Tag: music

News briefs for the week of Aug. 14, 2026

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Music from Episcopal Ordination

Relive or hear for the first time the beautiful music of the Episcopal Ordination Mass! The New Shepherd: Lighting the Lantern is a music playlist from the Mass and includes a recording of the Mass Homily by His Eminence Seán Cardinal O’Malley, O.F.M. Cap. Please share!

Assumption – Aug. 15

The Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Aug. 15, 2026, is not a holy day of obligation this year because it falls on a Saturday. On this day the Church acknowledges and celebrates the fact that Mary, the Mother of God, was assumed into Heaven, body and soul, at the end of her earthly life. “The Most Blessed Virgin Mary, when the course of her earthly life was completed, was taken up body and soul into the glory of heaven, where she already shares in the glory of her Son’s Resurrection, anticipating the resurrection of all members of his Body” (CCC 974).

Death penalty prayer vigil Aug. 18

Please join us at San Pedro Parish, 14380 Tamiami Trail, North Port, in the Chapel at 5:15 p.m., Aug. 18, 2026, for a Prayer Vigil to pray for the end of the death penalty in Florida. We pray for everyone involved in the execution process; the doctor administering the execution, all of the witnesses, a conversion of the condemned, the victims and their families. The vigil will coincide with the scheduled execution of William Silvia, who is set to become the 13th person executed in Florida this year. The vigil lasts less than an hour and includes hymns, a Gospel reading, reflections, intercessions, and a praying of the Rosary. A pause will take place at 6 p.m., the time Florida executions take place. All are welcome and encouraged to attend.

Parish Marriage Retreat Aug. 22

Ave Maria Parish invites all married couples to the Annual Marriage Retreat, Aug. 22, 2026, at Ave Maria Catholic Academy, 4955 Seton Way, Ave Maria, for a special day dedicated to strengthening marriages through faith, prayer, and fellowship. The retreat is from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and will be led by Father Leandro Fernandez. The cost is $125 per couple, which includes breakfast and lunch. Childcare is available for $15 per child. Register HERE.

Young Adult Retreat Sept. 13, 2026

The Diocese of Venice is hosting a young adult retreat 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Sept. 13, 2026, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center, 3989 South Moon Drive, Venice. DISCERN: “Hearing God’s Voice in Everyday Life” will be led by Mother Nikopoia, SSVM. Learn how to recognize God’s voice in the middle of everyday life. Come for a day dedicated to prayer, reflection, and learning how to discover God’s will. Registration fee of $35 per person includes morning coffee and pastries, lunch and retreat materials. Contact Andres Prias, prias@dioceseofvenice.org, or 941-441-1122. for more information.

Thank and honor our priests

Priesthood Sunday is September 27, 2026. What is “Priesthood Sunday?” Priesthood Sunday is a special day set aside to honor the priesthood. It is a day to reflect upon and affirm the role of the priesthood in the life of the Church. In the Diocese of Venice, the Venice Diocesan Council of Catholic Women offer a unique opportunity to all to honor your priest, and to support our future priests, on this special day. Simply send a donation of any amount, along with the name of your priest, and the VDCCW will send a note to your priest letting him know he has been honored by you, and that a donation (undisclosed amount) has been made to the Diocesan Seminarian Fund to support future priests, in his name. Send your donation today to Cornelia Zanetti, Seminarian Fund Guardian, 5808 Gulf Drive, #204, Holmes Beach, FL 34217. Please make checks payable to the VDCCW Seminarian Fund. Thank you!

Pennies for Babies!

The Pennies for Babies Fund is a Catholic Charities Diocese of Venice initiative that supports pregnant mothers and their newborn babies in need. It is part of the Diocese’s widespread Walking with Moms in Need program. The fund raises money to provide critical assistance to expectant mothers and newborns. If you wish to help mothers and babies in need, please consider giving to the Pennies for Babies Fund. Send checks (not cash) to Catholic Charities Pennies for Babies Fund, 1000 Pinebrook Road, Venice, FL 34285. With questions, please contact Tavia Ames, ames@dioceseofvenice.org, 941-441-1101.

Save the Date!

Preparations have begun for the annual Diocese of Venice Eucharistic Rosary Congress, October 3-9, 2026. This year’s theme is My spirit rejoices in God my Savior. At Parishes throughout the Diocese, the Eucharistic Rosary Congress will unfold slightly differently but usually will begin with the celebration of daily Mass and end with Mass at the same time the next day; in the 24 hours between the two Masses, there is perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, with the five decades of the Rosary being prayed every hour. Many parishes will also have the Sacrament of Penance available at different points throughout the schedule. The goal is that each parish participates according to their particular circumstances and that the Holy Eucharist is being adored and the Rosary prayed every hour of every day, somewhere in the Diocese of Venice, from October 3-9. This abundance of prayer will undoubtedly draw down from the Lord many graces upon our families, the Diocese, the Church Universal, the nation, and the world. More information will be available soon, including a list of participating parishes. 

