II Young Adult Group led the retreat in English and Spanish for about 150 men and women from different area parishes. The retreat sought to engage the young people to grow in their faith through the Holy Scriptures. The theme for the day was “Surrender.”

The 12-hour retreat was filled with prayer, formation, Mass, reconciliation, and Eucharistic Adoration, all accompanied by a group of Capuchin Franciscan friars. The day also included breakout sessions for men and women, group discussions, games, as well as taking part in a procession with an image of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Father Thomas Faiola, O.F.M. Cap., who led the Capuchin Friars, said his prayer for the day was that the young men and women left knowing how much they are loved by God.

“You must be looking to deepen your relationship with God, as you develop a more intimate relationship following Jesus Christ. There is no greater happiness than that,” Father Faiola said during the concluding Mass.

Looking to break down misconceptions about the Universal Church, Father Faiola said most view the Church as an institution, which includes buildings, rituals and procedures.

“The Church is something much more vital than that. The Church is the living body of Christ,” father said, adding that the Vatican, the diocese, the parish and the faithful are each an important part of the one Church. “We are all the body of Christ. That is important to remember.”

For those having trouble hearing the call of the Lord in his or her own life, Father Faiola said the young adults need to actively ask God what is that they are being called to do. By doing so, “God will start working in you as you discover, through your love, who you are as the image and likeness of the Lord. As we deepen our faith and our understanding, we experience more of what it is to be loved by Jesus Christ.”

Guest speakers included Andres Prias, Diocese of Venice Director of Youth & Young Adult Outreach, Father Alex Pince, Diocese of Venice Vocations Director, as well as Father David Portorreal and Father Wilian Montalvo Tello of St. Peter the Apostle.

Several participants said they came to the retreat with few expectations and were leaving transformed in their faith. Still others said they were comforted to know there were other young adults who have the same interest in building up their spiritual life by participating in more activities at the parish.

At the conclusion of the retreat, Father David Portorreal said it was an honor to again host the young adult retreat at St. Peter the Apostle.

“I am thankful for your ‘Yes!’ to this day,” Father Portorreal said. “I pray for you that each and every day you will continue to open your hearts and minds, surrendering to Jesus Christ and to actively answer His call; that is to proclaim the Good News of the Lord to the world.”

10 diaconate candidates instituted as lectors

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Bob Reddy, of the Florida Catholic staff

One by one, 10 Permanent Diaconate candidates placed their hands on a Bible, promising to live out and share the powerful message of its ancient, holy words.

“Take this Book of Holy Scripture, be faithful in handing on the Word of God, so that it may grow strong in the hearts of His people,” said Bishop Emilio E. Biosca, O.F.M. Cap., during the Rite of Institution of Lectors on Aug. 29. 2026, at St. William Parish in Naples.

The rite is the latest milestone achieved in the candidate’s journey to ordained ministry in the Church, as the 10 are on track for ordination as permanent deacons in 2028.

According to the Church’s Law and practice, the instituted lector is charged with proclaiming the readings from the Sacred Scriptures (except for the Gospel), announcing the intentions in the Prayer of the Faithful (in the absence of a deacon), and reciting or singing the responsorial psalm if there is no cantor. As distinct from the typical parish reader, these men will now exercise this ministry in a permanent way.

The rite fell on the Martyrdom of St. John the Baptist, which Bishop Emilio saw as meaningful, as lectors are able to preach the Word of God, they must have courage to preach the truth with charity and love.

“It is a tremendous privilege we have, the proclamation of the Word of God, in Church, at Mass. In many ways it is even more important than the homily the priest or deacons may give afterwards,” Bishop Emilio said.

While the bishop is confident the new lectors will do their best to prepare the readings properly, using the right diction, right pronunciation, pausing at periods and commas, he encouraged the men to truly understand and believe what they are reading. He said that hearing the Word of God proclaimed person to person has a profound impact to our spirituality as Catholics.

“Not only is the proclamation of the Gospel an integral part of our faith – in our life, in your marriages, in your families – we are preaching with our whole lives,” Bishop Emilio said. “It is part of our ownership and offering.”

During the Rite, Bishop Emilio said: “As readers and bearers of God’s word, you will assist in this mission and so take on a special office within the Christian community; you will be given a responsibility in the service of the faith, which is rooted in the word of God…In proclaiming God’s word to others, accept it yourselves in obedience to the Holy Spirit. Meditate on it constantly, so that each day you will have a deeper love of the Scriptures, and in all you say and do show forth to the world our Savior, Jesus Christ.”

