On this feast of the Baptism of the Lord, as the church contemplates our ministry as baptized believers, I write with an important update regarding the ministry of the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales in Southwest Florida. This is the information that Fr. Bob Bazzoli, OSFS, shared with you last weekend at all the Masses.
After prayerful discernment and in conversation with Bishop Frank J. Dewane, the Oblates have come to the realization that we simply do not have the priests to continue our ministry in Southwest Florida. Therefore, we made the difficult decision to conclude our presence in the Diocese of Venice at the end of June 2026.
The Oblates have served the Catholic people of Southwest Florida since 1982, beginning at St. Cecilia in Fort Myers. In 1990 we established Our Lady of Light in Estero, and in 2007 we assumed the pastoral leadership at St. Ann in Naples. Over these decades, many Oblates have been blessed to serve in these parish communities. We are deeply grateful for the relationships formed, the lives shared, the sacraments celebrated, and the faith strengthened through countless moments of grace-at the altar, in homes and hospitals, in classrooms, parish ministries, and in the daily work of discipleship.
In order to assure a smooth and prayerful transition, Bishop Dewane and l have agreed on the following:
- Our Lady of Light was entrusted to diocesan clergy on January 5, 2026.
- St. Ann and St. Cecilia will continue to be served by the Oblates through the end of June 2026.
In the months ahead, the Diocese will continue planning so that each parish is well cared for.
In the months ahead, the Diocese will continue planning so that each parish is well cared for.
I thank you for the many ways you have supported the Oblates since 2007. We know that the situation surrounding Father Bill’s departure has caused sadness and uncertainty. Please know that the Oblates are committed to walking with you through the months ahead. Father Bob Mulligan, along with Father Reji Joseph, will continue to serve on behalf of the Oblates through the end of June 2026.
We recognize this news is difficult, especially after so many years of shared faith and friendship. The bond formed between St. Ann’s and the Oblates is a special relationship that can never be broken. The relationships built within families, ministries, and friendships are not something that simply ends; they remain part of who we are as the Body of Christ. We trust the Lord will continue to bless St. Ann with faithful shepherds and a thriving parish life.
We believe the Lord has allowed the Oblates to help plant “Salesian seeds” in this part of Florida – seeds of gentleness, humility, joyful holiness, and confidence in God’s providence. We are confident those seeds will continue to grow into the beautiful garden St. Francis de Sales so often spoke of, a living garden where charity flourishes, faith deepens, and Christ is known and loved.
Thank you for being part of our Oblate family, for your trust, your love, and the privilege of ministering with you. Please keep our parish families, the Diocese, and the Oblates in your prayers-and be assured of ours.
Very Rev. John A. Kolodziej, OSFS
Provincial