Save the Date!

Married and engaged couples are invited to the sixth annual Together in Holiness Marriage Conference on Oct. 24, 2026, from 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at Our Lady of Light Parish in Fort Myers. Spend quality time with your spouse, hear from dynamic national and local speakers, and enhance your marriage through the Sacraments. Registration: $64/couple and $5/child for on-site childcare. An Early Bird discount is available through September 14 as well as scholarships upon request. This conference is presented by the Diocese of Venice and the St. John Paul II Foundation. To register, visit www.forlifeandfamily.org/events/th26-vnfl/ With questions, contact Jim Gontis, gontis@dioceseofvenice.org.

Holiday Bereavement Outreach Retreats

Those grieving the loss of a loved one are invited to “There Is Hope: Coping with the Death of a Loved One During the Holidays”, a Catholic bereavement retreat led by Deacon Henry deMena and offered at four locations throughout the Diocese of Venice on Nov. 3-6, 2026. All retreats are from 8:30 a.m. to noon, at the following parishes: Nov. 3, Our Lady of Lourdes, Venice; Nov. 4, Sacred Heart, Punta Gorda; Nov. 5, St. Paul, Arcadia; Nov. 6, St. Agnes, Naples. For more information, please contact Jim Gontis at 941-486-4754.

Catholic Charities summer appeal continues

Every day, Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, serves the most vulnerable population in the Diocese’s 10 counties by feeding, housing, empowering, and helping all in need. This summer, you can be the one that makes a difference. Your acts of kindness have the power to transform lives. The Catholic Charities “Summertime and the Giving is Easy” appeal needs your support. The giving is easy! To donate, visit Summertime Giving, or mail a check to Catholic Charities, “Summertime and the Giving is Easy,” 1000 Pinebrook Road, Venice, FL 34285. If you have any questions, please call 941-488-5581. The appeal continues through August.

Pray for Safety! Hurricane Season

The 2026 Atlantic hurricane season continues through November 30. With a history of these storms producing destruction in the region, please pray for safety. To view or download a Prayer for Safety in Hurricane Season in English or Spanish languages, visit the Diocese of Venice website.

Volunteers needed for Prison Outreach

Join the team of Diocesan volunteers who enter county jails and state prisons within the 10-county Diocese of Venice to do pastoral outreach, distribute the Eucharist and facilitate programs. Priests, Deacons, and lay volunteers are encouraged to assist in this ministry. Volunteers will first participate in an orientation program before entering the facility and will shadow experienced volunteers until they feel comfortable. Times and days vary by facility. Please contact Joe Mallof at 224-217-7139 or Bob Hiniker 863-558-0407 to learn where you can fit into this joyful opportunity.

Support After Abortion help available

Are you or someone you know struggling because of a past abortion? You are not alone. Healing retreats and support are available for anyone who has experienced an abortion, including mothers, fathers and other family members who have been hurt. For help, or to learn more about the Diocese of Venice support after abortion program, Project Rachel, simply call or text 941-412-5860, or email project.rachel@dioceseofvenice.org, in English or Spanish. All contacts are confidential.

OLPH seeks volunteers

Many hands make light work. Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center in Venice is seeking volunteers. Aid the Diocesan retreat center in providing a peaceful, welcoming atmosphere for those who come seeking transformation in Christ. Areas of need include: gardening, dishwashing, dining room, answering the phones and more. For more information, or to sign-up, please call 941-486-0233, or email info@olph-retreat.org.

‘Thoughtful and reflective leader’ ready to serve diocese

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Jean Gonzalez – Florida Catholic staff

“My dear brothers and sisters in Christ. When it rains in Florida, it truly rains in Florida,” said Father Robert Marva O.F.M. Cap., provincial minister of the St. Augustine Province in Pittsburgh.

He said it with a smile to those gathered for solemn vespers July 10, 2026, at St. John XXIII Parish in Fort Myers. The Capuchin Franciscan arrived in Southwest Florida for the ordination of his friend and fellow Capuchin Bishop-Elect Emilio Biosca Agüero, O.F.M. Cap., as third bishop of Venice. While the ordination was the afternoon of July 11, vespers were held the night before. An evening shower in July is not unusual. But it would seem Mother Nature wanted to welcome the new bishop with a bit more flair. When a lightning bolt with visible crackling struck overhead, seasoned residents braced themselves for the loud boom that reverberated against the walls inside and outside the church. Then came the downpour.

Father Marva said what would have taken a few moments to arrive to the parish on a sunny day, turned into 45 minutes.

But despite starting a little late, there was much praise and worship offered by laity who sang praises to God in anticipation of their new shepherd. Prelude music was offered by the Haitian and Spanish choirs of St. Peter the Apostle Parish in Naples, the Spanish men’s choir of Jesus the Worker in Fort Myers and the Vietnamese choir of the host parish of St. John XXIII.

