rite Archives - Diocese of Venice

10 diaconate candidates instituted as lectors

Posted on September 4, 2026 by Bob Reddy

Bob Reddy, of the Florida Catholic staff

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Rite of Ordination of a Bishop

Posted on July 24, 2026July 24, 2026 by Bob Reddy

Promising to “guard the deposit of faith pure and entire” and to “encourage the holy people of God and to guide them in the way of salvation,” Bishop Emilio Biosca Agüero, O.F.M. Cap., was ordained to the Order of Bishops July 11, 2026, as the third bishop of the Diocese of Venice in Florida.

More than 1,700 witnessed the 2 ½ hour bilingual liturgy at St. John XXIII parish in Fort Myers included family and friends of the new bishop, the faithful from throughout the diocese, members of men’s and women’s religious orders, the Knights and Dames of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, the Color Corps of the Knights of Columbus, and many more.

Archbishop Thomas Wenski of Miami was the principal consecrator of the new bishop. Co-consecrators were Cardinal Sean O’Malley, O.F.M. Cap., Archbishop Emeritus of Boston, as well Bishop Frank J. Dewane, Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of Venice.

The Rite of Episcopal Ordination during the Mass followed the proclamation of the Gospel according to John (21:1-19) where Jesus appears to his disciples at the Sea of Tiberias. He cooks them breakfast, leads a miraculous catch of fish, and commissions Peter to lead His Church, foreshadowing Peter’s eventual martyrdom.

Present for the ordination were two cardinals, two archbishops, 17 bishops and more than 150 priests participating in the Mass, including Cardinal Wilton Gregory, Archbishop Emeritus of Washington, and Archbishop Gabriele G. Caccia, the Vatican’s apostolic nuncio to the United States.

The rite included the Presentation of the Elect, during which Bishop-Elect Emilio was led to the presence of Archbishop Wenski while Father Joseph Doherty, an assisting priest, addressed Archbishop Wenski, requesting the ordination.

Next was the reading of the Apostolic Letter by Archbishop Caccia, who said it was a great joy for him to be in the Diocese of Venice and assured the faithful of the spiritual closeness, affection and blessing of the Pope Leo XIV.

“This young and growing local church now receives the new shepherd whom the Lord, through the minister, the successor of Peter, entrusts to its care,” said Archbishop Caccia, also thanking Bishop Dewane for his 20 years of service in the diocese. The archbishop then described the path Bishop Emilio, as a Capuchin Franciscan, had taken to this point, serving in Papua New Guinea, Cuba, and Washington, D.C. “Through this varied path the Lord has formed in you a heart ready to go where he asks, close to the poor and marginalized and eager to draw people to Christ.”

Archbishop Caccia then read an English translation of the papal mandate in which Pope Leo appointed Bishop Emilio, which is inscribed in Latin.

The new bishop then processed through the church, showing the papal mandate to the Diocesan College of Consultors, the presbyterate of the Diocese of Venice, to the concelebrating bishops, the faithful and to his family.

Next, Bishop-elect Emilio stood before Archbishop Wenski, who questioned the bishop-elect concerning his resolve to carry out the duties and responsibilities of the Office of Bishop, known as the Promise of the Elect. The answers to the first eight questions were “I do” and to the last, “I do, with the help of God.” (See the Promise of the Elect below.)

The episcopal ordination of the new bishop included prayers, chanting of the Litany of Supplication, the laying on of hands and anointing with Sacred Chrism. The Litany of Supplication, during which Bishop-elect Emilio lay prostrate on the floor before the altar, included the addition of several saints which have inspired Bishop Emilio, including St. Anthony of Padua, St. Lawrence of Brindisi, St. John Neumann, St. Peter To Rot, St. Clare of Assisi and others.

As part of the episcopal ordination, Bishop Emilio received the symbols of his office – the Book of the Gospels, which represents his responsibility to preach “with all patience and sound teaching;” a ring, signifying his fidelity to the Church; a miter that represents the “unfading crown of glory” he will seek by serving Christ; and crozier (pastoral staff) representing his role as a spiritual shepherd.

