pilgrimage Archives - Diocese of Venice

Diocesan pilgrimage to the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche

Posted on October 15, 2026 by Bob Reddy

By Andres Prias, Special to the Florida Catholic

More than 300 pilgrims from the Diocese of Venice participated in a pilgrimage to the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche in St. Augustine, the weekend of Oct. 10-11, 2026.

The group was led by Bishop Emilio E. Biosca, O.F.M. Cap., who also joined the young adults for an overnight camping gathering before the pilgrimage.

The days leading up to the event were filled with uncertainty as storm warnings threatened the area. The volunteer team, Esslyn Alvarado, Alejandra Alvarado, Natalia Rodríguez, Sara Prias, and Brady Tucker, arrived at KOA Holiday the day before to prepare to welcome the pilgrims and prayerfully ready themselves for the weekend’s activities, all amid a thunderstorm and an unfavorable forecast. Yet the Lord answered the prayers of the volunteers and pilgrims, providing the weather they needed to enjoy each moment of the gathering.

The young adults began arriving in St. Augustine at 2 p.m., Oct. 10. The campers included young adults from different parishes throughout the Diocese, who enthusiastically set up the campsite and prepared for Bishop Emilio’s arrival.

The Bishop did his part, too, pitching the tent where he would spend the night.

The young adults greeted the bishop with enthusiasm and welcomed him with joy. Within 30 minutes of his arrival, Bishop Emilio was already playing dominoes with some of them. Throughout the afternoon, he spent time with the group, listening to them and answering their questions.

As evening approached, Dr. Mary Soha, who is vice postulator for the cause of beatification of the martyrs of la Florida, gave a presentation on the cause and explained the significance of the Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche for Florida, the nation, and the Catholic Church throughout the Americas. After her presentation, Soha answered the young adults’ questions and encouraged them to support the cause through prayer and to learn more about it. Soha also offered similar information to all of the pilgrims prior to the Mass at the Rustic Altar at the Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche.

Continuing the program, seminarians Jesse Gomez, James Gargano, Connor Cameron, and Alain Valdivia, together with Sister Faithful Konkolics, Servant Sister of the Virgin of Matara, of St. Michael Parish, Wauchula, and Deacon Ramon Kanacheril of St. Vincent de Paul Parish, Fort Myers, and Our Lady Queen of Heaven Parish, LaBelle, led the Rosary and Evening Prayer.

Reflecting on the gathering, Deacon Ramon said, “This has been one of the best experiences of my life. I am a better person because of our bishop and everyone who was involved.”

After a night of fellowship and music around the campfire, the young adults rose at 6 a.m. to share breakfast and begin their pilgrimage from the campground to the Shrine. Almost five of walking, prayer, and song offered a witness to a Church journeying with joy.

Seeing the signs the young adults enthusiastically held aloft, passersby recognized a group of young Catholics who love their Church, led by their bishop, who walked alongside them. Signs included: “Jesus in the Eucharist is the Source of Our Hope!” “O Sacrament Most Holy. O Sacrament Divine. Welcome!” “Draw near to the Eucharistic Heart of Jesus.” “Joy is a sign of holiness.” “Step in this Holy Moment, God is Waiting!” “Yes, this counts as cardio. And yes, it’s holy.”

Upon arriving at the Shrine, their joy grew as the young adult pilgrims joined the other pilgrims who had traveled by bus or other vehicle from different parts of the diocese for the central moment of the weekend: the celebration of the Eucharist outside at the Rustic Altar, which Soha said was where the first parish Mass was celebrated in North America.

Bishop Emilio celebrated the Mass, with Bishop Emeritus Felipe Estévez, of the Diocese of St. Augustine, and Father Thomas Gregory Dougherty, of St. John XXIII Parish, Fort Myers, concelebrated.

In his homily, Bishop Emilio emphasized the importance of the Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche, a sacred place for the Church and expressed his desire to encourage this and other pilgrimages throughout the diocese.

The bishop described the shrine as “a place of pilgrimage, a place of prayer, a place that so many other pilgrims have found, a place where we can begin to touch some of the beauty of heaven.” He also encouraged pilgrims to return: “You can spend the night nearby and walk around this place and make a day of prayer and make a day of renewal.”

Many pilgrims expressed their profound joy in participating in the pilgrimage, with most admitting not previously knowing or understanding the rich Catholic history of Florida, and specifically St. Augustine.

Bishop Estévez expressed his gratitude to Bishop Emilio and the Diocese of Venice pilgrims for coming to the Shrine and experiencing its beauty and taking home with them some of the graces offered to them on their pilgrimage.