The rains only reminded the faithful this is the day the Lord has made. “Until May 13, no eye had seen, no ear had heard nor had it dawned on the local church of Venice, the people of the Shrine of the Sacred Heart in Washington, D.C., or the Capuchins of the Province of St. Augustine of what God had in store for Padre Emilio,” Father Marva said. “God’s wisdom and ours is not the same. God’s plans and ours may not begin the same, but become one through the graces of the Holy Spirit.”

Father Marva assured the faithful that his fellow Capuchin would be a faithful and good shepherd to the Church of Southwest Florida. He said the priest knows about leading faith communities and learned to do so “in many cultural settings and in many languages,” which benefit the ethnically diverse diocese. “Although I think Polish will be a new one for him,” Father Marva said with a laugh.

He added the bishop-elect’s service to the Capuchins as vicar provincial “gave wisdom and insight to our council and also kept me on the right path.”

“Bishop Emilio is a thoughtful and reflective leader, and able to listen and to hear what others say with acknowledgment and respect,” Father Marva said. “But he is also not afraid to share his own thoughts or express disagreement. … He will bring honesty and humor, prayerfulness and patience, and will sport a flexible wardrobe of episcopal black and purple, as well as Capuchin brown with sandals and cord.”

The gifts the bishop-elect offers the Church were also instilled by his family, including his parents — Emilio Rodolfo Sr. and Carmen de Maria Agüero — who celebrate 65 years of marriage on July 29 and renewed their wedding vows at Bishop Emilio’s first mass as bishop on July 12. In an interview with the Florida Catholic following vespers his parents said they have many different emotions about their son’s appointment. They feel blessed and honored about the appointment but were also surprised.

“We thank God for his decision and the pope’s decision,” Emilio Sr. said. “He was always a dedicated young man who took the faith seriously.”

His mother Carmen said her son is a “great gift” who is “very friendly, takes care of everyone a lot and listens.” They both described him as a simple and honest person.

“I have learned a lot from him,” Carmen said. “He has great charity.”

“Parents are the ones who teach their children, but in our case it has been the other way around,” Emilio Sr. added. ”He has been the one who has taught us the path and the goodness of God.”

They both know the faithful of the Diocese of Venice will embrace him just as others have in his past. They said he has shown time and time again that he takes “great care of the marginalized, the poor and migrants,” along with all the faithful.

“In him you will find a person who is very dedicated to the faith and to work,” Emilio Sr. said.

“He is willing to meet (the faithful) first. That has always been his desire,” Carmen said. “As soon as they meet him, they will love him.”

Christmas 2025 – Diocese celebrates Liturgical Season

Posted on by Bob Reddy

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came to be through him, and without him nothing came to be. What came to be through him was life, and this life was the light of the human race; the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” John 1:1-5

The prologue to the Gospel of John was read on Christmas Day at churches throughout the world, reminding all that the birth of Jesus Christ was from God, bringing forth life, a light of the human race.

This moment was celebrated throughout the Diocese of Venice, most significantly through the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.

Bishop Frank J. Dewane celebrated a pre-recorded TV Mass for the Homebound from Our Lady of Mercy Parish in Boca Grande. This hour-long Christmas Mass reaches thousands who are homebound and unable to attend Mass.

During this Mass, Bishop Dewane said we are individually called to magnify, to reflect, and to become the light of Christ out in the world.

“Christ is that light that makes you and I shine ever brighter, because we follow Him, living the grace the Lord gives to us,” Bishop Dewane said. “May you be blessed this Christmas Season to magnify that light of Jesus Christ and be conscious of the fact we need to do this to overcome the darkness that is before us.”

Bishop Dewane also focused on the Prologue of the Gospel of John during the Dec. 18 gathering of young adults for Theology on Tap at Oak & Stone in University Park. At that time, the Bishop stressed the importance of reflecting upon the words of the Gospel readings and how doing so will help one grow in an understanding and relationship with the Lord. The Bishop later fielded questions from the 50 or so young adults who attended this monthly gathering.

The manger, or Nativity scene, symbolizes the celebratory focus of the Christmas Season – the birth of Jesus Christ. Several Diocesan Parishes, and each Catholic school, took time to have a retelling of the birth of Jesus with young children and in some cases with live animals.

For example, St. Michael Parish in Wauchula held a living Nativity play on Dec. 20, which included a donkey, horses and many angels and shepherds. This community celebration was organized by the religious sisters who serve the Parish, the Sister Servants of the Lord the Virgin of Matara, and included a festival and the distribution of gifts for the children in the area.

St. John XXIII Parish in Fort Myers hosted a “Lessons & Carols” and “A Night with Santa” celebration in the courtyard between the Church and Parish Life Center as families sat on blankets and children were encouraged to wear their holiday pajamas. This celebration included the youth offering a Nativity play and other performances, a visit from St. Nicholas as well as lots of festive treats.

