Tag: parish event

Diocese preparing for 2025 Hurricane Season

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Helene and Milton have been added to the list of names of past hurricanes that will conjure up memories of wind, rain, storm surge, power outages and destruction in Southwest Florida.

Time and effort has enabled recovery for some from these devastating storms, but many are still trying to pick up the pieces of their lives while the 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season looms large.

NOAA satellite image of Hurricane Milton coming ashore in Sarasota County on Oct. 9, 2024.

The 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season in Florida runs from June 1 to Nov. 30. With a history of these storms producing destruction in the region; just the mention of Hurricanes Debby, Helene and Milton (2024), Hurricane Ian (2022), Hurricane Irma (2017), or Hurricane Charley (2004), can bring back dreadful memories.

The Diocese of Venice, and many families, are still recovering from Helene and Milton, as well as Hurricane Ian nearly three years after the storm has passed. However, Bishop Frank J. Dewane said the Diocese of Venice is well-prepared for the coming season.

“The catastrophic impacts of back-to-back hurricanes in 2024, and Ian in 2022, are still fresh in the minds of those who witnessed not only the loss of lives but also the devastating destruction of buildings and livelihoods,” Bishop Frank J. Dewane said. “As a Diocese we do our best to prepare, but it is also important for us to pray for protection from future storms, and also for the people who continue to recover from previous disasters. As the new Atlantic Hurricane Season arrives, let us all ask God for protection and safety.”

Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, Inc., is still on the ground helping families recover from Helene and Milton, as well as Ian, stated Christopher M. Root, CEO of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice.

“At Catholic Charities, we’re still walking alongside families who were hit hard by last year’s hurricanes,” Root said. “The headlines may have moved on, but for many, recovery is still happening day by day. We haven’t stopped helping, and we’re also getting ready in case another storm comes our way this season. With support from Catholic Charities USA and a trained disaster response team on the ground in the Diocese of Venice, we’re doing everything we can to be prepared. Whether we’re helping someone rebuild after the last storm or responding to a new one, Catholic Charities is here with compassion, faith, and a real desire to serve.”

Experts at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is forecasting a range of 13-19 total named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher), slightly above the seasonal average. This follows the 2024 season which produced 18 named storms, including Hurricanes Debby (Aug. 6-7), Helene (Sept. 26), and Milton (Oct. 9), each of which brought their own misery of wind and rain. Helene, which paralleled the coast, and Milton, whose eye went over Siesta Key, both brought unprecedented storm surges to the barrier islands from Naples in the south through Palmetto to the north. NOAA stated that numerous factors were considered in the forecast, including warmer than average ocean temperatures in the Atlantic Ocean, reduced Atlantic trade winds and less wind shear, all of which tend to favor tropical storm formation, NOAA reported.

Weather forecasters and emergency management officials stress that each tropical system is different, explaining that just because you survived Debby, Helene, Milton, Ian, Irma or Charley, without any damage doesn’t mean the next storm, whether it is a tropical storm or major hurricane, couldn’t destroy everything around you.

With many people no longer watching local news, NOAA officials also stress the need for everyone to have access to reliable local weather reports to avoid confusion when a storm approaches. This can be accessed through the National Weather Service, National Hurricane Center, local news outlets or other trustworthy weather sources.

While keeping a wary eye on the weather forecast is important, being prepared before storms approach is just as vital. Preparedness means many things, but a key part is simply knowing where you live in relationship to evacuation zones in your city or county. Also, knowing how well constructed a home is can also impact preparations and planning in the event an evacuation is ordered. Also, as many learned during Helene and Milton, power could be out for days, or weeks, following a storm, and the decision must also be made if one wants to stay under those conditions.

The names for this season, provided by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), include Andrea, Barry, Chantal, Dexter, Erin and others. The list of 21 names is repeated every six years. The only time that there is a change is if a storm is so deadly or costly that the future use of its name on a different storm would be inappropriate for obvious reasons of sensitivity (Helene, Milton, Ian, Irma, Charley, Katrina, etc.).

If a storm comes

Should disaster strike, Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, will be at the forefront in preparing and responding. Catholic Charities will send a team to the epicenter of the disaster and then coordinate to set up relief centers — called PODs, which stands for Points-Of-Distribution – where the need is greatest. These centers – often located at Parishes or next to Catholic Charities offices – will be sites where water, clothing, food and other disaster relief assistance can be distributed. PODs were established at multiple locations following Hurricanes Helene and Milton, with truckloads of water, food and cleaning supplies distributed to needy families.

One way people help after a storm is through the Catholic Charities Disaster Rebound Bucket program. These buckets are filled with practical supplies that give families a head start on cleanup and recovery. If you visit CCDOV | Disaster Recovery, you’ll find a short video that shows how the buckets work and an Amazon Wish List for anyone who wants to donate items directly.

