Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee

09/14/2026

Today, the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, celebrates two events: the discovery of the True Cross by St. Helena, and the dedication of the Basilica of the Holy Sepulcher.

Early in the fourth century, St. Helena, mother of Emperor Constantine, went to Jerusalem to search for the holy places of the Savior's life. Tradition holds that she destroyed the Temple of Aphrodite, the site over Christ’s tomb. Her son, Constantine, built the Basilica of the Holy Sepulcher on that spot. During the excavation, three crosses were discovered. It is said that the cross of Christ was identified when a dying woman was healed by touching the cross.

On the anniversary of the basilica's dedication, we reflect on God's greatest work – Christ's death on the cross and His Resurrection. Through this salvific work, death was defeated and the doors to Heaven were opened.

"We should glory in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, for he is our salvation, our life and our resurrection: through him we are saved and made free." (cf. Gal 6:14; Entrance Antiphon)

09/13/2026

Today is the feast of St. John Chrysostom, a 4th century bishop, Doctor of the Early Church and one of the greatest preachers the Church has ever seen.

St. John grew up in Antioch and received an excellent classical Greek education. Inspired by Bishop Meletus, John began studying Scripture and other religious works. He was baptized After three years of study, and he set out for the desert to live as a hermit.

After two years of extreme ascetic living, his health had declined, so he returned to Antioch to recover and to devote himself to the priesthood. After his ordination, he served in the cathedral of Antioch for 12 years, earning a reputation for his remarkable preaching.

In 398, he was appointed Patriarch of Constantinople. His criticism of the corruption and decadence of the imperial powers led to false charges against him, resulting in his exile – first to Armenia, then later to an isolated place along the Black Sea. He died during the journey to Armenia in 407, his health unable to endure. His writings, homilies and commentaries on the Gospels continue to have a profound influence in the Church.

“When you are before the altar where Christ reposes, you ought no longer to think that you are amongst men; but believe that there are troops of angels and archangels standing by you, and trembling with respect before the sovereign Master of Heaven and earth.” ~ St. John Chrysostom

St. John Chrysostom, please pray for us!

09/13/2026

"Whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s.
For this is why Christ died and came to life,
that he might be Lord of both the dead and the living."
~ Romans 14:8-9

09/12/2026

Over 200 of the faithful came together in support of our neighbors in need at the "Celebrating Hope-Lunch with the Bishop" yesterday at the Cathedral of Sacred Heart. A special thank you to Catholic Charities of Northwest Florida for organizing a beautiful gathering.

View the full gallery of photos: https://bit.ly/3UNeCYI

09/11/2026

"Faith comes to our aid at these times when words seem to fail. Christ’s word is the only one that can give a response to the questions which trouble our spirit.

Even if the forces of darkness appear to prevail, those who believe in God know that evil and death do not have the final say." ~ Wednesday audience of Pope St. John Paul II | September 12, 2001

Twenty-five years later, we remember and pray for the men and women who had their lives taken on that terrible day. May Christ the Divine Physician heal all those who still suffer, grieve and mourn.

09/11/2026

09/10/2026

Happy Thursday! Bishop Wack will be LIVE on our page TONIGHT (9/10) at 7:30 p.m. CT.

09/10/2026

Is the Lord calling you to support the work of creating a place of peace, dignity, and belonging for men leaving prison in our diocese?

On October 29, Joseph House will hold its annual gala at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center in Tallahassee. Fr. Dustin Feddon's ministry provides men transitioning out of incarceration with a home, a community and a supported path to re-entering life outside of prison walls.

This year's gala will feature renowned author and speaker Bryan Stevenson, founder of the Equal Justice Initiative, delivering remarks on the works of mercy happening each day at Joseph House.

Reserve your table today at josephhouse.org/donate.

09/09/2026

Today is the Feast of St. Peter Claver, a 17th century Jesuit missionary who dedicated his life to serving African slaves who were brought to South America against their will.

Peter Claver was raised on a farm in the Spanish region of Catalonia. He completed his studies at the University of Barcelona and joined the Jesuits as a novice at 20 years of age.

While studying philosophy in Tarragona, Peter befriended Alphonsus Rodriguez, an older Jesuit lay brother. Alphonsus had great insight into spiritual matters and encouraged Peter to become a missionary in the Spanish colonies. Pope Leo XIII would later canonize both Peter and Alphonsus on the same day, nearly two centuries later.

After his ordination to the priesthood, Peter arrived in Cartagena, a port city in present-day Colombia. Despite Pope Paul III's condemnations of slavery, European colonists continued to import African slaves. Slaves who survived the ship journey were worked to death by cruel masters. Peter made a vow to become “the slave of the blacks forever,” providing aid and teaching the gospel.

He kept this resolution in spite of his own health problems and the language barrier between himself and those he served. Claver often used pictures to convey Catholic truths. He spoke through generosity and love, offering food and drink to weary workers and helping the sick.

“We must speak to them with our hands,” he said, “before we try to speak to them with our lips.” Peter continued to minister on minimal amounts of food and sleep. He is also known to have experienced miraculous occurrences – the healing of the sick with the touch of his cloak, or the appearance of supernatural light surrounding him during his visits with the sick.

St. Peter baptized and taught the faith to more than 300,000 slaves before his death in 1654.

St. Peter Claver, please pray for us!

09/08/2026

Today is the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Mary, conceived and born without sin, pray for us!