Advocate honored with Diocesan Culture of Life Award
Art Reilly, Pro-Life Coordinator at Incarnation Parish in Sarasota, and former board member of Sarasota Medical Pregnancy Center, was honored with the Diocese of Venice Culture of Life Award at the Culture of Life Conference Oct 4, 2025, in Miami. Reilly also went above and beyond to help defeat Amendment 4, which would have radically expanded access to abortion in Florida. Among his work was speaking at multiple Catholic and non-Catholic churches to speak the truth about the amendment, as well as creating and placing yard signs, and then reposting the signs following two 2024 hurricanes.
Port Charlotte Catholic school hosts basketball tournament
The first ever “Battle for the Shield Basketball Classic” took place at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic School in Port Charlotte on Oct. 18, 2025. The host Crusaders won the four-team round-robin event as the players radiated joy, passion and teamwork on the court.
Mooney team excels at Model UN competition
Six Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School Model UN students from Sarasota attended the BULLSMUN Conference at the University of South Florida in Tampa Oct. 17-18, 2025. Congratulations to Cristina Peterson and Robbie Beall, whose Resolution Paper was one of only two teams passed out of 70 who participated – an incredible accomplishment. Carter Abraham also earned a Commendation for her outstanding work in the Committee on the French Republic. Delegates included Robbie Beall, Cristina Peterson, Carter Abraham, Giovanna Ackroyd, Isabella Rabines, and Kyla Logan.
Food Donations Urgently Needed in Punta Gorda
With the growing demand for food assistance, St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry in Punta Gorda is asking for help. Supplies have reached critically low levels, and donations of food are urgently needed! Donations can be brought between 9 a.m. and noon, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, to the Sacred Heart Conference, 25200 Airport Road, Punta Gorda. Most needed items include pantry staples such as cereal, canned goods (meats, beans, soups, vegetables), boxed potatoes, ramen noodles, and toiletries. For more information call 941-575-0767 or visit https://www.svdppg.org/.
WARNING – Text/Email Scam Alert
Parishioners have received text/email messages from people pretending to be clergy – including Bishop Frank J. Dewane – or Parish/school staff, requesting donations in the form of gift cards and/or wire transfers. The scam often claims that the priest, Bishop, or staff member is in need of gift cards or money to aid a sick child, relative, or parishioner. The message then asks the person to purchase gift cards/money orders and then to text/email the redemption code and PIN number. It is Diocesan policy that neither the Bishop, nor priests or staff request donations in the form of gift cards, PayPal, MoneyGram, etc. There is an established process for how to make donations and participate in the life of the Diocese, Parish, or school. If you receive such a scam text or email, please do not respond, and immediately contact the Diocese, Parish, or school directly!
Special 40 Days for Life Mass in Fort Myers Oct. 30
In honor of the 15-year anniversary of 40 days for Life in Fort Myers, Bishop Frank J. Dewane will celebrate a special Mass 8:45 a.m., Oct. 30, 2025, Church of the Resurrection of Our Lord, 8051 Cypress Lake Drive, Fort Myers. All are welcome! Following Mass, please also join the faithful on the sidewalk in front of Planned Parenthood, 6418 Commerce Park Drive, Fort Myers, for a peaceful, prayerful protest. 40 Days for Life is an international 40-day campaign that aims to end abortion locally through prayer and fasting, community outreach, and peaceful all-day vigils in front of abortion businesses. For more information, contact Tavia Ames at ames@dioceseofvenice.org, 941-441-1101.
Bereavement Retreat offered in Venice Oct. 30
For those grieving the death of a loved one, the Diocese of Venice offers a Bereavement Retreat on Oct. 30, 2025, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center, 3989 S. Moon Drive, Venice. Led by Deacon Henry deMena, who holds an advanced degree in counseling, this faith-based retreat offers a safe and prayerful space to find peace, comfort, and healing, with a special emphasis on dealing with the Holiday Season. For more information or to register, contact Jim Gontis at gontis@dioceseofvenice.org, 941-486-9543.