The candidates for the Permanent Diaconate Class of 2028 are: Aldo Boldi, St. Patrick Parish, Sarasota; William (Oscar) Gamble, St. Raphael Parish, Lehigh Acres; Kyle Goneau, Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Parish, Sarasota; Ted Harb, St. John the Evangelist Parish, Naples; Matthew Harkness, St. Katharine Drexel Parish, Cape Coral; Matthew Lesak, St. Joseph Parish, Bradenton; Roberto Lewis, St. Agnes Parish, Naples; George Smith, Incarnation Parish, Sarasota; Alex Tsai, Ave Maria Parish, Ave Maria; and David Wallace, St. Vincent de Paul Parish, Fort Myers.

As part of the rite, the deacon candidates were individually called forth to be presented to the bishop. Following the homily, the bishop continued the Rite by reciting a prayer of blessing on the men – granting that, as they meditate on the Word of God, they may grow in its wisdom and faithfully proclaim it to His people. Then each candidate came forward to be presented the Holy Scriptures by the Bishop.

Deacon Bob Gaitens, the Director of Formation for the Permanent Diaconate, said the deacon candidates have worked hard to get to this point.

“This is an important milestone as the candidates are very busy with ongoing intellectual study through the formation program,” Deacon Gaitens said.

William (Oscar) Gamble of St. Raphael Parish in Lehigh Acres, said he was overjoyed by the entire experience of being installed as a lector for the Church. “Being presented the Bible by the bishop was amazing.”

Present for the installation were the wives of the candidates, who also take part in the formation process attending several of the formation weekends each year with their husbands. The wives are an integral part of the diaconate program as they support their husbands through prayer, sacrifice, and by assuming added duties of home and family.

Also concelebrating the Mass was Father George Ratzmann, pastor of St. William and teacher of homiletics for the deacon candidates.

Following the Mass, Bishop Emilio spent time meeting with each of the men and their families. He also signed each of the Bibles.

Upon completion of their formation program and Ordination to the Diaconate, permanent deacons may officiate at baptisms, weddings and funerals, read the Gospel and preach at Mass, and help with the canonical process for marriage and baptism. One of their greatest priorities, however, is service to the poor and marginalized.

There are currently more than 70 active Permanent Deacons serving in Parishes throughout the Diocese of Venice. The most recent Permanent Deacon group of 11 was ordained in 2025.

Please keep the 10 permanent deacon candidates and their families in your prayers.

Bishop 50-day tour of parishes complete

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Bob Reddy, Florida Catholic

A stroll across the parking lot of St. Agnes Parish in Naples marked the conclusion of a marathon tour of 61 parishes (plus eight missions and two retreat centers) in the Diocese of Venice by Bishop Emilio E. Biosca, O.F.M. Cap.

Starting July 12 and concluding Aug. 30, 2026, the visits to the parishes was of tremendous value to Bishop Emilio who admits he knew virtually nothing about the diocese before his appointment by Pope Leo XIV was announced on May 13.

Realizing he needed to learn a great deal of information in a short time, Bishop Emilio told the staff at St. Agnes Parish, his final stop of the tour on Aug. 30, that his decision to go turned out to be a great idea.

“It gave me a chance, especially for someone from the outside, to be able to go out and see the parishes and see the priests really where they are. And to see you all,” the bishop said. “It was much more valuable than I expected.”

The bishop had a sense of urgency to his tour of parishes, realizing that if he delayed the visits, he would be competing with the influx of snowbirds which would have made travel more difficult. This meant it could have been into 2027 before he would have made it to some parishes, something he said was unthinkable.

Bishop Emilio said the idea of the tour came from his experiences in the missions, going and learning about the region, the people, and the customs before diving into his missionary work. This practice paid off in Papua New Guinea, Cuba and again at his parish in Washington, D.C.

To help him to clarify what needed to be prioritized, the bishop went to each parish with three questions in mind, what is needed in the first three months, six months and a year.

When he visited the diocese in June, a few weeks before his episcopal ordination, Bishop Emilio asked the priests, religious and deacons these questions.