As noted earlier, the Diocese of Venice is experienced in responding to these storms. Therefore, each Parish, Catholic school and other entities have hurricane preparedness plans which assist in preparation before a storm and recovery afterwards.

NOAA and emergency management officials remind everyone that taking a few steps now can prevent panic and confusion if a storm were to threaten the area. To track and learn more about hurricanes, visit www.nhc.noaa.gov/.

Being prepared

Emergency management officials emphasize that having an emergency preparedness plan will help lessen the stress on individuals when, inevitably, a new tropical system forms and threatens the region. Key things like knowing your evacuation zone, knowing if your home can withstand forecasted winds, and having emergency supplies and documents ready ahead of time, are key actions to take ahead of the season.

First, officials recommend each family have a Disaster Supply Kit, which should have a minimum of enough water and food to last three to seven days. That means one gallon of water per person/per day, plus enough non-perishable food that does not require electricity to prepare and consume safely. Those who care for infants or the elderly must plan for what specialty items will be needed.

Other key items for a Disaster Supply Kit include clothing (rain gear and sturdy shoes), blankets/pillows, first aid kit, all medicines and prescription drugs, toiletries, flashlights, battery-operated radio, cash, important documents in a waterproof container, and any items for your pets.

If a storm were to strike, getting basic supplies will be a challenge. The Federal Emergency Management Agency stresses that in the aftermath of a major disaster, you should expect to be on your own for at least three days, if not longer, before substantial state and federal resources can be expected. If you have a Disaster Supply Kit that went unused in 2024, inspect it to ensure all items are fresh and the batteries are still good.

Those who have medical or transportation issues must contact their city/county Emergency Management Office (the number is available online or you can dial the non-emergency 511), to register and to potentially be relocated to a shelter if a storm threatens. This registration must be done annually.

Another key action is to make sure any insurance is up-to-date, and photographs are taken of all valuables before the storm. Keep in mind that hurricane and flood insurance will take a minimum of 30 days to go into effect.

2025 Totus Tuus summer program to be featured at 18 Parishes

Posted on by Bob Reddy

The successful Totus Tuus summer catechetical Parish program will soon be taking place at a Parish near you.

The final week of May saw 15 missionaries undergo intensive training and preparation as the first three Parish camps start June 1, 2025. Ultimately, there will be seven separate weeks with a total18 Parishes serving as weekly hosts through July 25. More than 1,000 children and teens will be impacted by this special outreach.

Totus Tuus – which means “totally yours” – is a one-week Parish Catechetical summer day camp program, for students entering grades 1-12, and aims to inspire young people to long for holiness, develop a deep desire for conversion and personally renew their faith with a stronger prayer life.

Bishop Frank J. Dewane encouraged the pilot program be brought to the Diocese in 2022 to great success, with expansions in 2023 to 11 host Parishes, 12 for 2024, and now 18 for 2025. During past visits to Totus Tuus camps, Bishop Dewane has been impressed by the response each child had to the uplifting program. “In each classroom everyone was so excited and alive about their love of the Lord!”

Bishop Dewane celebrated Mass for the Totus Tuus missionaries on May 28, while they were going through their training at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center in Venice. He encouraged the young missionaries to call upon the Holy Spirit to guide them through the summer and reminded them of the important role they will have for the boys and girls they encounter this summer.

This training focused on the spiritual aspect of the Totus Tuus program, including daily prayer, Eucharistic Adoration, and the Mass. Other components of the training covered the fundamentals of teaching young children and youth, as well as the fun aspects of the camp including the songs and dances that everyone will learn.

The week-long camps (9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday to Friday) are divided into two segments, with the day camp for students entering grades 1 – 6, and an evening camp for middle school and high school students entering grades 7 – 12.

The younger children participate in several classes each day, attend daily Mass, learn the parts and liturgical music of Mass, and participate in games, skits, songs, recess and prayer. The older students participate in instruction, small group discussions, quiet meditations, prayer and fellowship.

Most importantly, Totus Tuus works to complement what parents teach their children in matters of their faith. This is something Bishop Dewane has stressed since the program had its trial run in the Diocese in 2022.

The 2025 Diocese of Venice Totus Tuus Missionaries range in age from 18 to 27, and two are returning for a second year: Jesse Gomez, a Diocesan Seminarian, and Jesenia Cortes who is from St. James Parish and Santigo Mission in Lake Placid. A second seminarian, Tam Tran will also be a missionary this year.

Cortes looks forward to making a connection with the children again. “I’m so excited to be back. Last summer, serving as Team Leader, gave me the chance to witness God’s goodness and His personal call to holiness in each child and teen we met. I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue sharing His love and growing in faith together.”