Support Our Mother’s House Gala Nov. 1
Support Our Mother’s House with a night of Dinner and Dancing by the Sea, 5:30 p.m., Nov. 1, 2025, at the Venice Yacht Club, 1330 Tarpon Center Drive. This event supports the ongoing effort of Our Mother’s House of Catholic Charities in Venice which provides transitional housing, education and support to single mothers and their preschool-age children, the only such program in the area. Often, these women have nowhere else to turn, and the program offers not only a temporary solution but a path forward. Tickets are $175 each. Please RSVP Oct. 15, to https://catholiccharitiesdov.org/events, or email kchagnon@ccdov.org. For more information, call 941-485-6264, ext. 1500.
21st Hispanic Fall Festival in Sarasota Nov. 8
St. Jude Parish, 3930 17th Street, Sarasota, is hosting its 21st Hispanic Fall Festival from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Nov. 8, 2025. There will be a fun day of live music, food from many Latin American countries, folklore dance, games for the kids, and family entertainment. The proceeds of this event will go to the building of a new church. For more information, please call 941-955-3934.
‘Treasures in the Trunk’ on Marco Island
On Nov. 8, 2025, the San Marco Columbiettes will hold a “Treasures in the Trunk” sale and fundraiser at San Marco Parish, 851 San Marco Road, Marco Island. The event is from 8 a.m. until noon, in the Parish Center parking lot. Spaces are available to sell used or antique items from the trunk of a car (parking space is $20), or table ($10). The success of this event will enable the Columbiettes to provide food and necessities to the less fortunate in our area over the upcoming holidays. For more information, contact Barbara De Rosa 239-272-0158 or Mary Cay Moll, 773-368-7275. To donate items, contact Carmela Petrozza, 973-388-0738.
Sidewalk Advocate training available
Be A Hero, Save A Life! Learn the peaceful, prayerful method of sidewalk counseling from Sidewalk Advocates for Life and help women and men entering abortion facilities to choose life! The session is 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Nov. 8, 2025, St. John XXIII Parish, 13060 Palomino Lane, Fort Myers. The training is free. Lunch and workbooks will be provided. If you would like to learn this method or learn more about this life-saving ministry, please contact Cyrille Velasco at cyrillevelasco@gmail.com or Bob Reynolds at rgrcons1@gmail.com. Please RSVP at least 10 days in advance. If you are unable to attend these in-person sessions, online training is also available. More information at sidewalkadvocates.org.
Kristallnacht Commemoration in Naples Nov. 9
Catholic-Jewish Dialogue (CJD) of Collier County invites the community to the commemoration of the 87th Anniversary of Kristallnacht or “Night of Broken Glass,” which historians consider the beginning of the Holocaust. This free community event takes place at 2:30 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025, at Temple Shalom, 4630 Pine Ridge Road, Naples. The Kristallnacht commemorative event memorializes the six million Jews who were exterminated during the Holocaust. The event is sponsored by CJD, the Diocese of Venice in Florida, the Jewish Community Relations Council of the Jewish Federation of Greater Naples, GenShoah of SWFL, and the Holocaust Museum & Janet G. and Harvey D. Cohen Education Center. Please register at www.jewishnaples.org. A reception will follow the talk.
Catholic Mass on Veterans Day
A Catholic Mass on Veterans Day, Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025, will be held outdoors in Patriot’s Plaza at Sarasota National Cemetery at 3 pm. This annual Mass, now in its 16th year in the Diocese of Venice, has become a sacred tradition. Gathering as one people under God, we honor and remember our United States veterans, both living and deceased. All are welcome to attend and join in prayer for the souls of our faithfully departed veterans as well as for those currently in the military, and all who labor to protect the freedoms we enjoy. If you are a member of the military, come, and wear your uniform! The opening ceremony begins at 2:45 p.m.
Veterans Day Military Celebration Night in Ave Maria
The Knights of Columbus and Ave Maria Parish are hosting a Veterans Day Military celebration Night, 7 p.m., Nov. 11, 2025, in the Parish Hall, 102 Pope John Paul II Blvd., Ave Maria. This a free, family-friendly evening dedicated to celebrating and honoring the brave men and women of the community who have served – and continue to serve – this nation. The evening will honor Medal of Honor recipients Servant of God Father Vincent Robert Capadanno, and Venerable Father Emil Kapaun. The evening will include light refreshments, a panel discussion, and screening of “Fighting Spirit: A Combat Chaplain’s Journey.”