Following Mass, everyone gathered for a group photo and then the pilgrims joined in sharing a meal, a perfect way to end their spiritual journey, enjoying friendships old and new.

For more information about this and other activities for youth and young adults, please contact Andres Prias, Youth and Young Adult Director for the Diocese of Venice, at prias@dioceseofvenice.org or 941-441-1122.

Several from diocese present for Archbishop Sheen’s beatification

Posted on October 1, 2026October 1, 2026 by Bob Reddy

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

New Shepherd to Lead First Pilgrimage in October

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

By Karen Barry Schwarz, Special to the Florida Catholic

In response to a gracious invitation from the Most Rev. Erik Thomas Pohlmeier, Bishop of St. Augustine, and the Most Rev. Felipe de Jesús Estévez, Bishop Emeritus of St. Augustine, the Diocese’s new shepherd Bishop Emilio Biosca Agüero, O.F.M. Cap., will lead his first pilgrimage for the Diocese of Venice in October.

Bishop Emilio invites the young adults of the Diocese of Venice to join him on a special two-day, weekend pilgrimage to the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche at Mission Nombre de Dios in St. Augustine on Oct. 10–11, 2026.

It was at the National Shrine that the first Catholic Mass in the United States was celebrated, and the nation’s first Catholic parish community established.

“Surrounded by the very ground where the Catholic story of our nation first began, we will join generations of pilgrims in giving thanks to God and entrusting ourselves to the Blessed Virgin Mary,” said Bishop Emilio in an invitation to young adults of the Diocese.

The History

The history of Mission Nombre de Dios began on September 8, 1565, when Spanish Admiral Pedro Menéndez de Avilés arrived on the shores of present-day St. Augustine. Shortly after landing, Father Francisco López de Mendoza Grajales celebrated a Mass of Thanksgiving near this site. Spanish settlers brought with them a profound devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, and the Shrine is now recognized as the oldest Marian shrine in the United States, making it one of the most significant places in both American and Catholic history.

During the 17^th century, a chapel was established at Mission Nombre de Dios and dedicated to Nuestra Señora de la Leche y Buen Parto, Our Lady of the Milk and Happy Delivery. Its image of Mary tenderly nursing the infant Jesus became a source of hope and consolation, especially for couples seeking to conceive, expectant mothers, families, and all those entrusting their needs to Mary’s maternal intercession. Over the centuries, the chapel was damaged and rebuilt, but the devotion continued to flourish. More than a historic landmark, the Shrine remains a living place of encounter with Christ and a powerful witness to the Catholic faith that took root there more than 460 years ago.

The Pilgrimage

After an afternoon and evening of prayer and fellowship on Saturday, the pilgrims will begin a three-mile walk to the Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche on Sunday morning, the Shrine’s annual feast day. The group plans to arrive in time for Mass at 11 a.m., to be celebrated by the bishop at the Shrine’s outdoor Rustic Altar, followed by a closing lunch at 12:15 p.m.

“This is an opportunity to journey together in faith, deepen our friendship with Christ and one another, and entrust the young people and the entire Diocese of Venice to the maternal care of the Blessed Mother,” Bishop Emilio said.

Young adults, ages 18-35, are invited to participate for the entire weekend pilgrimage. Families, parish groups, and the entire Diocese of Venice community are invited to join the pilgrims on Sunday for Mass and lunch.

“This pilgrimage invites the young adults of the Diocese of Venice to step away from the distractions of daily life and journey together in faith,” said Andres Prias, Youth and Young Adult Outreach Director for the Diocese of Venice. “May this pilgrimage help us encounter Christ more deeply, discern His call in our lives, and return to the Diocese of Venice strengthened in faith and in our bonds with each other, ready to serve.”

Registration is required for everyone attending the pilgrimage, Mass, and lunch. Individual and group registration options are available. To register, visit dioceseofvenice.regfox.

For additional information please contact Andres Prias via email, prias@dioceseofvenice.org, or phone, 941-441-1122.

Optional BOX

Pilgrimage Weekend Itinerary

Saturday, October 10, 2026

2:00 PM Arrival at KOA Holiday Campground, St. Augustine. Tent setup.