More than 60 comments were submitted in writing, while others made observations in person. As the parish visits progressed, the bishop said many of the issues brought forward began to make more sense.

“Some problems are complicated, and while they are important, you can’t solve them in one day or two; not even in a month,” Bishop Emilio said. “That is why you gather some people together to arrive at some solution. It may take six months to a year, but it can get done.”

This was one of the reasons why Bishop Emilio appointed a new Vicar General, Judicial Vicar, and Episcopal Vicar for Clergy, relying on clergy who understand the diocese to help him make some of the more important decisions.

Due to the timing of each visit, either a weekday, weekend, morning or afternoon, each parish visit was unique, with more than 30 including the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, while others have been less formal with a parish gathering or smaller meetings with priests, religious, deacons and parish staff.

The bishop fielded questions at many locations with many focused on theological and liturgical concepts, while others sought his vision for the future of the Diocese of Venice. In lighter moments, some of the questions inquired about his likes and dislikes (food, drink, sports and more).

Bishop Emilio has stressed that more formal visits will take place later, with more advanced notice to offer more people the opportunity to participate.

As Bishop Emilio walked across the parking lot of St. Agnes Parish on Aug. 30, shortly before leaving for a journey to Rome for a gathering of new bishops, he said he was going confident that he now knows the Diocese of Venice, its priests, religious, deacons, faithful and parishes.

List of Commemorations of 9/11 25th anniversary

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Several events will be taking place throughout the Diocese of Venice to mark the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks on the United States in which nearly 3,000 people lost their lives. Find a list of events below:

  • 8 a.m., St. Peter the Apostle Parish, 5130 Rattlesnake Hammock Road, Naples, 9/11 Mass of Remembrance;
  • 8 a.m., St. Leo the Great Parish, 28290 Beaumont, Bonita Springs, Mass of Remembrance;
  • 8 a.m., Sept. 11, St. Thomas More Parish, 2506 Gulf Gate Drive, Sarasota, 9/11 Tribute Mass;
  • 5 p.m. Sept. 11, “Standing for Our Fallen 9/11 Twenty Five Year; Commemoration,” Sarasota National Cemetery, 9810 State Road 72, Sarasota ;
  • 6 p.m., Sept. 11, Ave Maria Parish, Ave Maria, 9/11 Patriot Day Ceremony;
  • 7 p.m., Sept. 11, St. Agnes Parish, 7775 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples, 25th Anniversary Mass;
  • 8:46 a.m., Sept. 12, St. John XXIII Parish, 1300 Palamino Lane, Fort Myers, Blue Mass;
  • 9 a.m., Sept. 12, St. Katharine Drexel Parish, 1922 SW 20th, Cape Coral, Blue Mass;
  • 5 p.m., Sept. 12, St. John the Evangelist, 625 111th Ave. N., Naples, Blue Mass;
  • 12 p.m., Sept. 13, Our Lady of Lourdes, 1301 Center Road, Venice, Blue Mass.

 

Please check with your local parish to learn of additional 9/11 commemorations, and join us in praying for all those who lost their lives.

 

New Vicar General introduced to Diocesan Curia

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Bob Reddy, Staff Report

Bishop Emilio Biosca O.F.M. Cap. has appointed a new Vicar General who will assist the new Shepherd of the Diocese of Venice.

The bishop announced the appointment of Father David Vidal, pastor of Ave Maria Parish, Ave Maria, as Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia to the Diocese on Thursday, August 20, 2026.  Father Vidal was formally introduced to the Diocesan Curia (Venice Catholic Center staff) after a Mass at the Catholic Center on Aug. 25, 2026.

Bishop Emilio was joined at Mass by Father Vidal, Father Robert Dziadziak, the newly appointed Judicial Vicar, Father John Belmonte, SJ, Diocesan Superintendent of Catholic Education, Father Alex Pince, Diocesan Vocations Director, and Msgr. Patrick Dubois, Vicar Forane for the Northern Deanery.

The Mass was celebrated in the main conference room in Venice, held there because the Catholic Center’s Chapel is too small to accommodate the entire staff. During the Mass, the bishop explained the process he took to select a new Vicar General, as well as other key positions.

“I knew nothing about the Diocese of Venice when I was appointed and started doing research and reached out to the priests of the Diocese, giving them a survey of where they see the Diocese in three months, six months and a year,” Bishop Emilio said. “I was also seeking their input, whether in writing or through conversations, on who they thought would best fit in key positions.”