Faith & Ale Lee County Nov. 13
Faith & Ale, a Catholic Men’s Apostolate in Southwest Florida, is entering its 16th season. The monthly gatherings of Catholic men promote fellowship and growth in faith, every month between October and April. The next meeting is Nov. 13, 2025, at Our Lady of Light Parish, 19680 Cypress View Drive, Fort Myers. The guest speaker is Matthew Ingold, co-founder of Metanoia Catholic Podcast and a graduate of the United States Naval Academy. The theme for the evening is, “From Combat Leader to Spiritual Warrior.” Tickets are $10. Register at https://faithandale.com. For more information, email faithandalefortmyers@gmail.com.
Vocation Awareness Weekend Nov. 14-16
St. John Vianney College Seminary in Miami is hosting a Vocation Awareness Weekend from Friday, Nov. 14, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. to Sunday, Nov. 16 at 12:00 p.m. This seminary visit is open to young men, ages 17 and up and is an engaging time of prayer, talks, sports, and other fun activities with the seminarians and priests. There is no cost and transportation is provided. To register, please contact Lina Johnson at johnson@dioceseofvenice.org or call 941-486-4720.
2024 Diocesan Youth Rally Nov. 15
All students, grades 9 to 12, are invited to attend this year’s Diocesan Youth Rally from 12:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, at the Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center, 75 Taylor Street, Punta Gorda. The theme for this year’s Rally is “Arise!” This is a day dedicated to faith, fellowship, and fun, where all come together to have hearts ignited by the Lord Jesus, so that He can draw each person present into a deeper relationship with Himself. The Diocesan Youth Rally will feature inspiring talks, uplifting music, and opportunities to connect with other youth from across the Diocese. Registration is through the Parish. For further information, please contact Andres Prias, Youth and Young Adult Outreach Director, at 941-484-9543, or prias@dioceseofvenice.org.
Cardinal Mooney Gratia Gala Nov. 15
The Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School Gratia Gala is 6 p.m., Nov. 15, 2025, at the Westin Sarasota. This elegant fundraising event will feature a lively atmosphere with a cocktail reception, silent and live auction, all aimed at supporting the mission of Cardinal Mooney. Together, attendees will celebrate the community’s commitment to excellence and provide the resources needed to shape the future of our young leaders. Don’t miss this chance to make a meaningful impact – mark your calendars and prepare for a night of generosity and joy! Tickets are $250 per person. Visit https://www.cmhs-sarasota.org/ and follow the GALA link for tickets and sponsorship opportunities.
Ignatian Preached Retreat in November
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center, 3989 S. Moon Drive, Venice, is hosting a silent Ignatian Preached Retreat, Nov. 21-24, 2025. This silent retreat will introduce participants to the great themes of the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises in a group setting. The schedule includes conferences each day, daily Mass, and an opportunity to meet with the retreat director for Confession and/or spiritual direction. Conference topics center on Ignatian spirituality, prayer, and discernment. The cost is $525 per person for a private room and $360 per person for a shared room (retreatant to locate appropriate roommate where silence can be maintained). Register at olph-retreat.org.
Faith & Wine returns in December
Faith & Wine, an outreach for uniting Catholic women of all backgrounds and ages to develop friendships and to support one another as we apply the gospel to our lives, will have it first event of the 2025-2026 season Dec. 4, 2025, at Resurrection of Our Lord Parish, 8051 Cypress Lake Drive, Fort Myers. The guest speaker is Annie Karto, and her talk is titled “A Perfect Penance.” Tickets are $28 and include a 3-course meal with wine followed by a presentation by an inspirational speaker. Doors open at 6 p.m. with dinner to follow. Program begins at approximately 6:45 p.m. and ends at approximately 8:30 p.m. For more information, or to register, please visit https://faithandwineleecounty.com/.
