mass Archives - Diocese of Venice

Diocese commemorates 25 years since 9/11 terror attacks

Posted on September 18, 2026September 18, 2026 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 September 16, 2026September 16, 2026 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 September 4, 2026 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 September 4, 2026 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 September 4, 2026 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, 25^th 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 20^th, 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 September 1, 2026September 1, 2026 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 September 1, 2026September 1, 2026 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 September 1, 2026 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!

One week in and students are fully engaged

Posted on August 25, 2026August 25, 2026 by Bob Reddy

The ubiquitous car line, the bustling corridors, the ringing of the first bell, morning prayers and then classroom instruction, are scenes repeated each day at the 15 Diocese of Venice Catholic schools since the start of the 2026-2027 academic year on Aug. 10, 2026, with more 6,400 students engaged in schoolwork by Aug. 13.

The first days were full of everyone figuring out where to go, reuniting with old friends or making new ones, participating in their first academic lessons and taking part in a myriad of extracurricular activities.

At Diocesan Catholic schools, each student attended an opening Mass, either the first day of school, or within the first week.

Bishop Emilio Biosca Agüero, O.F.M. Cap., celebrated his first Diocesan Catholic school Mass as a bishop Aug. 18, 2026, at St. Francis Xavier Catholic School, Fort Myers.

Bishop Emilio recalled his youth, going to Catholic schools in northern Virginia, only later realizing the sacrifice his parents made to ensure all of their children received a Catholic education.

“They came to this country from Cuba with nothing, just a change of clothes and a few other things, less than what most people take with them on a weekend vacation,” the bishop explained. “They could have used their money anywhere, but they chose to spend it on a Catholic education. This taught me an important lesson, that the Catholic Faith must be really important to them and it must be for me.”

The spiritual grounding Bishop Emilio received from his parents was seen in everyday life, where vacations included the certainty of finding the nearest Catholic church and going to Mass on Sunday.

“Catholic schools build up the students with the teaching of subjects like English, math, geography, spelling and grammar,” Bishop Emilio said. “In a Catholic school, you learn these things in the context of the Gospel of the faith.”

After the Mass, the bishop fielded questions from the eighth-grade students. Questions ranged from wanting to know how he became a bishop, to what his favorite ice cream and movies are.

At some Diocesan Catholic schools, fun science experiments were a common way for students to get back in the groove of learning.

Third-grade students at St. Martha Catholic School in Sarasota worked in pairs to complete the exciting “Save Fred” science challenge. In the challenge, “Fred” the worm has fallen out of his capsized boat, and his life ring is nearby, but students cannot touch Fred or the life ring with their hands. Using only gummy worms, Life Savers, and paper clips, teams needed to first map out a plan and then work together to rescue Fred from the “sea.” This hands-on activity encouraged the students to practice communication, collaboration, problem-solving, and teamwork while having fun.

In an advanced placement statistics class at Bishop Verot Catholic High School in Fort Myers, students are expected to create pie charts to represent categorical data. That means first building a relative frequency chart, calculating the percentage represented by each category, and then translating those numbers into a visual. To keep the lesson engaging, students were given a hands-on way to practice the process in the first week by using M&M’s candies. Students had to sort, do calculations and turn a handful of candy into a lesson in data visualization. And yes, there are definitely worse ways to learn statistics.

At St. John Neumann Catholic High School in Naples, the first week concluded with “House Reveal Day 2026.” Freshmen and transfer students discovered which “House” they’ll call home. From the first cheers to the start of new friendships, the day marked the beginning of House pride, friendly competition, and memories that will last long after graduation.

St. Andrew Catholic School in Cape Coral has just begun a “House” system. The eighth graders were the first students introduced to the new system, excitedly discovering which one of four houses they will call home. At St. Andrew’s, each house is represented by one of the four Gospel writers, bringing students, faculty and staff together through Faith, Hearts and Minds. As each grade takes its turn joining a house, students can look forward to fellowship, friendly competition, school spirit and traditions that will grow for years to come.

Keep up with the latest Diocesan Catholic school news throughout the coming year by subscribing to The Florida Catholic at www.dioceseofvenice.org/news.

Bishop parish tour heading toward conclusion – for now

Posted on August 25, 2026August 25, 2026 by Bob Reddy

Bob Reddy, Staff Report

The sweltering heat of August has not slowed Bishop Emilio Biosca Agüero, O.F.M. Cap. as he tirelessly continues his tour of Diocese of Venice parishes.

Through Aug. 19, 2026, Bishop Emilio has visited 48 of 61 parishes in the Diocese. 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.

“It has been wonderful to see the priests and the parishes and to come to know and love the Diocese more each day,” Bishop Emilio said. “First thing that has struck me is almost every parish has told me that their parish is the best one. Many people have told me that they have searched all different kinds of Catholic churches in the area, and the one they found is definitely the best.”

The other common theme has been a plea from parishioners not to remove their priests. “That tells me a lot. The people of this Diocese really love their priests. That is important.”

Between Aug. 14 and Aug. 19, Bishop Emilio visited 11 parishes.

Among recent highlights, Bishop Emilio presided over his first baptism as a bishop on Aug. 16, at the Church of St. Patrick in Sarasota, during the regular 9:30 a.m. Mass. Coming from a parish in Washington, D.C. with lots of families, and having many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews of his own, the bishop was very comfortable performing the Sacrament of Baptism. Baby Cecilia was quiet throughout the entire ceremony until Bishop Emilio leaned too close to his microphone and said “Cecilia” a little too loud and startled the child. But no tears were shed and the proud parents and godparents were overjoyed by the moment.

Later that same day, Bishop Emilio was presented to the Holy Cross Parish community in Palmetto with a particular flourish. There, dancers dressed in Mayan and Aztec garb performed traditional songs welcoming the new shepherd. Each dance concluded with the performers kneeling in honor of the bishop.

Visits to St. Jude Parish, Sarasota, on Aug. 14, and St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Parish, Parrish, included learning about ongoing efforts to raise money for the construction of new churches for the growing communities in those areas.

On the morning of Aug. 15, Bishop Emilio celebrated Mass for the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary at St. Thomas More, Sarasota. He also returned to the location of his July 11 episcopal ordination, celebrating Mass on Aug. 17 at St. John XXIII, Fort Myers.

In addition, Bishop Emilio celebrated his first Catholic school Mass on Aug. 18, for the students and faculty at St. Francis Xavier Catholic School, Fort Myers. (See SCHOOL story on Page X for more details.)

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. 21) St. Therese, North Fort Myers, and St. Isabel, Sanibel; (Aug. 22) St. Francis of Assisi, Grove City; (Aug. 23) Our Lady of Light, Fort Myers; (Aug. 25) Ss. Peter and Paul the Apostles, Bradenton; (Aug. 26) St. Katharine Drexel, Cape Coral, and St. Maximilian Kobe, Port Charlotte; (Aug. 27) Our Lady of Mercy, Boca Grande, and Our Lady of Miraculous Medal, Bokeelia; (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.