Christmas is also a time to help others, so donations for the needy were collected and distributed. The most common form of collecting items for needy children is through an Angel Tree, where the ornaments are a wish list item for a child or family.

Diocesan Catholic school students spent a portion of December in preparation for Christmas with pageants, recitals, concerts, parties, and other fun, such as creating handmade presents for family members or building and decorating gingerbread houses. In the midst of all of this, the students continued to learn language arts, mathematics, religion, art, science and more, while also be educated about the true meaning of Christmas, including bringing the love of Christ that is in their hearts, out to the world.

Examples of this effort included collecting and donating gifts to needy children throughout the region. Students also visited nursing homes to bring holiday cheer to the elderly who are often alone during this time of year.

Diocesan youth “Arise” as men and women of God

Posted on by Bob Reddy

The 2025 Diocese of Venice Youth Rally “Arise” was aptly named: some 2,000 teens participated and clearly showed they were lifted in their love for Jesus Christ.

The Youth Rally took place Nov. 15, 2025, at the Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center in Punta Gorda and for more than eight hours the young men and women prayed, listened, cheered, and filled their hearts full of love and mercy.

Based on the response of the teens during Youth Rally, the goal to “arise” and to leave behind what might had been holding them back, was achieved. “Wow! What a great day. I was blown away,” said one girl from St. Raphael Parish in Lehigh Acres. “Incredible! I had no idea it would be so fun to focus on Jesus for a whole day,” said one young woman from Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Immokalee. “This was amazing,” added a young man from St. John the Evangelist Parish in Naples.

Other young men and women shared similar responses, with most raving about how the Youth Rally overcame any misgivings they might have had before participating. Overwhelmingly, they expressed their joy of celebrating their faith with 2,000 of their fellow Catholic brothers and sisters. “We are of one faith. All of us. It’s awesome,” said one young lady from St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Grove City.

Bishop Frank J. Dewane encouraged the young men and women to stand up for who they are as men and women of God and to support the Holy Spirit from within in responding to the call of God, building upon the theme of the Rally: “Arise – Leave Behind What Holds You Down!”

“You are a child of God, every one of you, made in the image and likeness of God,” Bishop Dewane said. “Let that be your reality. Remind yourself of that where your soul lives within you, that presence of God living within you in a particular way. Delve into who Christ is in your life, into the gift of faith the Lord has given each one of you.”

Bishop Dewane said he prayed throughout the day that each participant would have an experience where they had a connection with the Lord. He prayed during the closing Mass that they would carry this experience forward beyond the Youth Rally.

“Arise! Stop what you are doing and listen,” Bishop Dewane said. “The Lord is speaking to you. Be focused on the Lord. Walk away from this experience becoming more in the eyes of God. It is not just going to happen on its own. Strive to live out the graces, the virtues and the goodness, understanding you have been created for more. May you be blessed in your response to the Lord.”

The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass concluded the Youth Rally. This was preceded by a Eucharistic Procession through the crowd and Adoration of the Most Holy Eucharist and Benediction.

The Youth Rally included the group praying of a bilingual Holy Rosary, Catholic trivia, vendors and tables including for the promotion of vocations.

The day included inspirational talks from nationally renowned speakers Noelle Garcia and Gian Gamboa. Garcia’s talk for the entire group was titled “Encounter the One Who Calls You,” and to the girls “Fully Alive: Women Rooted in Christ.” Gamboa’s talk to the whole group was titled, “Young People, I Say You, Arise,” and to the boys, “No Excuses: Living as Catholic Men Too.” Maggie Craig served as the master of ceremonies.

Vocation talks were offered to the men by Father Eric Scanlan, Pastor of Incarnation Parish in Sarasota and past Diocese of Venice Director of Vocations, who was later joined by four Diocesan seminarians. The women heard from Sister Pamela Rose Suresca, FMA, teacher at St. John Neumann Catholic High School in Naples.

Energetic music was provided by the PJ Anderson Band who inspired the crowd with spiritual songs.

Throughout the day, hundreds availed themselves of the opportunity to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Many also took time out to spend quiet time with the Lord in the Adoration Chapel.

The Diocese of Venice Youth Rally was organized by the Diocesan Youth and Young Adults Office, under the direction of Director Andres Prias, and with the support of nearly 100 adult volunteers.

2025 Catholic Mass honors veterans at National Cemetery

Posted on by Bob Reddy

The 16th Annual Catholic Mass on Veterans Day at Sarasota National Cemetery was celebrated to pray for all who serve or have served in the U.S. Armed Forces, including those who are on active duty, as well as those who have died, and their families.

More than 1,000 people attended the Mass which takes place in Patriots Plaza at the National Cemetery in Sarasota on Nov. 11 each year. Bishop Frank J. Dewane initiated the Catholic Mass in 2010 just two years after the cemetery opened.