After Communion, the new bishop walked through the church, holding his new shepherd’s staff and blessing his family, friends and the faithful of the Diocese of Venice who came to witness and celebrate the ordination and installation of their new bishop.

The Mass continued as usual with Bishop Emilio addressing the faithful at the conclusion.

A recording of the livestream of the Episcopal Ordination of Bishop Emilio, as well as the Solemn Vespers, can be viewed online at https://dioceseofvenice.org/livestream.

The Promise of the Elect of Bishops

Dear brother, do you resolve to carry out until death with the grace of the Holy Spirit the office entrusted to us by the Apostles and to be passed on to you through the laying on of our hands?
Do you resolve to proclaim the Gospel of Christ faithfully and unfailingly?
Do you resolve to guard the deposit of faith pure and entire according to the tradition preserved always and everywhere in the Church from the time of the Apostles?
Do you resolve to build up the Body of Christ, his Church, and to remain in her unity, with the Order of Bishops, under the authority of the successor of the blessed Apostle Peter?
Do you resolve to render obedience faithfully to the successor of the blessed Apostle Peter?
Do you resolve, as a devoted father, to encourage the holy People of God and to guide them in the way of salvation together with the Priests and Deacons, your fellow ministers?
Do you resolve, for the sake of the Lord’s name, to reach out in kindness and mercy to the poor, to strangers, and to all those in need?
Do you resolve, as a good shepherd, to seek out the sheep who stray and to gather them into the Lord’s fold?
Do you resolve to pray without ceasing to almighty God for his holy people and to carry out the office of High Priest without reproach?

The answers to the first 8 questions were “I do” and to the last, “I do, with the help of God.”

Group of 10 to Candidacy for Permanent Diaconate

Posted on October 31, 2025October 31, 2025 by Bob Reddy

A group of 10 men were admitted in the Candidacy to the Permanent Diaconate by Bishop Frank J. Dewane on Oct. 25, 2025, at St. Martha Parish in Sarasota.

The men, who are from across the Diocese, are in the third year of a five-year formation program to the Permanent Diaconate in the Diocese of Venice. The Rite of Admission to Candidacy is an important step that leads to the diaconate. It is a public recognition on the part of the Church that these men are indeed pursuing the path which leads them to the Permanent Diaconate.

Bishop Dewane said Admission to Candidacy is also a declaration on the part of the 10 men to publicly commit that they are and will engage in the formational process, in all its dimensions, with ever-greater dedication and vigor and the highest integrity. This is all made possible by the nurturing support of God’s grace and the support of their families, their formation team, and the prayers of the Church.

Like the disciples, Bishop Dewane said the diaconate candidates are undergoing a spiritual journey, diving into the vocation in greater depth in knowing, loving, and following Jesus as never before.

“Each of you were called by the Lord and you show your response by your presence here,” Bishop Dewane said. “The commitment you make must change you – making you more that man of God. And by striving to live out your vocation, you form yourself ever more deeply to Christ.”

As part of the Rite, the men were called by name and together they took a pledge to complete their spiritual journey and resolve to form their mind and heart to faithfully serve Christ the Lord, in His Body, the Church.

There are currently more than 90 active Permanent Deacons serving in Parishes throughout the Diocese of Venice. The most recent Permanent Deacon group of 11 was ordained by Bishop Dewane on May 31, 2025.

The mission of the Permanent Deacons of the Diocese is to serve as ministers of the Word, where they proclaim the Gospel, preaching and teaching in the name of the Church; helping the needy; serving the faithful; ministering the Sacrament of Baptism; leading the faithful in prayer; witnessing marriages; and conducting wake and funeral services.

Please join in praying for those in the diaconate formation program as they continue their journey to become closer to Christ!

16 local Secular Discalced Carmelites reach milestones

Posted on December 13, 2024December 13, 2024 by Bob Reddy

Sixteen members of the Queen of the Holy Rosary Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites (OCDS) community in Punta Gorda recently achieved important milestones in their response to God’s call in their lives.