3:30 PM Welcome and Opening Prayer at the Pavilion

4:00 PM Group Fellowship and Community-Building Activities

5:00 PM Dinner

6:00 PM Walk to the Beach

6:30 PM Rosary on the Beach

7:00 PM Evening Prayer

7:30 PM Free Time at the Beach

8:30 PM Return to the Campground

9:00 PM Campfire, Marshmallows, and Fellowship

10:00 PM Night Blessing and Conclusion of the Day

Sunday, October 11, 2026

6:00 AM Wake-Up, Tent Breakdown, and Packing Vehicles

7:00 AM Breakfast

7:30 AM Instructions for the Pilgrimage Walk to the Shrine

8:00 AM Departure for the Shrine

10:00 AM Arrival at the Shrine; Preparation for Mass

11:00 AM Holy Mass celebrated by Bishop Emilio

12:15 PM Lunch

1:15 PM Conclusion of the Pilgrimage. Campers will be transported back to the KOA Holiday campground by shuttle bus following lunch.

Naples and Venice youth attend Jubilee of Youth in Rome

Posted on August 8, 2025August 8, 2025 by Bob Reddy

A group of local teenagers travelled to Italy for 10 days on a journey dubbed “Destination Rome” to participate in the Jubilee of Youth which culminated in a Mass celebrated by Pope Leo XIV on Aug. 3, 2025.

The teens were from St. William Parish in Naples and Epiphany Cathedral in Venice. Deacon James Jenkins, one of the adult chaperones from St. William, wrote on the final day of the journey: “What an awesome experience our ‘Destination Rome Youth’ had on Day 9 as they celebrated Mass with Pope Leo, joined by one million youth from around the world!!”

Lindie Ross, Youth Coordinator at Epiphany Cathedral, wrote on social media: “Heading Home with Full Hearts! After an unforgettable journey in Assisi and Rome for the Jubilee of Young People 2025, the youth … are preparing to return home to America — forever changed by the experience. They walked as ‘Pilgrims of Hope,’ encountered Christ in new ways, deepened their faith, and united with thousands of young Catholics from around the world. Though the pilgrimage ends, the mission continues.”

The Jubilee of Youth, held July 28 through Aug. 3, is now the most-attended event during the Catholic Church’s 2025 Jubilee Year of Hope, with an estimated 1 million young adults, teens, and their chaperones flocking to Rome from 146 countries.

Young Catholics began arriving at the site of the vigil on Aug. 2, at the University of Rome Tor Vergata, 10 miles east of the city. Many of the St. William and Epiphany group made it to the site on foot, where they braved sun, humidity, and temperatures in the upper 80s during an afternoon listening to live performances and the personal stories of young people from different countries. The group stayed all night in anticipation of the closing Mass with Pope Leo.

Arriving by helicopter for the Mass, the Pope rode in the popemobile throughout the open areas dotted with tents and tarps, and filled with young people cheering, waving their nation’s flag, and sometimes tossing shirts and other gifts as he passed by. In this way, the youth from St. William and Epiphany Cathedral were able to get a close-up view of the American Pope.

“Good morning!” he said in six languages from the massive stage set up for the Mass. “I hope you all rested a little bit,” he said in English. “We will shortly begin the greatest celebration that Christ left us: his very presence in the Eucharist.”

Pope Leo said he hoped the concluding Mass would be “a truly memorable occasion for each and every one of us” because “when together, as Christ’s church, we follow, we walk together, we live with Jesus Christ.”

During that Mass, the Holy Father said the fullness of life depends on how much one joyfully welcomes and shares in life while also living with a constant yearning for those things that only come from God.

“Aspire to great things, to holiness, wherever you are,” the Holy Father said. “Do not settle for less. You will then see the light of the Gospel growing every day, in you and around you.”

From moments of prayer and praise to friendship, laughter, and awe-inspiring encounters, the youth from Naples and Venice experienced joy and unity while sharing their deep faith with fellow young Catholics from around the globe.

While in Rome, the group prayed together at iconic churches, walked in the footsteps of the saints, and enjoyed a tour of St. Peter’s Basilica. Highlights of their Rome visit included seeing the bones of St. Philip and St. James the Lesser, and the Tomb of St. Ignatius of Loyola. They also visited the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore and viewed the tomb of Blessed Carlo Acutis, the first Millennial saint who will be canonized a saint on Sept. 7 by Pope Leo.

The group also visited Assisi. There, they made an hour and a half hike uphill, which brought them to Eremo delle Carceri, the hermitage of St. Francis and then a return to the Basilica of St. Francis where they viewed a 1st Degree Relic of Blessed Carlos Acutis. They also attended Mass at the tomb of St. Francis.

Prior to leaving for Rome, the young pilgrims took part in a Mass at St. William, where they were blessed and prayers were offered for a holy and safe journey.