Prison Ministry volunteers needed throughout Diocese
Join the team of Diocesan volunteers who enter county jails and state prisons within the 10-county Diocese of Venice to do pastoral outreach, distribute the Eucharist and facilitate programs. Priests, Deacons, and lay volunteers are encouraged to assist in this ministry. Volunteers will first participate in an orientation program before entering the facility and will shadow experienced volunteers until they feel comfortable. Times and days vary by facility. Please contact Joe Mallof at 224-217-7139 or Bob Hiniker 863-558-0407 to learn where you can fit into this joyful opportunity.
The annual Converging Road Conference for health care professionals and students will take place March 1, 2025, at St. John XXIII Parish, 13060 Palamino Drive, Fort Myers. The theme for the Conference is “Catholic Social Doctrine in Medicine.” Check-in opens at 7:30 a.m., with Mass at 8 a.m. Opening remarks are at 9:15 a.m. Converging Roads is a program of the St. John Paul II Foundation. Registration is available at 
Father Arthur J. Espelage, OFM, former Judicial Vicar of the Diocese of Venice, died Dec. 9, 2022, in Columbus, Ohio at the age of 78. Born in Cincinnati, Father Espelage attended St. Francis Seminary in Cincinnati before entering the Franciscan novitiate on Aug. 15, 1962, and then entered Duns Scotus College in Southfield, Michigan, where he made his solemn vows on Aug. 16, 1966. He was ordained to the priesthood on June 12, 1971, at St. Leonard College in Centerville. He later earned a JCB, then JCD in canon law from Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. As a priest, Father Espelage served in New Mexico, Ohio, and Palm Beach. In 2008, Father Espelage was named Judicial Vicar for the Diocese of Venice, a position he held until 2014. He then served at St. Meinrad School of Theology before taking a position as Adjutant Judicial Vicar for the Diocese of Tucson. A Mass of Christian Burial Friars is at the St. Anthony Friary and Shrine in Cincinnati on 11 a.m., Jan. 16, 2023.
Two Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School graduates have been recognized for earning perfect scores on their college-level Advanced Placement® Exams in spring 2022, an achievement announced in December. Hallie Monserez and Madalyn Shuck are among an elite group of students, two of the only 306 in the world, to earn every point possible on an AP Research Exam and receive the maximum score on each portion of the exam. AP Exams are scored on a scale of 1 to 5 and they received the top score of 5. Furthermore, both Hallie and Madalyn received their Mooney AP Capstone Diploma, along with six other Mooney seniors, upon graduation in Sarasota in May 2022. AP Capstone is a diploma program from the College Board based on two yearlong AP courses: AP Seminar and AP Research. Both courses prepare students for college and career success through the development of critical thinking, academic research, collaboration, presentation, and time management skills.
The St. Vincent de Paul Charlotte District Council recently received a donation of $12,000 from Florida State District 75 Rep. Michael Grant, which includes Charlotte County. The Society of St. Vincent de Paul provides services for those who are struggling with poverty, homelessness and hunger, and has been actively involved in the community and has met the increased demands since Hurricane Ian.
Rhodora J. Donahue, a strong supporter of Catholic education, died Dec. 12, 2022, in Naples at the age of 97. The matriarch of a large family (13 children, 84 grandchildren and 168 great-grandchildren), was married to the late John F. Donahue. Rhodora lived in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area (Ligonier) for many years before settling in Naples in 1986. In Naples, the couple was a strong supporter of St. Ann Catholic School, St. John Neumann Catholic High School, St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic School and later the Royal Palm Academy (a school affiliated with the Diocese in Naples), and finally the Rhodora J. Donahue Academy of Ave Maria Catholic School in Ave Maria was established and named in her honor. A Mass of Christian Burial took place Dec. 21, 2022, at St. Paul Cathedral, Pittsburgh.