The following is a list of host Parishes:

  • June 1-6 – St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Parish, Parrish; St. Finbar Parish, Naples; San Pedro Parish, North Port;
  • June 8-13 – St. Paul Parish, Arcadia; Sacred Heart Parish, Bradenton; St. Katharine Drexel Parish, Cape Coral;
  • June 15-20 – St. Agnes Parish, Naples;
  • June 22-27 – Ave Maria Parish, Ave Maria; St. Jude Parish, Sarasota;
  • July 6-11 – St. Cecilia Parish, Fort Myers; Our Lady of Light Parish, Fort Myers; St. John XXIII Parish, Fort Myers; St. Thomas More Parish, Sarasota;
  • July 13-18 – St. Joseph Parish, Bradenton; Epiphany Cathedral, Venice; Our Lady Queen of Heaven Parish, LaBelle;
  • July 20-25 – Our Lady of the Angels Parish, Lakewood Ranch; St. Peter the Apostle Parish, Naples.

Please pray for the success of the Totus Tuus summer program, the campers, and the missionaries.

Camp registration information

Youth are welcome to attend any of the Totus Tuus camps, but registration is requested ahead of time. To register, please contact the hosting Parish directly. Parish contact information can be found at https://dioceseofvenice.org/find-a-parish/.

 

Faith is fun! Register your children through the hosting Parish! For more information, or with questions, visit Totus Tuus 2025 – Diocese of Venice. You can also contact Andres Prias, prias@dioceseofvenice.org or Jim Gontis at gontis@dioceseofvenice.org.

 

Diocese of Venice rejoices in election of new Pope

Posted on by Bob Reddy

The election of Pope Leo XIV on May 8, 2025, has brought with it a sense of great excitement and anticipation as the new Holy Father, the first from the U.S., settles into his position as the Successor of St. Peter.

Bishop Frank J. Dewane said the election of Pope Leo XIV was the work of the Holy Spirit, and a moment of tremendous grace and blessing for the Universal Church.

“Pope Leo XIV brings with him the strength and charism of St. Augustine, and the humanity and courage of Pope Leo XIII, who was an architect of many of the social teachings of the Church,” Bishop Dewane said while also calling on the faithful of the Diocese of Venice to pray for the new Holy Father and the sacred ministry entrusted to him.

To commemorate the election of Pope Leo XIV, Bishop Dewane will celebrate a Mass in his honor at 12:15 p.m., Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at Epiphany Cathedral, 310 S. Sarasota Ave., Venice. All are welcome to attend. The Mass will be livestreamed at www.facebook.com/epiphanycathedral, or at www.epiphanycathedral.org.

Bishop Dewane said he was encouraged to hear that during Pope Leo XIV’s first Regina Caeli, he called on youth to “accept an invitation of the Church and Christ the Lord.”

“That message is something which builds upon the legacy of the Popes since St. John Paul II and shows insight into how he will define his papacy,” Bishop Dewane said.

While the Bishop does not know Pope Leo XIV well, the two spoke in depth during a dinner at the North American College in Rome in 2023, while seated next to each other.

“It was a nice evening, and we spoke about many different things,” Bishop Dewane said. “My mother was from the South Side of Chicago, where Pope Leo is from, and we spent some time discussing that. When I told him that I was from the Diocese of Venice in Florida, he smiled and said ‘Oh! I know the area well!’ He went on to say that one of his brothers lived in Port Charlotte, and that he had been to the area for a visit,” Bishop Dewane said. “He was a very humble man who expressed interest in what was happening here in Florida, and in the Diocese of Venice.”

Catholic Center

At the Catholic Center in Venice, Diocesan staffers watched the announcement of the news in the main conference room, where a livestream from the Vatican was being broadcast. Father John Belmonte, SJ, Diocesan Superintendent of Catholic Education, translated from the Italian.

As could be expected, when it was announced that an American had been elected as Pope, the group erupted with shouts of shock and joy. When Pope Leo XIV made his first appearance, a cheer went up and party poppers were set off as confetti showered the staff.

Schools

Students at Diocesan Catholic schools took great interest in the election of Pope Leo XIV, with individual classrooms and in some cases the entire student body gathered to witness Church history.

All of the students at St. Ann Catholic School in Naples gathered in the Jubilee Center to await the announcement of the new Pope. Teachers used this as a learning opportunity to explain how a pope is elected and what role the Holy Father plays in the leadership of the Universal Church.

Meanwhile, at Bishop Verot Catholic High School in Fort Myers, the election of Pope Leo XIV fell on the last day of class ahead of graduation. The school posted on social media about the twin events happening: “It’s not every day you witness a moment that’ll be in history books. It’s even rarer when it happens on your last day of high school! Talk about divine timing.”