It should be noted, the faithful helped cover some of the costs of the pilgrimage and offered daily prayers for the youth throughout the trip. Photos were regularly posted to social media from Rome to allow those in Naples to remotely participate in the faith journey with the pilgrims.

Information from Catholic News Service and Our Sunday Visitor were used in this report.

Diocesan Jubilee Year offerings

Posted on February 13, 2025 by Bob Reddy

Throughout the Jubilee Year 2025, a special holy year of grace, hope, and pilgrimage that happens at least once every 25 years, Pope Francis is calling all Catholics to go on a journey of conversion as “Pilgrims of Hope,” seeking to grow closer to the Lord, cultivating hope in their hearts, and bringing hope to others.

The Diocese of Venice will be hosting five pilgrimage sites, as well as several events which bring to life the Jubilee’s theme: “Pilgrims of Hope.” The Diocesan website, https://dioceseofvenice.org/jubilee-2025-pilgrims-of-hope/, will be a clearinghouse of information regarding Jubilee Year 2025 activities in the Diocese as well as general information about the Jubilee Year.

Below is a list of some of the activities taking place within the Diocese of Venice where the faithful can participate in the Jubilee Year.

Five Diocesan Pilgrimage Sites

Bishop Frank J. Dewane has designated five locations as Jubilee pilgrimage sites within the Diocese of Venice. Each of these sites (Epiphany Cathedral in Venice, St. John XXIII Parish in Fort Myers, St. John the Evangelist Parish in Naples, St. Paul Parish in Arcadia, and Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center in Venice), will include expanded times for Mass, Adoration, and Confession, as well as Lenten programming. Each of the sites will also be open to individual or large group pilgrimages. Recall that the Holy Doors established by Pope Francis are limited to five pilgrimage sites in Rome.

Jubilee Indulgence

One grace that “Pilgrims of Hope” may obtain during the Jubilee Year is an indulgence. This grace is granted by the Holy Father to anyone who travels to any sacred jubilee site, whether in Rome, or a locally designated sacred site. The Jubilee Indulgence is a concrete manifestation of God’s mercy and is a gift of grace specific to the Holy Year. To gain an indulgence during Jubilee Year 2025, the faithful can undertake a pilgrimage or pious visit to a Jubilee Site, including those designated by the Bishop. The person seeking the plenary indulgence must participate in Holy Mass or any of the following: celebration of the Word of God, Liturgy of the Hours, the Way of the Cross, Marian Rosary, or a penitential celebration which ends with individual confession. Further requirements to obtain an indulgence, including the usual conditions are: the person to be detached from sin and repentant; receive the Sacraments of Penance and Holy Communion; and pray for the intentions of the Holy Father. These usual conditions may be met specifically at a Jubilee Site or at one’s own Parish but should be done on the same day or within a few days of the act of indulgence. Additional information about receiving a Jubilee Indulgence can be found at https://dioceseofvenice.org/jubilee-2025-pilgrims-of-hope/.

One-day Eastern Deanery Eucharistic Pilgrimage Feb. 15

Parishes in the Eastern Deanery will be hosting a special one-day Eucharistic Pilgrimage on Saturday, Feb. 15. The pilgrimage will visit the Parishes of St. James, St. Catherine, Our Lady of Grace, St. Michael the Archangel, and St. Paul (a designated Diocesan Jubilee Year Pilgrimage Site). This is a unique opportunity to respond to the call of the ongoing National Eucharistic Revival Mission and to celebrate the Jubilee Year of Hope.

The Eucharistic Pilgrimage begins at 7:30 a.m., at St. James Parish, 3380 Placid View Drive, Lake Placid, and will include Mass, a Eucharistic Procession and breakfast. Pilgrims will then travel by their own vehicle to St. Catherine Parish, 820 Hickory St., Sebring, for a 10 a.m. Eucharistic Procession. The next stop will be at Our Lady of Grace Parish, 595 E. Main St., Avon Park, for a noon Eucharistic Procession, followed by lunch. Pilgrims will then proceed to St. Michael the Archangel Parish, 408 Heard Bridge Road, Wauchula, for a 3 p.m. Eucharistic Procession, followed by snacks. The final stop will be at St. Paul Parish, 1330 E. Oak St., Arcadia, for a 6 p.m. Mass, which will be followed by food. Pilgrims can participate in as many of the stops as they wish. For more information, please contact Sister Maria Nikopoia, SSVM, at m.nikopoia@servidoras.org or call 863-232-9284.