As Vicar General, Father Vidal is bestowed with all the duties and rights of a bishop; a Catholic vicar general is the highest administrative deputy appointed by a diocesan bishop to assist in the governance of the entire diocese. Father Vidal will work closely with Bishop Emilio and, as Moderator of the Curia, will manage the various offices and ministries of the Catholic Center. The role of Vicar General had been held by Msgr. Stephen E. McNamara, Pastor of Church of the Resurrection of Our Lord, Fort Myers, since 2010.

“Father Vidal will work closely with me and the chancellor in running the Diocese,” Bishop Emilio said. “He is very intelligent and well organized. He comes to us with great experience.”

That experience will be needed as the Diocese continues to grow, with some parishes needing new churches, while Catholic schools are at, or near, capacity. Father Vidal will also work closely with the Office of Vocations in support of the Diocesan seminarians, a job for which he is well suited. Father was an adjunct professor at St. John Vianney College Seminary in Miami, College and Graduate programs, where he taught philosophy, and where many young seminarians begin their studies.

Father Vidal said he was very grateful to Bishop Emilio for the appointment to such an important role in the Diocese adding that he will take on the task of Vicar General with his “whole heart.”

“I am humbled by that and am asking for your prayers and your help,” Father Vidal said to the Curia staff, adding that he was the beneficiary of the work of the Diocesan staff while serving at a rural parish (Our Lady Queen of Heaven, Labelle), and at a larger parish (Ave Maria). “I know many of you have been of assistance to me and I am very grateful for it.”

Father Vidal also shared some of his background, including that he was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and is one of seven children. Father Vidal’s two brothers are missionary priests and three of his sisters are nuns. A fourth sister, who inspired her siblings to religious life, Father Vidal shared, was a lay Carmelite, and Father Vidal noted that as such he had a special place in his heart for that religious order.

Father Vidal was ordained to the priesthood Aug. 9, 2001, in Buenos Aires, for another religious order, the Institute of the Incarnate Word (IVE). He holds degrees from Maria Madre del Verbo Encarnado Seminary, Argentina, and The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., where he earned a doctorate in philosophy. For IVE, Father served in the order’s House of Formation in Chillum, Maryland, and later as pastor at parishes in Chillum and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

In the Diocese of Venice, Father Vidal first served as parochial vicar at Ave Maria Parish and then as administrator of Our Lady Queen of Heaven Parish in LaBelle. Father was welcomed into the Presbyterate of the Diocese of Venice in 2023 and has been pastor of Ave Maria since 2021.

Welcome to the Catholic Center, Father Vidal!

Bishop tour nears end

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Bob Reddy, Staff Report

As the tour of Bishop Emilio E. Biosca, O.F.M. Cap. to each of the Diocese of Venice parishes continues, the admiration and respect for the new Shepherd of the Diocese has been palpable, and inspiring.

After Mass on Aug. 23, 2026, at Our Lady of Light Parish, Fort Myers, Bishop Emilio spent about an hour greeting the faithful, something that has regularly occurred during parish visits, either following a Mass or at a reception.

Many offered their congratulations and prayers to the new bishop. For some, the interaction with Bishop Emilio is quick, often with a photo taken, while others ask about possible connections, including: the chance the new bishop knows a particular Franciscan priest, mutual acquaintance, or family members; inquiries about parishes in Pennsylvania (home of the Capuchin Province the bishop is part of), Northern Virginia (where he grew up), Washington, D.C. (where his most recent assignment was), as well as Cuba (where he served for 12 years); and more. In addition, some seek prayers or words of comfort from Bishop Emilio, while others ask him to bless religious articles.

All who have interacted with Bishop Emilio leave with a smile and a cherished memory.

At Our Lady of Light, as well as at many other parishes, the bishop met with and had a meal with the staff and key volunteers. During these times, the bishop shares some thoughts about his life as a Capuchin missionary as well as experiences from previous parish visits. He also encourages questions of any type, jokingly saying that none have been trick questions, while offering honest answers. He also admits that he is still learning about the Diocese, its people, its priests, its religious, and its parishes.

Between Aug. 21 and 27, Bishop Emilio visited nine parishes bringing the total to 57 since his Episcopal Ordination on July 11.