Students at St. Martha Catholic School wrote messages to the Cardinal-electors ahead of the conclave asking that they seek the guidance of God and the Holy Spirit in choosing the next Holy Father. They were surprised by the election of an American Pope.

Parishes

The faithful across the Diocese of Venice learned about the election of Pope Leo XIV via television or the internet, with everyone curious to learn about the man who was born in Chicago and was an Augustinian missionary.

As soon as the announcement was broadcast, preparations were made to update the prayer intentions for the next Masses to include prayers for the Pontificate of Leo XIV.

St. Joseph Parish in Bradenton put up their traditional Easter Season decorations of gold and white bunting, replacing the black bunting which had been put up following the passing of Pope Francis on April 21.

Dolores Conklin of St. Joseph Parish said it was exciting to have an American Pope. The news caused her to reach out to family members across the country. “It is so wonderful to talk to everyone. I immediately felt a connection to him when he came out on the balcony at St. Peter’s. His smile and his clear humility. I pray to God that he will unite the Catholic Church in the United States and around the world.”

George Connor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in Osprey was fascinated that the new Pope was from a religious order, just as Pope Francis was. “He is a man of the world. He is from Chicago, but he has been everywhere. He has seen the poor where they are. That must have had an impact on him. I pray he has the strength and grace to lead the Church during these turbulent times.”

Pope Leo XIV’s oldest brother lives in Port Charlotte

Posted on by Bob Reddy

As surprised and overjoyed as most Americans were to learn that the newly elected Pope was from Chicago, Pope Leo XIV’s oldest brother Louis Prevost was in shock.

When the announcement was made, Prevost was lying in bed at his Port Charlotte home, resting from an illness, when his wife Deborah called and said there was white smoke, the first sign from the Sistine Chapel that a new Pope had been elected. He dutifully turned on his TV with a sense of anticipation, knowing his youngest brother, Cardinal Robert Prevost could be named. He read just a few days before that his brother was in the top three candidates just before the conclave started on May 7, 2025.

Prevost described the moment when the Archdeacon started announcing the election of the new Pope from the balcony overlooking St. Peter’s Square: “I heard him say ‘Roberto.’ It was like, it’s Rob. It’s never gonna be the same. What are we going to do? Yes, it’s Rob! If I wasn’t sitting down in bed, I would have collapsed.”

Prevost said that when he has the opportunity to see his brother, he is going to give him a huge hug, offering the type of congratulations that only an older brother can give. “When I see him, I will still call him Rob, until someone tells me not to.”

“When we were little kids, my brother (John) and I used to raise cane, but Rob was always the holy one,” Prevost said. “We used to tease him, ‘You’re going to be Pope.’ ‘You’re too holy.’ My other bother and I would play cops and robbers, while Rob would always want to play priest. Our mom would set up the ironing board and he would offer us communion with Necco wafers. We knew the Holy Spirit was in him.”

Prevost said he was being harassed by juvenile gang members in south Chicago, when his youngest brother, Rob, the new Pope, intervened and deescalated the situation. “He made friends with them. They never bothered me again. You knew he was different. He can get along with anyone.”

Admitting some bias, Prevost believes there’s no one better suited for the papacy, reflecting on his brother’s early commitment to the priesthood. “He knew from an early stage, he wanted to be a priest, and he did. He got out of grammar school, and went right to the seminary,” Prevost said.

He also offered an example of his brother’s humanity, noting that a few months ago, he asked his brother, who was then a Cardinal serving at the Vatican, to reach out to a friend whose husband was dying. “He called her from Rome and they prayed together. She was the first person to call me after the announcement. She said, ‘Oh my God, he’s the Pope, your brother was elected Pope, and I talked to him!”

Following the announcement, the early communication between the brothers came via text messages. As of May 14, Prevost and his wife were unsure if they could be present for the Mass of Inauguration of Pope Leo XIV’s Petrine Ministry, to be held in St. Peter’s Square on May 18. Their daughter, who lives in Amarillo, Texas, was also trying to go.

Prevost and his wife attend St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish in Port Charlotte, where Administrator Father Claudio Stewart invited the couple to speak following Mass on May 11.

Prevost told the parishioners, “While Rob might be Pope Leo, he is still a man of the people, a good human being with a caring soul. He was a missionary who helped the poor and built schools. That is who he is at his core.”

John Sanders, a Parishioner at St. Maximilian Kolbe, said the Prevosts shared heart-warming stories, the message “very much from the perspective of an older brother, which made the new Pope seem more relatable than would ordinarily be the case.”

