Florida Catholic Article from Bishop Barbarito - 40th Anniversary of the Diocese of Palm Beach
40 Years – A Eucharistic People
A very significant event has occurred in the life of our Diocese of Palm Beach. On Oct. 24, we celebrated 40 years from the foundation of our Diocese. It was then in 1984 that St. John Paul II created our Diocese from the area of the Archdiocese of Miami and that of the Diocese of Orlando. On the same day, he created the Diocese of Venice from the same territories. We have been a Diocese for 40 years and have grown and experienced much in that time. Forty years may not seem like a long period of time in contrast to the life of the Church for over 2,000 years. However, during our years, we have been part of the life of the Church as if from the very beginning.
We are a Diocese rich in territory, cultural diversity, faith and commitment. I have been privileged to be Bishop of this great Diocese for more than half of its history and have experienced its growth and its richness in so many different ways. In visiting all of our parishes from Sebastian to Boca Raton, I have the privilege of meeting the faithful who are native to Florida and this area, who came to this area from other countries and parts of our nation, and who have been here for a long period of time or who may have recently come. Each parish has its own personality which speaks loudly of the faith, hope and love of the people of God here in southern Florida. Being a native of Brooklyn, New York, where I was a priest and Auxiliary Bishop, and then being the Bishop of the Diocese of Ogdensburg, the most northern part of New York on the Canadian border, I felt very quickly at home in the Diocese of Palm Beach as someone who came here from another part of our country. Being here now for the length of time I have been, I feel a native of Palm Beach, Florida, and truly experience the depth of the life of the faith of our people. From my own experience, I can truly say how welcoming, blessed and vibrant we are in this Diocese of such diversity in every aspect.
On the occasion of our 25th anniversary... Click below to read the full article
A 40th Anniversary Message from Bishop Barbarito
Bishop Gerald M. Barbarito has produced a video to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Diocese of Palm Beach in which he emphasizes the diverse expressions of faith, hope and love that have flourished since Oct. 24, 1984, when the first diocesan bishop was installed. In his 21 years as chief shepherd of the diocese, Bishop Barbarito says he has witnessed the vitality of the church, which exists for the celebration of the Eucharist. He prays for the protection of our patroness, Mary, Queen of the Apostles and asks God’s continued blessings on our diocese.
Happy 40th Anniversary DPB from our Schools!
Thank you to our Catholic Schools for submitting videos in celebration of the Diocese of Palm Beach 40th Anniversary! Please enjoy the compilation of videos from our schools as they congratulate the diocese and Bishop Barbarito on this milestone anniversary. We are truly grateful for the wonderful families and administration God has blessed us with in our diocese.