During a Mass and formal Rite on Dec. 7, 2024, at Sacred Heart Parish in Punta Gorda, Bishop Frank J. Dewane accepted the commitment of the various candidates, who are on different parts of their spiritual journey with the Discalced Carmelites

Four aspirants received their Brown Scapular and were given a copy of the Gospels and of the Rule of St. Albert. Seven Made their First (Temporary) Promise. Five made their Definitive (Final) Promise to embrace fully the demands and rewards of living the way of life inspired by the Rule of St. Albert and outlined in the OCDS Constitutions. Finally, one woman made the Rite of Making the Vow, a lifelong commitment which includes vows of obedience and chastity.

Tears of happiness filled the church as everyone celebrated the profound joy of those very special people who made the commitment to continue their journey in the Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites.

Bishop Dewane praised those entering or advancing in the Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites for their clear response to a call of the Lord in such a profound way.

“Just listen to what it is the Lord is saying to you; how is the Lord prompting you,” Bishop Dewane said. “Whether you are just beginning your journey, or it is your final vows you take today, you have expressions of promises along the way. I have no doubt His call will become more profound but so will the love of God in your life that leads you to Him. May each of you be blessed in your response.”

Aspirants

During the Clothing Ceremony, a large ceremonial Brown Scapular was given to the candidate, an outward symbol of affiliation with the Order and a sign that the Blessed Virgin Mary is both Mother and Model of Carmel. A small wool scapular or scapular medal is worn for everyday use. These candidates progressed in their journey of the Carmelite way of life of prayer and apostolic activity after one year of study. This step marks their admission to begin formation into the Punta Gorda secular order. The state of formation, with God’s help, will lead to an Evangelical commitment. Those who received the Brown Scapular were: Elizabeth (Bette) Bonjean, Lora Dominic, Kim Chapman and Kay Hoffmeyer.

First Promise

The First Promise to the Superiors of the Order of Teresian Carmel is a commitment to embrace a form of life by the example of St. Teresa of Jesus and of St. John of the Cross which is set forth in the Constitutions of the Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites for three years. When making this Promise, the candidate’s baptismal name is retained, to which the candidate may add an approved devotional name. Those who made their First (Temporary) Promise: Leslie Bruce “Leslie Ann Karen Therese of the Sacred Heart,” Linda de Gonzague “Linda Marie Therese of Jesus Incarnate Wisdom,” David Hamm “David Mary Joseph of St. John of the Cross,” Sally Mills “Sally Marie Teresa of the Holy Family,” Cynthia Mullholland “Cynthia Mary Therese of the Child Jesus,” Mary Reichel, “Mary Elizabeth of the Trinity,” and Patty Larker “Patricia Anne of the Immaculate Conception.”

Final Promise

After living the experience of commitment for three years, the Final Promise is made to live the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the world in union with Mary, Mother of God, as a Secular member of the Teresian Carmel for the rest of their lives. Those who made their Definitive (Final) Promise: Nancy Arciero “Nancy Mary Teresa of the Holy Family,” Kathleen Cummings “Kathleen of the Sacred and Immaculate Hearts of Jesus and Mary,” Earl Le Bon “Earl Thomas Frances Mary of the Sacred Heart of Jesus,” Jeanne Le Bon “Jeanne Key Mary Christine of the Immaculate Heart,” and Maggie Ruiz “Maria Tomasina of the Holy Spirit.”

Making of Vows

The Rite of Making of Vows for Discalced Carmelites involves a voluntary petition to the local community council to make vows of obedience and chastity after at least three years have passed since the Definitive Promise. Making the Vow is a renewal of the covenant of love between Christ and the Church and a lifelong commitment to live a life of allegiance to Jesus Christ and the Blessed Virgin Mary. Making the Vow: Kathryn Brogan “Kathryn Ann of the Mother of Sorrows.”

During the Vow Ritual, the following petition is made by the candidate: “With the help of God, I wish to follow more perfectly Christ, the chaste and obedient one. I therefore ask you, Father, to allow me to make the vows of chastity and obedience in the Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites for the glory of God.”

Jeanne Le Bon “Jeanne Key Mary Christine of the Immaculate Heart,” who made her Final Promise alongside her husband Earl, openly wept tears of joy while making her vows before Bishop Dewane.