The 21st Annual Catholic Charities Christmas Appeal is continuing through January 2023. A donation to the Appeal strengthens Catholic Charities ability to provide much-needed support, for those recovering from Hurricane Ian, or who need any type of assistance in the region. This outreach is accomplished through more than 35 programs in locations throughout the 10-county Diocese. These programs annually support more than 100,000 individuals and families in ways both large and small. To support the Christmas Appeal, please visit 
Mary Alice (Manning) Wasmer, co-founder of the St. Ann School Foundation Fashion Show, died Dec. 12, 2022, in Naples at the age of 98. Born and raised in Ohio, she married John “Jack” C. Wasmer, Jr., and they had seven children. Wasmer was active in the arts in the Cleveland area and transferred that passion to Florida, moving to Naples permanently in 1986. A patron of the arts, a gallery at Florida Gulf Coast University in Estero is dedicated to the family. Mary was dedicated to the support of children and Catholic education, championing events for inner city schools in Cleveland. In Naples, she continued her work with St. Ann Parish and the St. Ann School Foundation for several decades. Wasmer co-founded the Foundation fundraising fashion shows and was an honorary chair of the Foundation galas. A Mass of Christian Burial took place Dec. 17, 2022, at St. Ann Parish.
Father Patrick O’Connor, Oblate of St. Francis de Sales and Pastor of Jesus the Worker Parish in Fort Myers, decided to ride out the storm inside the Parish church with Parochial Vicar Father Jose del Olmo. This was safe a bet because the new church was completed in 2011 to the highest standards. The area around the church is a very poor migrant community with many manufactured homes or houses built in the 1950s. Because many sought safety in the church when Hurricane Irma approached in 2017, Father O’Connor posted on all the doors of the church and Parish offices a list of nearby shelters. When the storm began most went to shelters, but when it got worse, the church was the safest place.
“It was crazy!” Father O’Connor explained. “Lots of families… We could not even open most of the doors because of the wind.” Everyone was safe as the church came through unscathed. However, the Parish Hall lost roof tiles, and San Jose Mission in South Fort Myers, which is administered by Jesus the Worker, was inundated with flood waters. In the days after the storm passed, volunteers cleaned out the Mission church and hall as best they could. Since then, the Parish has a been abuzz with activity of relief efforts to help the community with needed emergency supplies with the assistance of several organizations, including Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, Inc.
Nestled due east of Bradenton, St. Michael Parish in Wauchula sits in Hardee County, a rural community that prides itself on independence and resilience in times of adversity. Hurricane Ian has been the toughest challenge so far, but the spirit of the people remains strong as many families recover from the double hit of wind damage followed soon after by massive river flooding which caused hundreds to lose their homes to the Peace River. The Parish has a robust food pantry which is operated by a dedicated group of volunteers and the religious sisters who serve the community, Servant Sisters of the Virgin of Matara. With power out, it became clear that the food in the freezers would not last. So, a barbecue was planned for the night after the storm on Sept. 29. This was such a huge success; hot meals have been served each night since. Families emptied their own refrigerators and freezers before the food spoiled so the food was plentiful. Despite not having electricity, parish volunteers utilized a propane-powered stove and oven, outdoor grills and battery-powered lanterns to cook a hot meal each day following the hurricane. Outside large pots of pasta boiled while lasagna cooked in the kitchen of the Parish Hall. Since the storm, about 420 hot meals have been served each night. During the day, as more and more relief supplies arrive, distributions are taking place helping people get through each day.
When three semitrailers full of supplies arrived at St. Katharine Drexel parish in Cape Coral on Tuesday, Sept. 4, and no forklifts were to be seen, a call went out for help. And help arrived in the form of dozens of volunteers, including many from the Parish Youth Outreach. These teens stepped up to help. The Cape Coral region experienced extreme damage and flooding and, even a week later, less than 20 percent of the city had power and few had drinkable water. The supplies being unloaded were desperately needed, even by some of the teens helping. Pastor Father Ricky Varner praised the youth for assisting in the difficult conditions.
Some of the worst damage in the northern portions of the Diocese was to the roof of Incarnation Parish Church. Large chunks of copper roofing peeled off and were scattered everywhere. Some landed in the parking lot, others into carefully manicured gardens. One large piece that flew off the church building landed in a prayer garden where a statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary stands and can be seen through a window as the faithful enter church. A post on social media from the Parish read: “Several large pieces fell here surrounding our Blessed Mother statue, but thankfully causing no harm!”