Theology on Tap in Sarasota February 20

Theology on Tap, a monthly program for young adults in their 20s and 30s, provides an opportunity to explore faith topics in a relaxed and social setting in the Sarasota area. Theology on Tap will next gather at 7 p.m., Feb. 20, at Oak & Stone, 5405 University Parkway, Sarasota. The speaker for February is Father Daniel Scanlan, Parochial Vicar at St. Thomas More Parish in Sarasota. His talk is titled: “Pilgrims of Hope: Reflection on the Jubilee Year 2025.” The evening begins with food and refreshments with presentations, and discussions about the Catholic Faith beginning about 8 p.m. There is no cost to attend. Please email Andres Prias at prias@dioceseofvenice.org with any questions.

Youth Jubilee Adoration Nights

The Office of Youth and Young Adult Outreach is offering Youth Jubilee Adoration Nights as part of the Jubilee Year 2025. The evenings include Eucharistic Adoration, an inspirational talk, prayer, music, and the opportunity to take part in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, all before concluding with Benediction. While the Youth Jubilee Adoration Nights are geared toward younger Catholics, with youth-centric music and talks, all are welcome. Each Adoration Night is 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Upcoming opportunities to participate are: Saturday, March 22, St. Patrick Parish, 7900 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota; and Friday, May 2, St. Paul Parish, 1330 E. Oak. St., Arcadia. There is no cost to attend, but registration is requested at https://dioceseofvenice.regfox.com/jubilee-2025-adoration-nights-. For more information contact Andres Prias at prias@dioceseofvenice.org or 941-441-1122.

Twenty-Four Hours for the Lord

On March 28, during the Jubilee Year, the Holy Father called upon all Churches to observe a 24 Hours of the Lord event. Please check with your local Parish for Eucharistic Adoration hours, with designated times for the Sacrament of Confession. (Please note that this will be in addition to the designated Lenten Confession times for the Diocese of Venice, which will be held this year from 4-8 p.m., Friday, April 11, and 9 a.m.-noon, Saturday, April 12.)

Third Diocese of Venice Eucharistic Conference

The third Diocese of Venice Eucharistic Conference will take place Saturday, March 29, at the Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center in Punta Gorda. The theme for the day-long event is inspired by the Jubilee Year 2025 while also building upon the three-year National Eucharistic Revival. The theme for the Conference is “Becoming Eucharistic Missionaries” into the Jubilee Year 2025, and it offers an opportunity to celebrate the Catholic faith with others.

The Diocesan Eucharistic Conference will feature Mass celebrated by Bishop Frank J. Dewane, dynamic presentations by nationally renowned Catholic speakers including Dr. Scott Hahn, Kimberly Hahn, Mary Ann Wiesinger-Puig, and Andrés Arango. There will also be breakout sessions in Spanish. In addition, there will be Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, the opportunity for Confession, as well as Catholic vendors and exhibitors. The cost to attend is $35. per person and includes lunch. To register, please visit https://dioceseofvenice.regfox.com/eucharistic-conference. For more information, contact Jim Gontis at 941-486-4754 or gontis@dioceseofvenice.org.

As the Jubilee Year continues, please visit https://dioceseofvenice.org/jubilee-2025-pilgrims-of-hope/ frequently for updates on the latest Diocesan Jubilee Year activities.

The Jubilee Prayer

Father in heaven,

may the faith you have given us

in your son, Jesus Christ, our brother,

and the flame of charity enkindled

in our hearts by the Holy Spirit,

reawaken in us the blessed hope

for the coming of your Kingdom.

May your grace transform us

into tireless cultivators of the seeds of the Gospel.

May those seeds transform from within both humanity and the whole cosmos

in the sure expectation

of a new heaven and a new earth,

when, with the powers of Evil vanquished,

your glory will shine eternally.

May the grace of the Jubilee

reawaken in us, Pilgrims of Hope,

a yearning for the treasures of heaven.

May that same grace spread

the joy and peace of our Redeemer

throughout the earth.

To you our God, eternally blessed,

be glory and praise for ever.

Amen

Jubilee Year 2025 resources now available

Posted on February 11, 2025 by Bob Reddy

As the Universal Church progresses through the Jubilee Year 2025, as established by Pope Francis, the Diocese of Venice will be hosting five pilgrimage sites, as well as several events which bring to life the Jubilee’s theme: “Pilgrims of Hope.”

The Diocese of Venice website, Jubilee 2025: Pilgrims of Hope – Diocese of Venice, will be a clearinghouse of information regarding Jubilee Year 2025 activities in the Diocese as well as general information about the Jubilee Year.

