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Bishop Pohlmeier Reflects on the Life and Legacy of Pope Francis

April 21, 2025 • Diocese of St. Augustine

The Diocese of St. Augustine joins Catholics around the world in mourning the death of Pope Francis. In the statement below, Bishop Erik Pohlmeier reflects on the Holy Father’s life, his personal influence and the legacy he leaves as a joyful witness to the Gospel and a compassionate shepherd ...

DOSA News

Jubilee of Hope | Mass and Celebration for Persons with Disabilities

April 15, 2025 • Diocese of St. Augustine

As part of the 2025 Jubilee Year, all are invited to the Jubilee Mass & Celebration for Persons with Disabilities on Sunday, May 4, beginning at 2 p.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 5752 Blanding Blvd. in Jacksonville. This uplifting and welcoming gathering will begin with a sensory-friendly ...

DOSA News

Celebrate the Dignity of Work at the Jubilee of St. Joseph the Worker

April 14, 2025 • Diocese of St. Augustine

All are invited to a special celebration honoring the Feast of St. Joseph the Worker on Saturday, May 3, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche in St. Augustine. This diocesan-wide event is part of the 2025 Jubilee Year declared by Pope Francis, who has called […...

As Holy Week nears, Bishop Estévez Urges Mercy over Execution

As Holy Week nears, Bishop Estévez Urges Mercy over Execution

April 8, 2025 • Diocese of St. Augustine

Introduction from Bishop Erik T. PohlmeierAs we enter the final weeks of Lent, I am grateful to Bishop Felipe Estévez for once again offering a strong and faithful voice on the dignity of human life. His continued advocacy against the death penalty reminds us of our Christian call to mercy, reconci...

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“With sorrow and gratitude, I join the faithful of the Church and the world in mourning the death of our Holy Father Pope Francis. His life was a gift to the Church and a reflection of Christ’s love lived with humility and devotion."

Join Bishop Pohlmeier in praying for Pope Francis.

Bishop Pohlmeier Reflects on the Life and Legacy of Pope Francis:
dosafl.com/2025/04/21/bishop-pohlmeier-reflects-on-the-life-and-legacy-of-pope-francis/

📸: Pope Francis smiles as he greets people after celebrating Mass at the Church of St. Anne within the Vatican March 17, 2013. The pope wants the church to be holy and joyful. (CNS photo/Paul Haring)

The Diocese of St. Augustine joins Catholics around the world in mourning the death of Pope Francis. In the statement below, Bishop Erik Pohlmeier reflects on the Holy Father’s life, his personal influence and the legacy he leaves as a joyful witness to the Gospel and a compassionate shepherd to the world. His statement follows:

“With sorrow and gratitude, I join the faithful of the Church and the world in mourning the death of our Holy Father Pope Francis. His life was a gift to the Church and a reflection of Christ’s love lived with humility and devotion.

Learning of the Holy Father’s passing gives me pause to reflect on his life and the impact he has had on the Church and the world, and in my own ministry. My years of study at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome shaped my priesthood in the heart of the Church. It was there, in St. Peter’s Basilica, that I was ordained a transitional deacon, standing at the very place where so many have carried on the mission of Christ. Years later under the leadership of Pope Francis I was called to serve as a bishop. His faithful leadership and love for the Gospel have been a source of encouragement in my own ministry, and I am deeply grateful for the example he set.

I am especially grateful for the gift of his 2013 apostolic exhortation, The Joy of the Gospel (Evangelii Gaudium). This teaching of Pope Francis expresses the joy that marked his life and provides beautiful guidance for all who seek to share the faith with others. I have often reflected on his teaching that our salvation should free us from “sin, sorrow, inner emptiness and loneliness.” These interior struggles speak directly to the needs of our time. His call and witness challenge us to identify with Christ as Savior and live as lights for the world.

Pope Francis was a shepherd for all, including those beyond the Catholic Church. His words and witness resonated with people from every background, drawing many to reflect on the presence of God in their own lives. He had a heart for those on the margins, speaking out for the poor, the immigrant seeking safety, the unborn child and the prisoner facing execution. He carried the concerns of those who struggled, including Catholics who felt unseen or alone after divorce. His message was clear: every person is loved by God and worthy of dignity.