Father Stewart said it was a blessing for all the Parish to hear from the Prevosts.

Prevost said his brother visited Port Charlotte during the winter 2023-2024 after attending a fundraiser in Naples. “That was the last time I saw him before he became Pope.”

Before the conclave began, the three brothers spoke on a three-way call about the possibility of Rob being elected Pope. “We knew it was a possibility because he was a Cardinal. But he was American, so that was against him. He was young too. But, he had been head of the Augustinian Order for 12 years, that took him all over the world. That was a positive. You just didn’t know.”

When he asked his brother what would happen if he won, would he accept it, he said, “I will accept it; it’s God’s will; it’s in His hands.”

The time since the announcement has been a whirlwind for Prevost, fielding calls from family and friends, while also doing interviews for media from around the world. “My life has changed. My brother is the Pope. Everything is different.”

Prevost is still coming to terms with the new reality that his own brother is the Pope.

He knows also his relationship with his brother will change forever and that they will likely not speak as often due to his duties as the Holy Father. “Even a week later, saying the name Pope Leo still doesn’t feel right. He will always be my brother. In some ways I feel I lost my brother, but gained a Pope.”

Permanent Diaconate Ordination May 31 in Naples

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Soon, 11 men from across the Diocese of Venice will each kneel before Bishop Frank J. Dewane and be ordained to the Permanent Diaconate.

The ordination is at 10 a.m., May 31, 2025, at St. Agnes Parish, 7775 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples. During the process to become a Permanent Deacon, the 11 men have received training in theology, canon law and pastoral ministry, a discernment and study process that has taken five years.

The men to be ordained are: Richard E. Dahn, St. Agnes Parish; Richard A. Hellenbrand, St. Andrew Parish, Cape Coral; Thomas A. Januszka, St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Parish, Parrish; Stephen L. Jendrysik, Incarnation Parish, Sarasota; James N. Jenkins, St. William Parish, Naples; Ramon R. Kanacheril, St. Vincent de Paul Parish, Fort Myers; Mark A. Osterhaus, St. Agnes Parish; Orlando A. Rubiano, St. Vincent de Paul Parish; Jeff Tenbarge, St. Peter the Apostle Parish, Naples, John-William M. Trainer III, St. Peter the Apostle Parish; and Edward J. Watson, Ave Maria Parish, Ave Maria.

As part of their formation process, each man was admitted by Bishop Dewane as acolytes in 2024 to assist priests and other Permanent Deacons on the altar during Mass. Prior to that, they were admitted as candidates when they publicly declared their intention of becoming Deacons and the Bishop accepted them. They were also instituted as lectors so they could proclaim the Gospel.

To a man, they describe their journey toward ordination as both a challenging and life-changing process which started with answering a call from the Lord they heard deep in their heart. Each also credits their wife and children for supporting and accompanying them on this journey of enlightenment.

The mission of a Permanent Deacon in the Church is to: serve as a minister of charity, address the needs of others and strive to meet those needs; serve as ministers of the Word, when they proclaim the Gospel, preaching and teaching; serve as ministers of the Sacrament of Baptism; witness marriages; conduct wake and graveside services; and lead the faithful in prayer.

All are invited and encouraged to attend. The livestream of the Ordination will be available at https://www.facebook.com/StAgnesNaples, and stagnesnaples.org.

Mother’s Day celebrates all moms, including those in need

Posted on by Bob Reddy

The month of May in the Church is dedicated to the Blessed Mother, the earthly mother of Jesus, the Son of God. In May we also celebrate Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 11, 2025, honoring all moms, including those in need, or experiencing an unexpected or difficult pregnancy.

The news of an unexpected pregnancy can come as a shock and bring overwhelming feelings of fear, shame, anxiety, and doubt. Without a strong support system, what should be joyful news, can instead be experienced as a crisis. Often, a woman facing an unexpected pregnancy may not know where she can turn for help and assistance.

Walking with Moms in Need is a nationwide program established in 2020 by the U.S. Bishops and operates at the Parish level to accompany pregnant and parenting mothers in need.

The Diocese of Venice is an active participant in this outreach which works to ensure that any woman who finds herself unexpectedly pregnant, or parenting in difficult circumstances, can turn to her local Catholic Church and be connected with the resources she needs. As Pope Francis reminds us, Parishes need to be “islands of mercy in the midst of a sea of indifference.” For resources in English and Spanish on how you can Walk with a Mom in Need, visit https://dioceseofvenice.org/offices/offices-departments/respect-life/walking-with-moms-in-need/.

The USCCB also offers a new guide to help the faithful learn how they can support a friend experiencing an unexpected pregnancy, called “10 Ways to Support Her When She is Unexpectedly Expecting,” and can be found at respectlife.org/support-her.