The Jubilee Year includes the option to go through Holy Doors by making a pilgrimage to the major Papal Basilicas in Rome. In addition, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops have also designated specific shrines within the country to serve as special pilgrimage sites.

Meanwhile, the five Jubilee Pilgrimage Sites designated Bishop Frank J. Dewane within the Diocese of Venice present local opportunities to participate and celebrate the Jubilee Year. Each of these sites (Epiphany Cathedral in Venice, St. John XXIII Parish in Fort Myers, St. John the Evangelist Parish in Naples, St. Paul Parish in Arcadia, and Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center in Venice), will include expanded times for Mass, Adoration, and Confession, as well as Lenten programming. Each of the sites will also be open to individual or large group pilgrimages. Recall that the Holy Doors established by Pope Francis are limited to five pilgrimage sites in Rome.

Bishop Dewane said it is his prayer that the faithful of the Diocese take advantage of the grace of the Jubilee Year and visit at least one of the Jubilee Pilgrimage Sites.

“This is an opportunity to join the faithful from around the world in participating in special Jubilee Year activities,” Bishop Dewane said. “We must be people of hope in the way we live our lives, in our faith, and within our community. We also have an obligation to take the hope the Lord gives us and be a beacon of hope for others.”

A Jubilee Year is a special holy year of grace and pilgrimage that happens at least once every 25 years. The Pope can call for extraordinary jubilee years, such as the 2016 Year of Mercy. During the Jubilee, Catholics are encouraged to make a pilgrimage to Rome. For pilgrims who can’t travel to Rome, the Bishops of the world were encouraged to designate local pilgrimage sites for the Jubilee.

.Pope Francis opened the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica before Mass on Christmas Eve, officially launching the Jubilee Year 2025. Passing through a Holy Door during the Jubilee symbolizes entry into a new life in Christ and the beginning of a journey of conversion.

One grace that “Pilgrims of Hope” on the Jubilee may obtain is the “Jubilee indulgence.” This grace is granted by the Holy Father to anyone who travels to any sacred jubilee site, whether in Rome, the Holy Land, or a locally designated sacred site.

The Jubilee Indulgence is a concrete manifestation of God’s mercy and is a gift of grace specific to the Holy Year. To gain an indulgence during Jubilee Year 2025, the faithful can undertake a pious pilgrimage to a Jubilee Site, including those designated by the Bishop. The person seeking the plenary indulgence must participate in Holy Mass or any of the following: celebration of the Word of God, the Liturgy of the Hours, the Via Crucis, the Marian Rosary, or a penitential celebration, which ends with individual confession. Additional information about receiving a Jubilee Indulgence can be found at https://dioceseofvenice.org/jubilee-2025-pilgrims-of-hope/.

Jubilee Year 2025, a year filled with special spiritual, artistic, and cultural events in Rome, will conclude during the Christmas Season 2025. Two of the biggest events of the Jubilee of Hope will be the canonizations of Blessed Carlo Acutis, during the Jubilee of Teenagers on April 27, and Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, during the Jubilee of Young People on Aug. 3. In addition, there will be a celebration of the Jubilee of Families, Children, Grandparents, and the Elderly on the weekend of May 30 – June 1.

Youth Jubilee Adoration Nights

The second Youth Jubilee Adoration Night in the Diocese took place Jan. 31, at St. Andrew Parish in Cape Coral. Youth from St. Andrew, as well as St. Katharine Drexel Parish in Cape Coral and Bishop Verot High School in Fort Myers, took part in group Eucharistic Adoration as part of the Jubilee Year 2025. The first Youth Jubilee Adoration Night took place Jan. 16, at St. Agnes Parish in Naples.

At St. Andrew, guest speaker Kyle Van Duser encouraged the youth to become true “Pilgrims of Hope” by using the gifts given to them by God to carry the message of the Lord to others. To do this, they must deepen their relationship with the Lord by regularly attending Mass, going to Confession and doing Works of Mercy. By doing these things, they will serve as a beacon of hope for others to follow, living out their mission as “Pilgrims of Hope.”

The evenings include an inspirational talk, prayer, music, and the opportunity to take part in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, all before concluding with Benediction. While the Youth Jubilee Adoration Nights are geared toward younger Catholics, with youth-centric music and talks, but all are welcome. Each Adoration Night is 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Upcoming opportunities to participate are: Saturday, March 22, St. Patrick Parish, 7900 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota; and Friday, May 2, St. Paul Parish, 1330 E. Oak. St., Arcadia. There is no cost to attend, but registration is requested at https://dioceseofvenice.regfox.com/jubilee-2025-adoration-nights-. For more information contact Andres Prias at prias@dioceseofvenice.org or 941-441-1122.