Due to the timing of each visit, either a weekday or weekend morning or afternoon, each parish visit has been unique, some including the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass and parish celebrations, while others have been less formal visits with priests and parish staff.

Bishop Emilio has stressed that more formal visits will take place at a later time, with more advanced notice so more people can participate.

The new bishop’s intention for this tour of the diocese is to visit the priests, deacons, religious and faithful at their parishes to get to know them in their own place, before traveling to Rome for a new bishops’ formation course and retreat in early September.

Bishop Emilio said he will take the prayers and hopes of the people of the Diocese to the tombs of St. Peter and St. Paul at that time.

The tour is a quick way for the bishop to get a “lay of the land,” and a first missionary orientation to the Diocese.  A visit to each school will follow in late September and October.

Upcoming parish visits include the following: (Aug. 28), St. Leo the Great, Bonita Springs, and St. Cecilia, Fort Myers; and (Aug. 30), St. Finbarr and St. Agnes, Naples.

Please check with the local parish for a schedule of public events.

Bishop celebrates opening Mass for university’s 2026-27 academic year

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Bob Reddy, Staff Report

The Ave Maria University 2026-2027 Academic Year opened with a Mass at Ave Maria Parish, celebrated by Bishop Emilio E. Biosca, O.F.M. Cap., on Aug. 24, 2026.

Prior to the opening hymn, students carrying banners representing different households of the resident halls at the university came forward. They were followed by faculty, dressed in their academic robes and seated up front while the students sat behind.

Concelebrating the Mass with Bishop Emilio were the priests who serve the pastoral needs of the students on campus and at Ave Maria Parish. The bishop and priests wore red vestments, to mark the celebration of the Feast of St. Bartholomew, apostle and martyr.

Bishop Emilio expressed his great joy and privilege at being able to celebrate the opening Mass for the university for the new academic year, offering prayerful support and sincere admiration for this university and its history, goals, founders and benefactors.

“What is being accomplished here in a very special way is of profound importance for the Church and for our society,” Bishop Emilio said. “This is a privileged place where the human person is invited to encounter the truth, and the ultimate truth in Jesus Christ. Here, you gain knowledge that leads to wisdom, virtue, holiness, and service to the community.”

Bishop Emilio noted that it was a tremendous honor to celebrate Mass in the church, in the company of the 12 great apostles, each represented in large statues which stand in the sanctuary, behind the altar.

“We remember St. Bartholomew because of his faithfulness; he encountered Christ and followed him, ultimately giving his life to the Church,” Bishop Emilio said. “The martyrs are tremendous and powerful witnesses of the faith. They were not only knowledgeable about the faith, but their faith was pure and firm. Their confidence in God transmits to us. Christ is not one truth among many; Christ is the truth with which we are willing to live, to suffer, and if necessary, to die.”

One of the few books the bishop took with him for his missionary work in Papua New Guinea was “Acts of the Martyrs.” In it, St. Ambrose, a Father of the Church, wrote that the martyrs are not only part of a history worth remembering, but they offer strength and confidence in the present.

Bishop Emilio concluded with prayer: “May the Blessed Virgin Mary, whose name this university bears – lead every student, professor and member of the community ever more deeply to her Son, Jesus Christ. May Ave Maria University continue to faithfully fulfill its beautiful mission – ‘To form future saints, who will become a fountainhead of renewal for the society and the Church.’”

Following the closing prayer, the bishop presided over a commissioning ceremony for seven new doctoral students in theology who received the mandatum. As part of the doctoral program, they will be engaged as instructors and teaching assistants for courses in Catholic theology at the university. As such, they are required to obtain the mandatum from the local bishop. The object of the mandatum is the content of the professor’s teaching and thus recognizes both the professor’s “lawful freedom of inquiry” and the professor’s commitment and responsibility to teach authentic Catholic doctrine and to refrain from putting forth as Catholic teaching anything contrary to the Church’s magisterium. As part of the ceremony, before Bishop Emilio and the entire school community, each made a Profession of Faith and Oath of Fidelity, vowing to remain faithful to the Teachings of the Church.

After the Mass the Bishop greeted students and faculty who thanked him for his presence and inspiring homily.

Prayers and good luck to all of the Ave Maria students this academic year!

Find a Parish
Clergy
Find a School
TV Mass
Español
Ways to Give