 

The main celebrant and homilist for the Mass was Father Bob Kantor, Pastor of St. Agnes Parish in Naples, State Chaplain of the Knights of Columbus, and a retired U.S. Navy Chaplain. Among Diocesan priests concelebrating were several veterans, and newly ordained Father Jacob Gwynn, a U.S. Navy Chaplain, who serves at St. John the Evangelist Parish in Naples.

 

Father Kantor expressed how he was blessed and honored that Bishop Dewane selected him to celebrate the Catholic Veterans Day Mass at the National Cemetery, having served during Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.

 

“It is important that we gather together in prayer on this special day,” Father Kantor said. “The Gospel message of the day is about selflessness, of looking out for the other, and of laying down one’s life for them. The men and women who serve in the military conducting themself honorably during the midst of the horrors of war. It is not easy.”

 

Father spoke of the struggle of veterans who have scars earned on the field of battle or those that lay deep in their hearts, knowing they came home when their comrades did not. He prayed that they find peace in their minds and hearts that only God can give.

 

Veterans Day prophetically falls on the Feast of St. Martin of Tours, a Bishop who was a soldier who then dedicated his life to God. Father Kantor noted that the Saint’s life represented a transition from war to a condition of peace. The holiday was established following World War I as a recognition of the end to that terrible conflict on Nov. 11, 1918. Established as Armistice Day by President Woodrow Wilson in 1919, the day similarly marked a transition from war to peace. The recognition was broadened to honor and thank all who have served in the U.S. Armed Services, becoming Veterans Day under President Dwight D. Eisenhower.

 

“St. Martin serves as an example as we are all called to live as missionary disciples and Christian witnesses, walking that extra mile and showing patience for those who do us wrong,” Father Kantor said. “We depend upon divine grace to show us what is the right path. In a world that is so divided and continues to be at war across the globe – we must be peacemakers and look beyond the divides that prevent us from seeing the dignity in all people “

 

Father Kantor concluded, “We pray that warring parties everywhere may acknowledge and respect the fundamental dignity of all human beings and seek avenues that lead to peace.”

 

Prior to the opening of the Mass, all veterans – active and retired – were asked to stand and be recognized and were honored with resounding applause. This was followed by the presentation of a commemorative wreath, the American and Vatican flags by the Knights of Columbus Color Corps, and then the singing of the National Anthem.

 

New in 2025 was the performance of selected patriotic music by members of the Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School Symphonic Band from Sarasota, led by the school’s Music Department Head, Cindi McCarthy.

 

The Sarasota National Cemetery celebration concluded with a procession, escorted by the Knights of Columbus Color Corps to the nearby graves as those in attendance sang “God Bless America.”

 

Father Kantor, priests, Deacons, the Knights of Columbus Color Corps, and all present, then gathered in silent prayer before “Taps” was played on a trumpet by Cardinal Mooney Sophomore Molly Compa.

 

Brian Cable, a parishioner at St. Martha Parish in Sarasota and a combat-wounded U.S. Marine who served during the Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, attends the Catholic Mass on Veterans Day each year, because he feels it is his duty to honor the memory of his comrades in arms.

 

“I proudly served my country, but I am here to recognize those who are buried here, and the fallen in cemeteries overseas,” Cable said. “This Catholic Mass every year is important as it recognizes the sacrifice made by our veterans.”

 

There are now more than 25,000 veterans and eligible family members currently interred in the National Cemetery and some 18.5 million military veterans in the United States.

 

The Diocese of Venice coordinates the Catholic Mass at the National Cemetery with the backing of the Knights of Columbus and is grateful for the support of Sarasota National Cemetery.

 

During the Mass, the gifts were brought forward by Erica Gregory, an Air Force Academy graduate who became a Lt. Colonel and served in Iraq, and her mother Domini Stone. A wonderful example of the military families honored at this special Mass.

Rally “Ignites” Youth of Diocese

Posted on by Bob Reddy

The Diocese of Venice Youth Rally “Ignite” was aptly named: more than 1,800 teens participated and clearly showed their hearts were on fire with love for Jesus Christ.

The Youth Rally took place Nov. 16, 2024, at the Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center in Punta Gorda and for more than eight hours the young men and women prayed, listened, cheered, and filled their hearts full of love and mercy.

Bishop Frank J. Dewane encouraged the young men and women to ignite the fire of the Holy Spirit from within in response to the call of God, building upon the theme of the Rally: Ignite – “Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us…” Luke 24:32.

Based on the response of the teens as they were leaving Youth Rally, that goal was achieved. “Wow! What a great day. I was blown away,” said one girl from St. Katharine Drexel Parish in Cape Coral. “Awesome,” said one young man from Jesus the Worker Parish in Fort Myers. “What a great day.”

Other youth shared similar responses, with most raving about how the Youth Rally overcame any misgivings they might have had before participating. Many expressed the joy of celebrating their faith with more than 1,800 of their fellow Catholic brothers and sisters.

“Jesus Christ is the one who fans the flame,” Bishop Dewane said. “It is the Lord who puts that fire within us and how it grows, and it teaches us the self-control that we need in our lives when we go about living; becoming that man or woman of God that He calls us to be.”