Each tip offers practical advice because for women, an unexpected pregnancy can be a difficult and frightening time, and it’s important that she knows she has support.

The guide also provides a reminder that prayer in essential. “Although the tips mentioned can be helpful, don’t forget the most important thing is to pray. Even if it’s just a quick two-second prayer, prayer is the most effective way we can help. Pray for her, for her child, and for guidance in how you can give her the best possible support.”

For more information about Respect Life activities in the Diocese of Venice, please contact Respect Life Director Tavia Ames at ames@dioceseofvenice.org, or 941-441-1101 or visit www.dioceseofvenice.org/respectlife.

“Jesus, I trust in You”- Divine Mercy Sunday

Posted on by Bob Reddy

The Second Sunday of Easter, or Divine Mercy Sunday, completes the Octave of Easter, a celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ and the blessing of His continuing presence in our midst. The Gospel reading for Divine Mercy Sunday, April 27, 2025, recalls the encounter between St. Thomas (the doubting Apostle) and Jesus after the Resurrection.

Divine Mercy Sunday celebrates the mercy of Jesus as reminded to us by St. Maria Faustina Kowalska, a religious sister who lived a humble life, to whom Jesus appeared. St. Faustina was born in Krakow, Poland and lived from 1905-1938. She was canonized by St. John Paul II in 2000, who at that time also declared the Second Sunday of Easter as Divine Mercy Sunday. This celebration also honors St. Faustina’s vision of Jesus Christ, and His message of love and peace for the world.

St. Faustina wrote in her diary from private revelation that Jesus told her: “I want to grant a complete pardon to the souls that will go to Confession and receive Holy Communion on the Feast of My Mercy (Diary 1109). The soul that will go to Confession and receive Holy Communion will obtain complete forgiveness of sins and punishment (Diary 699).”

The image of the Divine Mercy was created by St. Faustina who was told to paint the image of Jesus as she saw Him. The painting has the saying at the bottom: “Jesus, I Trust in You.” The rays emanating from the Sacred Heart of Jesus represent water (white) – which makes souls righteous — and blood (red) — which is the life of souls, Jesus told St. Faustina.

Many Parishes throughout the Diocese hold Divine Mercy services and several have novenas of prayer leading up to the Sunday. The popularity of Divine Mercy has been embraced by many diverse communities throughout the Diocese.

At St. Joseph Parish in Bradenton, Divine Mercy Sunday included the traditional afternoon prayer service, incorporating the Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, a reflection from Father Rafal Liganza, Pastor of St. Joseph, a recitation of the Divine Mercy Litany, singing of the Divine Mercy Chaplet, and Solemn Benediction.

Debbie Sutherland helped to organize the Divine Mercy prayer service at St. Joseph, saying that she developed a deep devotion to the celebration 10 years ago.

“It is about what Jesus represents in offering His mercy to all of us,” Sutherland said. “This devotion has changed my life, literally saving me and bringing me closer to the Lord.”

At St. John the Evangelist Parish in Naples, the Divine Mercy celebration included a presentation by Sister Teresa de la Fuente, Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy (St. Faustina’s religious order). St. John the Evangelist was one of several Parishes in the Diocese to also offer the opportunity to venerate a first-class relic of St. Faustina.

Exhibit shows off work of millennial saint

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Even though the canonization of Carlo Acutis, the world’s first millennial saint, was postponed due to the passing of Pope Francis, the life of the young man was still celebrated April 26 and 27, 2025, at St. Patrick Parish in Sarasota.

While the multi-day celebration was supposed to coincide with the canonization in Rome for the Italian teenager on April 27, Sue Thompson, St. Patrick Director of Religious Education, said it was good that the event still happened.

“While we are disappointed that the canonization was postponed, it is important for young people to learn about this inspiring young man and his love for the Eucharist and passion for technology,” Thompson said.

The central focus of the celebration was the traveling Eucharistic Miracles of the World exhibit. The exhibit, with 170 panels, includes a visual story of different Eucharistic Miracles from across the globe. Carlos Acutis researched and catalogued the miracles onto a website before he died in 2006 from leukemia at the age of 15.

The exhibit was borrowed by Thompson from a colleague in the Diocese of St. Augustine. As part of the exhibit, the faithful moved from panel-to-panel, and learned about the confirmed Eucharistic miracles that have taken place through the centuries. The panels represent what the future-saint posted on a website before his passing.

For two full days, the exhibit was on display in the Parish Hall, with scores of people participating, often before or after Mass. Prayer cards and other prayer aids, as well as books about Carlo Acutis were made available. Playing on a large screen was a loop of several videos recounting the life of Carlo Acutis. In addition, a group of 118 journeyed to a downtown Sarasota movie theater to see the premier of “Carlo Acutis: Roadmap to Reality.”