St. Vincent de Paul Society in Naples delivered Meals on Wheels amid Hurricane Ian’s destruction. Thanks to volunteers and staff, the Society was able to deliver shelf stable food to those who rely on Meals on Wheels for their daily meals. The Society posted to social media a day after Ian passed, “The destruction that was seen while delivering was truly heartbreaking.”
Working at multiple locations across the county, SVdP Naples, and its dedicated volunteers, provide help for working families and individuals facing life’s unexpected challenges. This includes offering nutritious food and a friendly visit with homebound seniors and disabled neighbors, and critical advice and counsel for Collier County residents, young and old.
Schul explained that the home visit is always conducted by a team of trained Vincentians, and this gives caseworkers a more effective way to support and build stronger relationships with neighbors in need. This often results in better outcomes that not only relieve poverty but also bring emotional assistance to all concerned.
The Homeless Backpack Program was recently folded under the umbrella of SVdP Naples and retitled HOMe (Homeless Outreach Ministry etc.). This newly imagined program is designed to mitigate the suffering that the “unhoused” experience every day. Each Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Vincentians open the doors of the HOMe program, located at 3174 Tamiami Trail E., to approximately 40 neighbors and provide meaningful, tangible, and spiritual assistance. The program is done in partnership with Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, Inc., in Collier County as well as the Naples Homeless Coalition.
Wyatt Plattner, a recent graduate of Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School in Sarasota, won the 50th Southern Junior Championship at the Country Club of Charleston, South Carolina, on June 17, 2022. To take the title, Plattner notched four birdies on the back nine holes to post a final-round 67, earning a three-shot win in the 54-hole event at 9-under-par 201. The Mooney grad will play at the college level at the University of Cincinnati beginning this fall.
Catholic Charities Adoption Services is a state-wide agency that provides counseling to birth parents, and provisions or resources to meet the needs of birth parents considering adoption planning. If you or a loved one would like to learn more, please call Joan Pierse at 941-355-4680.
More than 30 people took part in the national “America Needs Fatima Rosary Rally” on June 4, 2022, in Fort Myers. The Rally was held at the corner of Daniels Parkway and Daniels Commerce Boulevard, and was focused on the Traditional Family and Public Prayers in honor of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and to end abortion, and. The threat of rain kept some away as the region was under a Tropical Storm Warning at the time. Rally organizer Toni Holmlund said the weather cooperated and most of the drivers passing by were supportive.
St. Mary Academy won the Family Living Magazine’s Reader’s Choice 2022 award for Best Special Education School in the area! Parents with special needs children often find that a typical classroom setting isn’t ideal for their child. They may have tried the traditional classroom setting only to have their child struggle and fall behind academically. Now, imagine finding that perfect school, one that meets your child’s particular needs. From the moment you visit the secure campus, you realize St. Mary Academy is a very unique environment. To learn more about St. Mary Academy, please visit 
Totus Tuus (a Latin phrase meaning “totally yours”) is a summer Catholic youth camp program dedicated to sharing the Gospel and promoting the Catholic faith through evangelization, catechesis, Christian witness and Eucharistic worship. The weeklong Parish summer catechetical camp program assists parents and parishes in evangelizing and catechizing youth by complementing the work they are already doing at the parish and at home. This summer the program will be offered at eight parishes in the Diocese of Venice. The camp program is for grades 1-5 Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and for grades 6-12 Monday to Thursday from 7:30 p.m.to 9:45 p.m. Parishes hosting the program in the coming weeks are as follows:
More than 150 volunteers came to the St. Joseph Food Pantry in Bradenton to help sort and store 50,000 pounds of food on May 14, 2022. The food was collected during the U.S. Postal Service Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive.
The St. Catherine Council of Catholic Women was re-established during a ceremony in Sebring on May 7, 2022. The installation ceremony included representatives from the Venice Diocesan Council of Catholic Women who aided in this process. The Council acts within the Parish to support, empower and educate Catholic women in spirituality, leadership and service. The installation was presided over by Father Jose Gonzalez, Pastor of St. Catherine.
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul International President General Renato Lima de Oliveira visited members of the Sacred Heart Conference on May 5, 2022, in Punta Gorda. He congratulated the conference for their spirituality, friendship and their Vincentian Spirit. He was amazed at the size and ability of the conference to help the community in so many ways.