The Bishop told the youth that they need to open their hearts up – through prayer, attending Mass, reading Sacred Scriptures, going to confession, and in many other ways – to hear the Holy Spirit in their lives and learn how to become a better version of themselves.

“The Lord fans the flame, but you and I have to be the ones to look within and accept the guidance provided. Recognize how the Holy Spirit is prompting you to respond,” Bishop Dewane said. “We are all called to action and to be doers of our faith. If we don’t have actions, that flame will stay locked in, and we will be empty.”

Bishop Dewane urged the youth to take what they have learned from the Diocesan Youth Rally and better conform their lives to the call of Christ. “It starts within ourselves, at home, because we must leave room for Christ to set us aflame for the love of God, allow the Holy Spirit to grow within you and you will be able to set aside what is keeping you from growing closer to the love and mercy of the Lord,” Bishop concluded.

The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass concluded the Youth Rally. This was preceded by Adoration of the Most Holy Eucharist which also included a procession through the crowd led by Bishop Dewane.

The Youth Rally included the group praying of the Holy Rosary, Catholic trivia, vendors and tables including for the promotion of vocations.

The day included inspirational talks from nationally renowned speakers Mari Pablo and Tanner Kalina. Pablo’s talk to the entire group was titled “From Despair to Faith, the Journey Transformed by Jesus,” and to the girls was “Mary’s Pure Heart, the Path to Jesus.” Kalina’s talk to the entire group was “The Masterplan of God – State of the Confession Time,” and to the boys “Beauty, Adventure, Battle.”

Vocation talks were offered to the men by Father Alex Pince, Diocesan Vocations Director, who was later joined by seven Diocesan seminarians. The women heard from Sister Maria Nikopoia, SSVM, Director of Religious Education at St. Michael Parish in Wauchula.

Energetic music was provided by the John Blakesley Band who inspired the crowd with spiritual songs.

Throughout the day, hundreds availed themselves of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Many also took time out to spend quiet time with the Lord in the Adoration Chapel. The temporary Chapel also included a first-class relic of Blessed Carlos Acutis, the first millennial saint who had a passion for the Eucharist.

The Diocese of Venice Youth Rally was organized by the Diocesan Office of Evangelization’s Youth and Young Adults Office, under the direction of Director Andres Prias, and with the support of nearly 100 adult volunteers.

News Briefs for the Week of March 3, 2023

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Sarasota musicians play Carnegie Hall

Alex Dilan, the music director at St. Thomas More Parish in Sarasota, and 18 members of the Parish traditional and Contemporary Choir were part of a “Voices in the Hall” concert on Feb. 19, 2023, at Carnegie Hall in New York. The group was invited to participate by well-known Catholic guest soloists ValLimar Jansen and John Angotti. In total there was a 215-voice choir along with a string orchestra and full band. After months of preparation and three days of rehearsal in New York, the group performed. the concert, which included 18 songs ranging from traditional pieces by Moses Hogan to Gospel and Contemporary music by Angotti and Jansen. Dilan conducted the spiritual “Over My Head I Hear Music” to end the first section. The concert received many standing ovations, and Dilan said “It was certainly a once in a lifetime experience!”

Youth lead Stations of the Cross

The San Marco Parish High School Youth Group helped the faithful get into the Lenten season with Live Stations of the Cross on Marco Island on Feb. 24, 2023. The Youth dressed as the key figures that are part of the Passion of Jesus Christ.

Testing students get furry visitor

Students at St. Ann Catholic School in Naples received special furry visitors from Golden PAWS Assistance Crisis Team (GPACT) Program, on Feb. 27, 2023. The visit came at the end of the first day of Terra Nova testing, which Catholic school students take to access achievement in reading, language arts, math, science, social studies, and many other areas. The students were able to spend time petting and hugging the dogs, who seemed happy to receive the attention.

Mooney rider wins prestigious equestrian show

Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School freshman Alexis Peterson took part in the Feb. 16-26, 2023, Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show in Arizona. Alexis won several of the classes including a unanimous win in the “2023 Hunter Seat Equitation Championship 14 and under AHAA Scholarship Class.” She also had several wins in the Arabian Hunter and Half Arabian Pleasure Championship classes. Alexis was nominated by the Arabian Professional and Amateur Horseman’s Association (APAHA) as a 2022 final nominee in the category of Youth Hunter/Show Hack rider.

Students learn skills for the future

St. Joseph Catholic School students spent 6 weeks studying economic education objectives, including writing checks, using a debit card, keeping a checkbook register, writing newspaper articles, applying for a job, and working in a group. Following their studies, they dressed in business casual and put their learning into action by spending Feb. 23, 2023, at Enterprise Village at the Stavros Institute in Largo. During their business day, students worked in one of the 20+ businesses, took 3 breaks, received paychecks, received copies of their newspaper, held a town meeting, and had the opportunity to be consumers by making purchases in one of the business-sponsored storefronts.