As the Church mourns his death, we pray in gratitude for the gift of his life and leadership. May his example continue to inspire us to live with faith, serve with love and seek first the kingdom of God.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace.”

+Most Rev. Erik Pohlmeier
Bishop of the Diocese of St. Augustine
... See MoreSee Less

“With sorrow and gratitude, I join the faithful of the Church and the world in mourning the death of our Holy Father Pope Francis. His life was a gift to the Church and a reflection of Christ’s love lived with humility and devotion.

Join Bishop Pohlmeier in praying for Pope Francis. 

Bishop Pohlmeier Reflects on the Life and Legacy of Pope Francis: 
https://dosafl.com/2025/04/21/bishop-pohlmeier-reflects-on-the-life-and-legacy-of-pope-francis/

📸: Pope Francis smiles as he greets people after celebrating Mass at the Church of St. Anne within the Vatican March 17, 2013. The pope wants the church to be holy and joyful.  (CNS photo/Paul Haring)

The Diocese of St. Augustine joins Catholics around the world in mourning the death of Pope Francis. In the statement below, Bishop Erik Pohlmeier reflects on the Holy Father’s life, his personal influence and the legacy he leaves as a joyful witness to the Gospel and a compassionate shepherd to the world. His statement follows:

“With sorrow and gratitude, I join the faithful of the Church and the world in mourning the death of our Holy Father Pope Francis. His life was a gift to the Church and a reflection of Christ’s love lived with humility and devotion.

Learning of the Holy Father’s passing gives me pause to reflect on his life and the impact he has had on the Church and the world, and in my own ministry. My years of study at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome shaped my priesthood in the heart of the Church. It was there, in St. Peter’s Basilica, that I was ordained a transitional deacon, standing at the very place where so many have carried on the mission of Christ. Years later under the leadership of Pope Francis I was called to serve as a bishop. His faithful leadership and love for the Gospel have been a source of encouragement in my own ministry, and I am deeply grateful for the example he set.

I am especially grateful for the gift of his 2013 apostolic exhortation, The Joy of the Gospel (Evangelii Gaudium). This teaching of Pope Francis expresses the joy that marked his life and provides beautiful guidance for all who seek to share the faith with others. I have often reflected on his teaching that our salvation should free us from “sin, sorrow, inner emptiness and loneliness.” These interior struggles speak directly to the needs of our time. His call and witness challenge us to identify with Christ as Savior and live as lights for the world.

Pope Francis was a shepherd for all, including those beyond the Catholic Church. His words and witness resonated with people from every background, drawing many to reflect on the presence of God in their own lives. He had a heart for those on the margins, speaking out for the poor, the immigrant seeking safety, the unborn child and the prisoner facing execution. He carried the concerns of those who struggled, including Catholics who felt unseen or alone after divorce. His message was clear: every person is loved by God and worthy of dignity.

As the Church mourns his death, we pray in gratitude for the gift of his life and leadership. May his example continue to inspire us to live with faith, serve with love and seek first the kingdom of God.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace.”

+Most Rev. Erik Pohlmeier
Bishop of the Diocese of St. AugustineImage attachment

Have you listened to Bishop Pohlmeier’s homilies lately?

Whether you were there in person or want to prayerfully reflect from home, you can now listen to Bishop’s most recent audio homilies on our Diocese of St. Augustine YouTube channel. Each one offers timely wisdom, a shepherd’s heart, and an invitation to grow deeper in your Catholic faith.