One-day Eastern Deanery Eucharistic Pilgrimage

Coming to the Eastern Deanery on Feb. 15 will be a special Eucharistic Pilgrimage which will visit the Parishes of St. James, St. Catherine, Our Lady of Grace, St. Michael, and St. Paul (this is a designated Diocesan Jubilee Year Pilgrimage Site). This is a unique opportunity to respond to the call of the ongoing National Eucharistic Revival Mission and to celebrate the Jubilee Year of Hope.

Pilgrims will then proceed to St. Michael Parish, 408 Heard Bridge Road, Wauchula, for a 3 p.m. Eucharistic Procession, followed by snacks. The final stop will be at St. Paul Parish, 1330 E. Oak St., Arcadia, for a 6 p.m. Mass, which will be followed by food. Pilgrims can participate in as many of the stops as they wish. For more information, please contact Sister Maria Nikopoia, SSVM, at m.nikopoia@servidoras.org or call 863-232-9284.

Third Diocese of Venice Eucharistic Conference

In addition to previously mentioned activities, the third Diocese of Venice Eucharistic Conference will take place Saturday, March 29, at the Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center in Punta Gorda. The theme for the day-long event is inspired by the Jubilee Year 2025 while also building upon the three-year National Eucharistic Revival. The theme for the Conference is “Becoming Eucharistic Missionaries” and it offers an opportunity to celebrate the Catholic faith with others.

The Diocesan Eucharistic Conference will feature dynamic presentations by nationally renowned Catholic speakers including Dr. Scott Hahn, Kimberly Hahn, Mary Ann Wiesinger-Puig, and Andrés Arango. There will also be breakout sessions in Spanish. The event will include Mass celebrated by Bishop Frank J. Dewane. In addition, there will be Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, the opportunity for Confession, as well as Catholic vendors and exhibitors. The cost to attend is $35. per person and includes lunch. To register, please visit https://dioceseofvenice.regfox.com/eucharistic-conference. For more information, contact Jim Gontis at 941-486-4754 or gontis@dioceseofvenice.org.

Twenty-Four Hours for the Lord

As the Jubilee Year continues, please visit https://dioceseofvenice.org/jubilee-2025-pilgrims-of-hope/ frequently for updates on the latest Diocesan Jubilee Year activities.

The Jubilee Prayer

Father in heaven,

may the faith you have given us

in your son, Jesus Christ, our brother,

and the flame of charity enkindled

in our hearts by the Holy Spirit,

reawaken in us the blessed hope

for the coming of your Kingdom.

May your grace transform us

into tireless cultivators of the seeds of the Gospel.

May those seeds transform from within both humanity and the whole cosmos

in the sure expectation

of a new heaven and a new earth,

when, with the powers of Evil vanquished,

your glory will shine eternally.

May the grace of the Jubilee

reawaken in us, Pilgrims of Hope,

a yearning for the treasures of heaven.

May that same grace spread

the joy and peace of our Redeemer

throughout the earth.

To you our God, eternally blessed,

be glory and praise for ever.

Amen

Diocese to celebrate Jubilee Year events

Posted on January 10, 2025January 10, 2025 by Bob Reddy

The 2025 Jubilee Year, as established by Pope Francis, has begun and Bishop Frank J. Dewane has designated five locations as Jubilee pilgrimage sites within the Diocese of Venice. These pilgrimage sites are Epiphany Cathedral in Venice, St. John XXIII Parish in Fort in the Diocese of Venice Myers, St. John the Evangelist Parish in Naples, St. Paul Parish in Arcadia, and Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center in Venice.

“In designating the retreat center and four Parishes, located in each of the geographical regions (Deaneries) of the Diocese of Venice, it is my prayer that the faithful of the Diocese take advantage of the grace of the Jubilee Year, and visit the Jubilee pilgrimage site and be filled with hope,” Bishop Dewane said.

The public schedule for each of the Diocese of Venice pilgrimage sites will be announced in the coming weeks and posted at https://dioceseofvenice.org/ and on social media.

Pope Francis opened the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica before Mass on Christmas Eve, officially launching the Jubilee Year 2025. Passing through a Holy Door during the Jubilee symbolizes entry into a new life in Christ and the beginning of a journey of conversion. The motto for the special year is “Pilgrims of Hope.”