“I am so happy,” Jeanne Le Bon said. “We began our journey with the Discalced Carmelites in Minnesota to improve our prayer life. We were very active in many activities at Church, but we were looking for more. We heard the call of the Lord in the Carmelites. Our move to Florida delayed our progress with the Carmelites until we found the Order here at Sacred Heart Parish. We are so blessed because our prayer life has grown and now we have a deeper, more permanent bond with the Lord by making this Final Promise.”

The Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites are faithful members of the Church, called to live “in allegiance to Jesus Christ” through “friendship with the One we know loves us” and in service to the Church. The Order’s roots can be traced back to the 12th century hermits of Mount Carmel in the Holy Land. St. Teresa of Ávila and St. John of the Cross established the order in 1562 and 1568 to renew its commitment to simplicity, contemplation, and community. Under the protection of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, in the biblical tradition of the prophet Elijah and inspired by the teachings of St. Teresa of Jesus and St. John of the Cross, members seek to deepen their Christian commitment received in Baptism.

Secular Carmelites come from all walks of life, men and women, young and old, married and single – each one trying to respond to God’s call to “meditate on the Lord’s law, day and night.” They try to show God’s love in their everyday lives, wherever God leads us and with the people God gives us. They also follow the Rule of St. Albert, the OCDS Constitutions and the Provincial Statutes, which are used to help us transform participants into the people that God intends them to be. Their daily obligations include silent prayer, attending Mass, and praying Morning and Evening Prayer.

At present, Discalced Carmelite Seculars number around 25,000 members throughout the world and more than 6,000 in the United States.

For information regarding Queen of the Holy Rosary, Secular Discalced Carmelite Community, please contact Formation Director Marie Ludwig at marieludwig@comcast.net.

Diaconate candidates instituted as Lector

Posted on September 15, 2023September 15, 2023 by Bob Reddy

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

“Take this Book of Holy Scripture, be faithful in handing on the Word of God, so that it may grow strong in the hearts of His people,” Bishop Frank J. Dewane instructed during the Rite of Installation into the Ministry of Lector, Sept. 9, 2023, at a Vigil Mass at St. Martha Catholic School in Sarasota.

Installation to the Ministry of Lector is part of the candidate’s journey to ordained ministry in the Church, as the 10 are on track for ordination as Permanent Deacons in 2025.

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

The following constitute the Permanent Diaconate Class of 2025:

Richard E. Dahn, St. Agnes Parish, Naples;
Richard A. Hellenbrand, St. Andrew Parish, Cape Coral;
Thomas A. Januszka, St. Francis Cabrini Parish, Parrish;
Stephen L. Jendrysik, Incarnation Parish, Sarasota,
James N. Jenkins, St. William Parish, Naples;
Ramon R. Kanacheril, St. Vincent DePaul Parish, Fort Myers;
Mark A. Osterhaus, St. Agnes Parish, Naples;
Orlando A. Rubiano, St. Vincent DePaul Parish, Fort Myers;
Jeffrey P. Tenbarge, St. Peter the Apostle Parish, Naples;
John-William M. Trainer III, St. Peter the Apostle Parish, Naples.

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

“Be conscious of what it is you do,” Bishop Dewane said. “In proclaiming God’s word to others, it is key that you accept it yourselves, and do it in obedience to the Holy Spirit.”

The diaconate candidates were told by the Bishop that this new responsibility is more than just reading Sacred Scriptures; it is about their understanding the text, and also revealing the Word of God to those around them.

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

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

Deacon candidates admit that their journey can feel like a marathon at times, and it can be a challenge to fit the many requirements along with their ongoing daily life requirements of marriage, family, and work. Installation rites offer a much-needed boost as they continue on their path.

John-William Trainer III, of St. Peter the Apostle Parish in Naples, was overjoyed to have reached this important moment in his formation journey. He credited the support of his wife, Angela, their three children, and Christ and the Blessed Virgin Mary with his reaching this point. “I feel so blessed,” Trainer said.

Also present were children of the candidates, other supporters and friends as well as the recently selected Permanent Diaconate Class of 2028, who were taking part in their first formation weekend.

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

Please keep the 10 Permanent Deacon candidates and their families in your prayers.