The Suncoast’s Catholic community is saying goodbye today to Bishop Frank Dewane, who led the Diocese of Venice for nearly twenty years before his death on October 7 at age 76. Mourners gathered this morning at Saint John XXIII Catholic Church in Fort Myers, where he lies in state ahead of this afternoon’s funeral Mass.
Dewane was appointed to Venice by Pope Benedict XVI in 2006, following a career in Vatican diplomatic service. Over nearly two decades, he guided more than 200,000 Catholics across the Gulf Coast, a tenure that made him one of the most recognizable faith leaders in the region. His funeral Mass begins at 2 p.m. today, followed by burial at 6 p.m. in the Bishops’ Crypt at Epiphany Cathedral in Venice. ABC7 will stream the Mass live at MySuncoast.com for those unable to attend in person.
For many local families, Dewane was a constant presence through hurricane seasons, red tide summers, and the everyday moments of parish life. If you have a memory of Bishop Dewane or a connection to Epiphany Cathedral, we’d love to hear it. Share your story in the comments below.