Here are a few recent highlights:
2005 Homily on Sunday, April 6, Confirmation at St. Ambrose Parish in Elkton – youtu.be/MWXLfuH3ZFc
2025 Homily on Sunday, March 30, Confirmation at St. Paul in Jacksonville Beach – youtu.be/aKsVFIoUPfg
2025 Homily on Sunday, March 15, Mass at St. Stephen Chapel in Bunnell – youtu.be/lt0kKmMeIY0
2025 Homily on Sunday, March 9, Mass at Cathedral Basilica in St. Augustine – youtu.be/SKQUxRviyRA
2025 Homily on Sunday, March 2, Confirmation at St. Mary Mother of Mercy Parish in Macclenny – youtu.be/t5bbNsYPRZU
2025 Homily on Sunday, February 23, Confirmation at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in Palm Coast – youtu.be/d-zej6Rd4gc
2025 Homily on Saturday, February 8, Adult Confirmation at St. Patrick Parish in Gainesville – youtu.be/9bY2I-mpdMQ

Head to our YouTube channel to listen, pray, and be encouraged. Bishop’s words are a powerful companion for your week—and a great way to stay connected with the life of our Diocese.

#DOSAFL #BishopPohlmeier #CatholicFaith #CatholicMass #Confirmation #DioceseOfStAugustine #SundayHomily #SundayWorship #ElktonFL #JaxBeach #Bunnell #StAugFL #Macclenny #PalmCoast #Gainesville #FloridaCatholics #CatholicCommunity
... See MoreSee Less

Have you listened to Bishop Pohlmeier’s homilies lately?

Whether you were there in person or want to prayerfully reflect from home, you can now listen to Bishop’s most recent audio homilies on our Diocese of St. Augustine YouTube channel. Each one offers timely wisdom, a shepherd’s heart, and an invitation to grow deeper in your Catholic faith.

Here are a few recent highlights:
2005 Homily on Sunday, April 6, Confirmation at St. Ambrose Parish in Elkton – https://youtu.be/MWXLfuH3ZFc
2025 Homily on Sunday, March 30, Confirmation at St. Paul in Jacksonville Beach – https://youtu.be/aKsVFIoUPfg
2025 Homily on Sunday, March 15, Mass at St. Stephen Chapel in Bunnell – https://youtu.be/lt0kKmMeIY0
2025 Homily on Sunday, March 9, Mass at Cathedral Basilica in St. Augustine – https://youtu.be/SKQUxRviyRA
2025 Homily on Sunday, March 2, Confirmation at St. Mary Mother of Mercy Parish in Macclenny – https://youtu.be/t5bbNsYPRZU
2025 Homily on Sunday, February 23, Confirmation at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in Palm Coast – https://youtu.be/d-zej6Rd4gc
2025 Homily on Saturday, February 8, Adult Confirmation at St. Patrick Parish in Gainesville – https://youtu.be/9bY2I-mpdMQ

Head to our YouTube channel to listen, pray, and be encouraged. Bishop’s words are a powerful companion for your week—and a great way to stay connected with the life of our Diocese.

#DOSAFL #BishopPohlmeier #CatholicFaith #CatholicMass #Confirmation #DioceseOfStAugustine #SundayHomily #SundayWorship #ElktonFL #JaxBeach #Bunnell #StAugFL #Macclenny #PalmCoast #Gainesville #FloridaCatholics #CatholicCommunity

ALLELUIA! HE IS RISEN!

The tomb is empty and hope is alive! Christ has conquered sin and death, and in Him, we have eternal life.

This Jubilee Year reminds us: Hope does not disappoint. Let us go forth with joy and share the Good News!

>> How will you live out the joy of Easter today?
... See MoreSee Less

ALLELUIA! HE IS RISEN!

The tomb is empty and hope is alive! Christ has conquered sin and death, and in Him, we have eternal life.

This Jubilee Year reminds us: Hope does not disappoint. Let us go forth with joy and share the Good News!

>> How will you live out the joy of Easter today?Image attachmentImage attachment+1Image attachment

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Upcoming Events

23
Apr

Grace and Recovery Foundation - Ongoing Support Group Meeting

6:30pm

25
Apr

Confirmation
St. Francis Xavier Parish
6:00pm

25
Apr

Healing Service
St. Patrick Catholic Church (Gainesville)
6:30pm

26
Apr

Marian Day of Reflection
Santa Fe Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche
9:00am

26
Apr

Confirmation
Epiphany Parish
1:00pm

26
Apr

The Jubilee of Hope for Teenagers
National Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche at Mission Nombre de Dios
4:30pm
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The Winter 2025 Issue

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