Among those who viewed the exhibit was Caroline Bradford who is a seasonal resident from Indiana. She was fascinated by such a young person being named a saint and has her own passion for Eucharistic miracles. She said she loved how the exhibit, with its different miracles, offered the full story behind each event, the significance of the miracle on the local community, as well as the images.

“Each one is different and wonderful,” Bradford said. “It’s amazing such a young man could accomplish so much.”

Others had similar responses to the exhibit with young people noting their own affinity for the soon-to-be saint.

The original plan was for the exhibition to open in the predawn hours of April 27, the day of scheduled canonization, so young people at the Parish could gather to watch the event live from Rome. The canonization was to be presided over by Pope Francis but will now be presided over by the new Holy Father on a date to be announced.

To honor Pope Francis, there was an image on display as well as a book for people to offer their condolences. Children were also encouraged to write notes of remembrance to Pope Francis on heart-shaped paper.

Thompson said there will be some sort of commemoration of Carlo Acutis when the canonization is rescheduled, but it will not include the Eucharistic Miracles exhibit, as it was only loaned to the Parish for the weekend.

Masses honoring Pope Francis celebrated at Parishes

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Parishes throughout the Diocese of Venice have been holding Memorial Masses in the wake of the death of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025.

Bishop Frank J. Dewane celebrated a Diocesan-wide Mass to commemorate the papacy of Pope Francis on April 24, at Our Lady of Lourdes in Venice.

Subsequently, Parishes throughout the region have followed suit with many of the Masses in honor of Pope Francis, first the Masses of the Day within the Octave of Easter with the repose of the soul of Pope Francis as the intention. Following the Octave of Easter Parishes followed the Mass for the Dead, where the celebrating priests wore red vestments and prayer intentions were for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis.

At St. Agnes Parish in Naples, the Mass to honor Pope Francis was April 25, Friday within the Octave of Easter in English and Spanish, with Father Bob Kantor, Pastor, and Father Alejandro Giraldo-Roldan, Parochial Vicar, concelebrating.

Speaking of Pope Francis, Father Kantor said at the opening of the Mass that “this is a Mass to acknowledge his life and service to Our Lord, and for the special place he had in the Church as the successor to the Apostle .In a way we gather as do for a funeral, because we mourn the death in the family. This time it is our Holy Father, someone who served faithfully and to his last breath proclaimed the Gospel of Jesus Christ.”

Father Kantor later reflected upon the extraordinary mercy and humility Pope Francis brought to his papacy, reminding the Catholic faithful that Jesus’ death and resurrection brought with it mercy from God for us all.

“He described the Church as a field hospital, an instrument of healing for those in need,” Father said. “He stressed this fact over and over again, with a Year of Mercy (2016) and ministering to those on the margins of the Church.”

Father Kantor encountered Pope Francis during World Youth Day pilgrimages, first in 2013 to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, months after Pope Francis was elected Pope, and then again in Krakow, Poland in 2016. The papal message to the youth, which resonates to this day: “I’m inviting you to set out on a journey to discover life along the path of love and to seek the face of God – do not set out as mere tourists but as true pilgrims.” That message is reflected in the ongoing 2025 Jubilee Year, with its message calling all to be “Pilgrims of Hope.”

Father Giraldo-Roldan said having Pope Francis be the first Pope elected from the Americas will always be close to his heart, himself being from Columbia. He also appreciated how the Holy Father made himself accessible to the people, personally interacting with many sharing his true love for all.

Prior to the Mass at St. Agnes was a Holy Hour, with Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and the prayer intentions also said for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis.

Similar Memorial Masses took place throughout the Diocese leading up to the end of the mourning period on May 4. Prayer intention at Masses will then shift to calling for the Holy Spirit to guide the College of Cardinals in the voting for the next Pope during the coming Conclave.

Diocese of Venice commemorates passing of Pope Francis

Posted on by Bob Reddy

The Diocese of Venice is saddened by the April 21, 2025, passing of Pope Francis who will be mourned and commemorated throughout the Diocese.

A Diocesan-wide Mass, celebrated by Bishop Frank J. Dewane and concelebrated by the priest of the Diocese, was held April 24, 2025, at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Venice. Many clergy participated, as hundreds of the faithful attended to honor Pope Francis.

Known for his humble pontificate, Bishop Dewane expressed his profound sadness at the passing of Pope Francis, and his view of the Holy Father as a dedicated and caring Shepherd.

“Pope Francis served as Bishop of Rome from March 13, 2013, until his death. In possession of a true pastor’s heart, his concern for the poor and those on the peripheries, as well as his devotion to the Blessed Mother, were among the hallmarks of his Papacy,” Bishop wrote in the letter to the faithful.