Mooney students help feed the homeless

The Cougars in Action (CIA) student organization of Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School in Sarasota went “undercover” to complete acts of kindness for others on Feb. 23, 2023. They implemented the Corporal Works of Mercy and made 200 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to help feed the homeless in Sarasota. Keep up the great work CIA!

Robotics program brings out best in students

In a true display of Humility, the Gift of Christ that reminds us to always embrace the wisdom and knowledge that others have to share, students in 6th grade and 8th grade Robotics at St. Francis Xavier Catholic School in Fort Myers met on Feb. 28, 2023, to exchange experiences with the latest FIRST Lego League Challenge. This STREAM (science, technology, religion, engineering, arts and math) initiative integrates Catholic values and virtues through the Diocesan curriculum called, “The Gifts of Christ: Truth, Beauty, Goodness, Affability, Fortitude, Humility, and Prudence.”

Verot spring production a success

The Bishop Verot Catholic High School Theater production of “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying” had a successful run in Fort Myers from Feb. 24-25, 2023. Shows were sold out – and for good reason, as the students put on an amazing show that won over the audience. An enormous “Congratulations” goes out to the Theater department, and in particular their teacher, Lisa Clark. Her passion and dedication for the arts has grown the theater program into what it is today.

Our Lady of Guadalupe celebrated across Diocese

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Throughout the Diocese of Venice tradition, prayer, reverence, and music marked the Feast Day of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of the Americas, of the New Evangelization, and of unborn children.

Celebrated on Dec. 12, the Feast is often linked to the Dec. 9 Feast of St. Juan Diego, the day in 1531 when Our Lady first appeared to the Saint near modern day Mexico City.

Parishes throughout the Diocese celebrated this special day with a variety of events including Masses, overnight vigils, large processions, early morning prayer celebrations, and outdoor festivities. Many of the activities included traditional music with elaborately dressed dancers, as large numbers of small children also dressed as our Our Lady or St. Juan Diego.

“Our Lady of Guadalupe means so much to me and so many others,” said Olivia Gomez of Jesus the Worker Parish in Fort Myers who participated in the Dec. 11, 2022, Mass and an outdoor festival. “My family has a great devotion to the Blessed Virgin. We pray to her each day. This gives us great comfort.”

That gratitude was magnified this year as the Fort Myers community was hard hit on Sept. 28 by Hurricane Ian. Gomez, whose home had roof and water damage, was out of work until just recently because the business where she worked was badly damaged.

“On this Feast Day, in a special way, we all join together to give thanks to Mary and to honor Her for the blessings we have received throughout the year, but especially since Ian,” Gomez said. “We have been truly blessed by the love and kindness of everyone in the community who have come together to rebuild.”

Carlos Diaz, of St. Paul Parish in Arcadia, also had home damage from river flooding after Ian and had to replace nearly the entire contents of his home.

“We needed clothes for the children and furniture,” Diaz said during the Parish outdoor celebration. “The Parish was our lifeline as Our Lady of Guadalupe shined Her light upon us all. We are doing great now. We really are blessed that it wasn’t worse. We are still in our home, which is better than many of our family and friends.”

At Epiphany Cathedral in Venice, Bishop Frank J. Dewane celebrated the Feast Day Mass. The Mass there was preceded by a procession around the church. Afterwards, the Bishop blessed a variety of religious articles and then everyone enjoyed a celebration in the Parish Hall.

Bishop Dewane expressed joy at the commemoration and how it represented the Universal nature of the Church, with Our Lady taking on a special meaning for all. “We honor Our Lady of Guadalupe and Her presence among us as this is an important moment that deserves our prayerful thanks and a true celebration.”

Celebrations also took place in many Parishes and schools throughout the Diocese. Huge crowds took part in a large procession from Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish through the streets of Immokalee, while at St. Peter the Apostle Parish in Naples the procession wound its way to the Parish from U.S. 41.

A smaller procession preceded a trilingual (English, Spanish, Creole) Mass which took place Dec. 11 at Frontier Park in Zolfo Springs for the faithful of St. Michael Parish in Wauchula and Holy Child Mission in Bowling Green.

Each Diocesan Catholic elementary school held a variety of celebrations to honor Our Lady of Guadalupe, many taking the opportunity to create a teaching lesson about the Universal Church and devotions to Our Lady.

Our Lady appeared, dressed like an Aztec princess, to St. Juan Diego, a poor widower who was on his way to Mass. She asked, in his native language, to have the Bishop of Mexico build a church in Her honor. Skeptical, the Bishop asked for a sign. Our Lady again appeared to St. Juan Diego who shared the request of the Bishop. So, Our Lady provided a sign, beautiful roses in the middle of winter which were placed in the tilma, a cloak made of cactus fibers, which St. Juan Diego wore. Upon his return to the Bishop, when Juan Diego opened the tilma, the roses fell to the floor, and an impression of Our Lady appeared on the tilma in the form of an indigenous woman. The image amazed the Bishop and all those present and word of this miracle quickly spread.