The 2025 Jubilee Year, a year filled with special spiritual, artistic, and cultural events in Rome, will conclude during the Christmas Season 2025. Some of the biggest events of the Jubilee of Hope will be the canonizations of Blessed Carlo Acutis, during the Jubilee of Teenagers on April 27, and Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, during the Jubilee of Young People on Aug. 3. Finally, will be celebration of the Jubilee of Families, Children, Grandparents, and the Elderly on the weekend of May 30 – June 1.

Jubilee Adoration Nights

As part of the 2025 Jubilee Year, the Diocese of Venice Office of Evangelization is hosting Jubilee Adoration Nights at four Parishes in the coming months. These Jubilee Adoration Nights, which include guest speakers and time to spend in the presence of the Lord in the Most Holy Sacrament, are the first in a series of opportunities within the Diocese of Venice to participate in the larger 2025 Jubilee Year as established by Pope Francis. The motto for the special year is “Pilgrims of Hope.” Each Jubilee Adoration Nights is 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on the following dates and locations: Thursday, Jan. 16, St. Agnes Parish, 7775 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples; Friday, January 31, St. Andrew Parish, 2628 Del Prado Blvd., Cape Coral; Saturday, March 22, St. Patrick Parish, 7900 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota; and Friday, May 2, St. Paul Parish, 1330 E. Oak. St., Arcadia.

The Jubilee Prayer

Father in heaven,

may the faith you have given us

in your son, Jesus Christ, our brother,

and the flame of charity enkindled

in our hearts by the Holy Spirit,

reawaken in us the blessed hope

for the coming of your Kingdom.

May your grace transform us

into tireless cultivators of the seeds of the Gospel.

May those seeds transform from within both humanity and the whole cosmos

in the sure expectation

of a new heaven and a new earth,

when, with the powers of Evil vanquished,

your glory will shine eternally.

May the grace of the Jubilee

reawaken in us, Pilgrims of Hope,

a yearning for the treasures of heaven.

May that same grace spread

the joy and peace of our Redeemer

throughout the earth.

To you our God, eternally blessed,

be glory and praise for ever.

Amen

Parish group returns safe from Holy Land trip

Posted on October 13, 2023 by Bob Reddy

A pilgrimage from St. Patrick Parish in Sarasota was able to leave Israel safely after a few harrowing days at the start of a disastrous conflict between Israel and terrorists.

The group of 62 left the U.S. for Israel on Oct. 2 with initial stops including Nazareth, Mount Tabor, the Sea of Galilee, Cana, Mount Carmel and the Western Wall. The group was in Palestine when they were notified that terrorist attacks had taken place and that they were to return to their hotel in Jerusalem. The group was far enough away from the main terror attacks that it was difficult for everyone to understand what was happening.

Everyone made it safely to the hotel and then arrangements to leave Israel were made. Some opted to cross the border into Jordan and fly out of Amman as soon as they could. Two groups (one of six, the other of 15) were able to get to Jordan, and after waiting for hours to clear customs, shortly afterwards the border closed.

Meanwhile, others arranged for flights from Tel-Aviv through various routes home. One of these groups took Ethiopian Airlines for a flight to Dublin, Ireland, Dallas and finally Tampa. By Oct. 12, all pilgrims from St. Patrick’s were out of Israel and on the way home.

Father Russell Wright, Parochial Vicar at St. Patrick, who was the spiritual leader on the trip, got a flight through Dubai and was home by Oct. 9.

“It was very upsetting to be there and to learn about the poor people who were being harmed,” Father Wright said. “In the hotel, we prayed for everyone who was suffering and for peace.”

Several of the pilgrims said they had experienced such a beautiful trip and met so many wonderful people in Israel and Palestine.

Victoria Watkins who left the country via a van to Jordan, said the pilgrimage will be long-remembered and talked about, and in spite of the circumstances, “we experienced so many once-in-a-lifetime memories, never to be forgotten.”

The St. Patrick pilgrimage was intended to continue through Oct. 11, with stops in Bethlehem, Mount of Olives, Jericho and Emmaus.

Another Diocesan pilgrimage was beginning when the war abruptly cancelled plans. The choir from St. Joseph Parish in Bradenton was planning to go to the Holy Land for a tour and performances, with some already enroute before the trip was cancelled and everyone returned home.

Please pray for peace in the Holy Land. As the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishop’s said in a statement:

“May all who love the Holy Land seek to bring about among all the parties engaged in the fighting a cessation of violence, respect for civilian populations and the release of hostages. As we pray urgently for peace, we recall especially all the families and individuals suffering from these events. We call on the faithful, and all people of good will to not grow weary and to continue to pray for peace in the land Our Lord, the Prince of Peace, called home.”