The Church in Florida

Bishop Emilio E. Biosca, O.F.M. Cap., attended an annual formation course for new bishops in Rome from September 2 to 13, 2026. The program, titled Annual Formation Course for New Bishops from Around the World, gathered approximately 150 bishops who were ordained within the past year to discuss the theme of being guardians of human dignity during times of transformation.

The course included formal presentations led by cardinals, archbishops, and bishops covering different aspects of episcopal ministry. These sessions included discussions where participants shared their pastoral experiences, hopes, and concerns. Bishop Emilio noted that the event allowed him to connect with bishops from various cultures and pastoral settings to recognize their shared mission in the Church.

The Diocese of Venice partnered with Sarasota County Emergency Services to hold a commemoration at Sarasota National Cemetery marking 25 years since the September 11 terror attacks. The event featured speakers including Johnny Schroeder, a retired New York firefighter from Engine 10, who described his experience arriving at the World Trade Center and his ongoing health struggles from inhaling toxic dust at Ground Zero.

Survivors and first responders spoke about the importance of marking the anniversary to honor those who died and to thank military members, veterans, and first responders. Father Jacob Gwynn of St. John the Evangelist Parish in Naples provided the opening invocation. Father Jiobani Batista and Deacon Humberto Alvia of St. Jude Parish in Sarasota led prayers of condolence in English and Spanish. Other priests and deacons from St. Martha and Incarnation parishes also participated in the service.

The 40 Days for Life campaign begins in Southwest Florida on Sept. 23, 2026, and runs through Nov. 1. Pro-life advocates will participate in 40 days of prayer, fasting, and peaceful public witness to support unborn children, mothers, and those affected by abortion.

The campaign starts with kickoff events in Fort Myers and Sarasota. The Fort Myers rally is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Sept. 20 in front of Planned Parenthood at 6418 Commerce Park Drive. In Sarasota, participants will gather at 10 a.m. on Sept. 24 in Father Fausto Hall at St. Martha Parish, located at 200 N. Orange Ave.

Organizers noted that the Naples Planned Parenthood facility is currently listed for sale. While this has provided hope that abortion services in Collier County may eventually close, local volunteers stated that the need for prayer remains high to help bring a permanent end to abortion in Naples.

Archbishop Wenski and Catholic Charities of Miami are sharing how the Church supports mental health to observe National Recovery Month.

Pope Leo XIV met with Bishop Emilio E. Biosca, O.F.M. Cap., on Sept. 10, 2026, in the Vatican Synod Hall. The meeting occurred after Bishop Biosca completed the Annual Formation Course for New Bishops from Around the World, which ran from Sept. 2 to Sept. 10.

The two hour audience included an hour of greetings and a free exchange of questions and comments. Bishop Biosca said the Pope asked about the priests, deacons, religious, and faithful in his diocese and promised prayer and support for the people.

The formation course was organized by the Dicastery for Bishops under the theme "In Christ, Guardians of the 'Magnifica Humanitas' in Times of Transformation." During the ten day program, newly appointed bishops from around the world attended 16 formal presentations regarding the vocation and mission of a bishop. The event concluded with a Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica where the bishops venerated the relics of St. Peter the Apostle.

About 150 young men and women from various parishes attended a daylong Catholic retreat on Sept. 5, 2026, at St. Peter the Apostle Parish in Naples. The St. John Paul II Young Adult Group organized the event in both English and Spanish to help participants grow in faith through the Holy Scriptures.

The 12 hour retreat followed the theme of surrender and included prayer, Mass, reconciliation, Eucharistic Adoration, and a procession with an image of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Participants also took part in group discussions, games, and breakout sessions for men and women. A group of Capuchin Franciscan friars accompanied the attendees during the activities.

Father Thomas Faiola, O.F.M. Cap., led the Capuchin friars and spoke during the concluding Mass about deepening a relationship with Jesus Christ. He explained that the Church is the living body of Christ rather than just an institution of buildings and rituals, noting that the Vatican, the diocese, the parish, and the faithful all form part of that body.

The Diocese of Venice is offering two ongoing programs at many parishes to support the spiritual needs of Catholic men and women.

Women can participate in the She Shall Be Called Woman (SHE) series, which is available to all women at no charge. The program includes video presentations, fellowship, and small-group discussions designed to help participants gain insight into Sacred Scripture and theological truths. The series aims to help women imitate the ten virtues of the Blessed Virgin Mary and improve their relationships with God and others.

Men can join the That Man is You! (TMIY) program, which provides a forum to address modern cultural pressures and temptations, particularly regarding roles as husbands and fathers. The program seeks to help men build a relationship with Jesus Christ and support one another in their responsibilities to their families, the Church, and society.

Bishop Erik Pohlmeier will celebrate a jubilee Mass for six women religious on Saturday, Sept. 19, at Corpus Christi Catholic Church in St. Augustine. The Mass begins at 4 p.m. and honors the combined 305 years of consecrated life served by the jubilarians.

The honorees include Sister Enda Egan, RSM, and Sister Andrea Zbiegien, SFCC, marking 65 years of service. Sister Victora Will, SND, celebrates 60 years, Sister Carol Stovall, SSJ, celebrates 50 years, Sister Rea Wurmnest, SSJ, celebrates 40 years, and Sister Abu Rivera, DJBP, celebrates 25 years.

These women represent five religious congregations within the Diocese of St. Augustine: the Religious Sisters of Mercy, the Disciples of Jesus the Good Shepherd, the Sisters of Notre Dame, the Sisters of St. Joseph, and the Sisters of Christian Community. A reception will take place in the parish hall following the Mass.

Bishop Erik Pohlmeier will lead a workshop titled The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass: In Light of the Second Vatican Council to help Catholics understand the sacred mystery of the liturgy. Sponsored by the Diocesan Liturgical Commission, the session addresses questions regarding the Mass as a sacrifice, the importance of silence, the meaning of active participation, and how the Eucharist affects life outside the church.

Letty Valentin, chair of the Diocesan Liturgical Commission, stated that the Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian life. The workshop follows a period of increased interest in the Eucharist, including growing attendance at Eucharistic processions, adoration, and pilgrimages.

Archie the bulldog has served as a mascot at Archbishop Coleman Carroll High School to bring joy to students.

Archbishop Wenski delivered a homily during the final Mass of the Annual Priest Convocation, noting that Jesus teaches that those forgiven little love little.

Sister Carmen Álvarez, OP, a 91-year-old Cuban Adrian Dominican sister, served migrants and refugees and ministered to parishes across Florida for decades.

The Archdiocese of Miami called on Catholics to stand with Jewish people as they observe their High Holy Days.

Archbishop Wenski of Miami advocated for immigration reform during a national press briefing where Catholic leaders discussed the issue ahead of the November elections.

A scholar suggests that public perception of U.S. Catholics may improve because Pope Leo connects with pop culture and addresses issues relevant to society.

Archbishop Wenski celebrated Mass with more than 3,000 people to honor Our Lady of Charity, the patroness of Cuba, marking 65 years of her devotion.

Thousands of people visited the La Ermita shrine in Miami ahead of the feast of Our Lady of Charity.

St. Mark the Evangelist Parish and School hosted a Mass for local first responders on September 11 to mark the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.

The Archdiocese of Miami shared a reflection stating that trusting in oneself and in God can bring peace during times of fear and uncertainty.

Archbishop Wenski said during a Mass for the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross that the Cross calls people to live with sacrificial and self-giving love. The Mass included the coronation of a statue of Our Lady Guardian of the Faith.