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.
Bishop Emilio E. Biosca, O.F.M. Cap., celebrated the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass for students and faculty at Bishop Verot Catholic High School, Fort Myers, Sept. 29, 2026, the feast of the Archangels. The Mass was the opening of a daylong visit and tour by Bishop Emilio of the school. During the day, the bishop had discussions with parents and school board members, as well as with a group of select students. The bishop then visited several classrooms as well as the athletic facilities. Principal Suzie O’Grady, and Assistant Principal Kate Hemstra shared information about the history of the school, and future plans to build additional classrooms and science labs. Bishop Emilio also took time to pray in the school’s Adoration Chapel. The bishop concluded his visit by being a guest on the Bishop Verot Podcast.
Students at Incarnation Catholic School, Sarasota, took part in a pilgrimage Sept. 25, 2026, to St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Grove City, the designated diocesan jubilee site for the Jubilee Year of St. Francis, marking the 800th anniversary of his death. During the visit, students learned about the history of the church and the life of St. Francis of Assisi. This was especially meaningful because St. Francis and the virtue of goodness are the school’s spiritual focus this year. Father John Belmonte, SJ, Diocese of Venice Superintendent of Catholic Education, celebrated Mass for the students. Sept. 25 was also the first day of the Novena to St. Francis of Assisi, so the students began the novena together at the church and continued praying it at school in preparation for his feast day Oct. 4. In addition, the students made Tau Crosses and learned about their significance to St. Francis. The crosses gave them something tangible to keep as a reminder of St. Francis’s example of humility, conversion, goodness and faithful service to Christ.
St. Michael Parish in Wauchula, marked the 96th anniversary of its founding, and the feast of the Archangels, with a community celebration Sept. 26, 2026. The celebration opened with a procession with the statue of Michael the Archangel placed on a rolling pedestal while the faithful walked through the neighborhood praying the rosary and singing. A trilingual Mass (English, Spanish, Haitian Creole) followed. Afterwards was a festival with food and games for all.
Middle school students at St. Ann Catholic School, Naples, took part in a Sept. 26, 2026, Meals for Hope food packing event. The students were able to pack thousands of meals which will be distributed to needy families to help fight the hunger epidemic. This act of service for the students was a way for them to put their faith into action, showing the young boys and girls what it means to be young disciples of Christ. This meaningful event also reminds them of the power of service, compassion, and coming together to support our community.
Are you considering a vocation to the priesthood or know someone who is? Join the Diocese of Venice Vocations Office for “Verso l’alto: A Men’s Priestly Discernment Day,” Oct. 10, 2026, 8 a.m.-8 p.m. at St. John the Evangelist Parish, Naples. For young men ages 16-35 who would like to learn more about the priestly vocation. Inspiring talks, discussions with seminarians, priests and peers, Mass, Adoration, food and fun! To register, visit https://dioceseofvenice.regfox.com/mens-priestly-discernment-day, or contact Father Alex Pince, Diocese of Venice Vocations Director, by email, or phone, 941-486-4703.
Venerate first-class relics of St. Carlo Acutis and his friends and mentors (St. Maria Goretti, St. Dominic Savio, St. Therese Lisieux of the Little Flower and St. Ignatius of Loyola), on his feast day, Oct. 12, 2026, 9 a.m.-6:45 p.m. at St. Katharine Drexel Parish, 1922 S.W. 20th Ave., Cape Coral. St. Carlo Acutis was an Italian teenager who became the first millennial saint best known for his devotion to the Holy Eucharist and his use of digital media to promote Catholic devotion including documenting Eucharistic miracles and Marian apparitions. Day includes 9 a.m. Mass with the Rite of Anointing, 9:45 exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, a blessing of the new St. Carlo Acutis statue, Litany of the Saints and Veneration of the Relics, Rosary and Divine Mercy Chaplet. From 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., each holy hour will be introduced with a brief story about the life of St. Carlo Acutis.
The Diocese of Venice is saddened to announce the death of Father Normado Feliz, who passed away Aug. 24, 2026, at the age of 79. Father Feliz was ordained on January 11, 1975, in Santo Domingo. Father served in the Dominican Republic as a Navy Chaplain, Pastor, and Seminary Professor of Liturgy, English and Spanish. Father Normando has served in the Diocese of Venice since January 1987 and was incardinated into the Diocese on April 10, 1990. His official appointments included Parochial Vicar at St. Paul Parish, Arcadia, and St. Andrew Parish, Cape Coral; and Pastor of Our Lady Queen of Heaven Parish, LaBelle, and Sacred Heart Parish, Bradenton. From 2000 to 2002 Father Feliz took a sabbatical for Scripture and Theology Studies and Graduate Studies in Canon Law. Between 2002 to 2004, Father served as Diocesan Director of the Department of Ministries. From August 2004 until his retirement in November 2008, Father Feliz served as Pastor of St. Peter the Apostle Parish in Naples. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Aug. 28, 2026, at St. Andrew Parish, Coral Springs. Please pray for the repose of the soul of Father Feliz and the consolation of his family. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in eternal peace.
Registration is still open for the 11 a.m., Sunday Mass, Oct. 11, 2026, celebrated by Bishop Emilio E. Biosca, O.F.M. Cap., at the Rustic Altar at the Shrine National Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche, St. Augustine. The Mass will be followed by lunch. Participation is free, but registration is required and will remain open until capacity is reached. Register today at 
The St. Therese Parish, Knights of Columbus Council #8440, North Fort Myers, made a wonderful donation that allowed St. Mary Academy to purchase a Chompsaw, which helps students with special needs safely and independently cut cardboard for their school projects. This wonderful gift will make a meaningful difference, especially in the student’s STREAM classes (Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Art, and Math). The school is grateful for the support of their students and for helping to provide them with the tools and opportunities they need to learn, create, and succeed. To learn more about St. Mary Academy and the work they do for diverse learners please contact Connie Taft at 941-366-4010 ext. 318.
Married and engaged couples are invited to the sixth annual Together in Holiness Marriage Conference on Oct. 24, 2026, from 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. at Our Lady of Light Parish in Fort Myers. Spend quality time with your spouse, hear from dynamic national and local speakers, and rejuvenate your marriage through the Sacraments. Registration: $64/couple and $5/child for on-site childcare. An Early Bird discount is available through September 14 as well as scholarships upon request. This conference is presented by the Diocese of Venice and the St. John Paul II Foundation. To register, visit 