This apparition led to the conversion of Mexico almost overnight, when up to that time Catholic missionaries from Europe had made very little headway. The Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City was built on the site of the apparitions and is one of the most visited religious shrines in the world. It is also home of the actual tilma of St. Juan Diego, which can still be seen, with the image clearly visible, nearly 500 years later.

Music, faith bring Lee County youth together

Posted on by Bob Reddy

A question which has baffled religious scholars for millennia – “How do you get teens to get excited about their faith?” – may have found a solution in Fort Myers.

The answer, good music, and a chance to let loose for an evening which ultimately focused on the Blessed Sacrament and an examination of their faith.

On Aug. 28, 2022, the regularly scheduled youth outreach meetings at Parishes across Lee County were instead directed to St. John XXIII Parish, where the Parish Youth Council hosted a free summer concert event featuring EPIC the Band, for a night of music, adoration, faith and fun.

EPIC the Band is a young and vibrant group of artists based in Miami, who have dedicated their lives to sharing the Gospel through music. EPIC will be touring with Matt Maher in 2023. The band has appeared in the Diocese of Venice in the past and theirs is a sound that blends multiple genres.

The night opened with some beachballs being tossed around and music blaring as the teens got into the fun of the night.

Lead Guitarist Luis Castro spoke to the teens during and between the various songs, sharing the meaning of the music and how each member of the band has gone through a spiritual journey to bring them to this point.

“Ups and downs, from darkness to the light of God,” he said, adding that everyone’s spiritual journey has these moments which are comforted by an undeniable reality. “The Lord is the One who always believes in you; who never gives up on you; who loves you no matter what; who will comfort you; who will lift you up; who will help you find your way. He does this because you are His child, precious and beautiful.”

Guiding the youth, and many adults, through their songs, Castro and the band members encouraged everyone to join in as the songs were created out of their collective love for God and His people which is poured out in musical praise.

While some teens stayed in the background, for much of the music was unfamiliar, many others joined in clapping to the beat and echoing lyrics they learned.

“This is great,” said one girl from Resurrection Parish. Another from Our Lady of Light Parish said she had “lots of fun.”

During the second set of music the evening pivoted to include Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament when Castro called on everyone to “point your gaze toward the Lord; He is why we are here.”

Father Simon Hoang Minh Dao, CRM, came forward to the stage and placed the Blessed Sacrament into a monstrance on a prepared table.

While everyone kneeled, the music continued in a solemn tone with a mix of sacred music and instrumental background. Father then led everyone in prayer before taking the Blessed Sacrament to a place of repose.

Following Adoration, the evening continued with more music and spirits lifted high.

The event was free for everyone, but there was a concession for pizza and drinks, and a 50/50 drawing.

Kelly Evers, St. John XXIII Coordinator of Youth and Young Adult Outreach, said the evening was a huge success, with 338 in attendance, adding that this is the latest joint youth effort among Parishes in the area.

“We are working to help reach our youth in different ways,” Evers said.

The Parish has a High School Social program after Masses once a month. This program is intended to build a strong connection to the Parish because high school-aged students are often at risk of straying from their faith during these formative years.

Meanwhile, a Middle School Youth Group meets Wednesday evenings, providing a place for youths to identify their place in the Church, grow in their faith, and together in fellowship. The outreach is intended to help youths and families become more actively involved in the parish life.

Other Parish youth leaders also had groups at the St. John XXIII event. The Sunday night gathering served as an unofficial kick-off to the fall religious education season. Several Parishes are also expanding their middle and high school outreach efforts, trying to keep the teens connected to the faith. Many are nearing, or at the time they should be seeking the Sacrament of Confirmation, while others may have completed this goal and are now seeking a security of their future place in the Church.

Evers said the answer to that is simple, these teens are the Church, the present and the future.

Naples Men’s Haitian Choir Delights Cathedral faithfu

Posted on by Bob Reddy

The faithful of Epiphany Cathedral in Venice received a special treat with a guest choir during a Mass on Feb. 20, 2022.

The Men’s Haitian Choir of St. Peter the Apostle Parish in Naples was delightfully received when they participated in the 9 a.m., and later 11 a.m. Mass which was celebrated by Bishop Frank J. Dewane.

Bishop Dewane invited the Choir to come to the Cathedral after hearing them sing several times during the annual Diocesan Mass for Haitian Independence which takes place each New Year’s Day, also the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God. This Mass brings together the Haitian Catholic Community from across the region for a major celebration. Highlights of that celebration, the Bishop explained, include the performance of the choirs from different Parishes.

Following the Mass, the faithful gave enthusiastic applause in honor of the Choir for their contribution to the celebration. After Mass, several from the Cathedral individually thanked members of the Choir for their inspiring singing.

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