Bishop Dewane said he was blessed to have met with Pope Francis on a number of occasions, and was touched by the Holy Father’s humility, sense of humor, and profound concern for “the other.”

A photo of Pope Francis was on display before the altar during the Mass, and a condolence book was made available. This book will be kept at the Catholic Center during the period of mourning for visitors to sign. In addition, the Diocese of Venice website has an online form where the faithful can fill out their messages of condolence at https://dioceseofvenice.org/condolences-for-pope-francis/. The condolences will be sent to the Vatican at the end of the mourning period.

Personal Memories of Holy Father from Bishop Dewane

The Bishop’s first encounter with Pope Francis took place in April 2014. Bishop Dewane spoke to Pope Francis in Italian, a common language for the pair, and they discussed Florida, and most importantly what the Diocese was doing for the youth. The Bishop described the annual Youth Rally, and how large groups from the Diocese took part in World Youth Day.

A year later, Bishop Dewane was among the select few to greet Pope Francis during the 2015 World Meeting of Families gathering with U.S. Bishops at St. Matthew Cathedral in Washington, D.C. At that time, Pope Francis and the Bishop spoke about environmental issues related to the publication of the Encyclical “Laudato Si,” and on the treatment of migrant workers.

In addition to these meetings, whenever Bishop Dewane was in Rome for business, and the Holy Father had a General Audience, Bishop Dewane would participate. While these encounters were necessarily brief, the warmth and care Pope Francis had for the faithful in the Diocese was always clearly conveyed.

Parish and school honor Holy Father

In response to the passing of Pope Francis, Parishes and Diocesan Catholic schools are honoring the passing of Pope Francis in a variety of ways.

First, the death of the Holy Father was announced at all Masses. Black bunting was placed at the main entrance of churches as a visible sign of mourning. In addition, Parishes placed a photo of Pope Francis in a prominent location, either in the narthex or sanctuary of respective churches. These were set up to allow the faithful an opportunity to offer their prayers and veneration in honor of the Holy Father.

Prayer intentions have been added at all Masses. Parishes are celebrating Masses for the repose of the Pope’s soul, with the first scheduled after the Diocesan-wide Mass and into the following week. Many Parishes also scheduled a Holy Hours in honor of Pope Francis.

At Epiphany Cathedral Catholic School in Venice, students gathered on April 22 to pray the Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be in honor of the Holy Father. Then the bell of Santa Maria Chapel, at Epiphany Cathedral Catholic School in Venice, tolled 88 times at noon to mark the passing of Pope Francis, a toll for each year of his life. The tolling of the bells took place at all churches in the Diocese. This is a traditional practice to announce the death of a Pope to the community at-large.

At Epiphany Cathedral Catholic School, middle school students tolled the bell, while Principal Deacon Michael Pipitone and Cathedral Rector Msgr. Patrick Dubois led the students in prayer.

Msgr. Dubois was blessed to have worked at the Vatican early in Pope Francis’ Papacy. While working for the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life, Msgr. Dubois said he would have occasional working meetings with the Holy Father and saw how passionate he was about the family and the elderly.

“The Holy Father valued grandparents and elders, knowing how important they are to connecting our faith across generations,” Msgr. Dubois said. “This touched me personally.”

By being at the Vatican, Msgr. Dubois’ parents were able to meet the Holy Father several times, including once when they were presented a rosary.

“That shows who he was as a man of God, the leader of the Church, meeting with people on their level and spreading the love of Christ to others,” Msgr. Dubois said.

Events impacted by Death of Pope Francis

The previously scheduled Jubilee Year Youth Pilgrimage to the DeSoto Eucharistic Monument in Bradenton on April 26 has been postponed. This event will be rescheduled at a later date. Notifications will go out to respective Parish religious education and youth directors. If you have any questions, contact Andres Prias at prias@dioceseofvenice.org, or 941-441-1122.

An event commemorating the canonization of Carlo Acutis scheduled to take place on April 27 at Epiphany Cathedral, 350 Tampa Ave. W., Venice, has been postponed and will be rescheduled to coincide with the new date of canonization. The Divine Mercy Sunday Holy Hour, scheduled for 3 p.m., will still take place.

At St. Patrick Parish in Sarasota, the two-day commemoration of the canonization of Carlo Acutis will continue with a modified schedule. Eucharistic Miracles of the World exhibit (created by the future saint) in the Parish Hall, 7900 Bee Ridge Road, from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. April 26, and from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. April 27, when a Divine Mercy Sunday celebration will begin. On both days, several videos about the young future Saint’s life will be shown throughout the day.

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