BUSHNELL | Two weeks ago Father Waldemar Maciag received a call from Bishop John Noonan that filled him with joy. He would be incardinated into the Diocese of Orlando, Jan. 26, 2025.
The icing on the cake: his mother, sister, …
Consecrated virgin becomes new bride of Christ
OVIEDO | Isabella Vella admitted she always felt like a square peg trying to fit a round hole. She had childhood dreams of getting married and having a family, but that never came together for her.
Over 10 years, her …
Diocese honors religious jubilarians
Each year the Diocese of Orlando honors its religious jubilarians. Once again, the sisters we honor demonstrate the true nature of God’s calling in its boundless diversity of gifts. They are models of living “through, with and in God’s love.” …
Deacon’s devout life serves as his legacy
Editor’s note: The following is the final story of a three-part series
ORLANDO | Deacon Bob Pleus served as a deacon for 21 years before his passing in 2021. His witness of a devout life leaves a legacy of conversion …
2 deacons celebrate their wives for growing their faith
ORLANDO | They love each other and the Lord, but Deacons Noel Oteyza and Edgar Jecino admit their wives, Karyl and Lynette, truly helped them grow in the faith.
The sisters grew up in a devout Catholic family in the …
Diakonia: A family affair
The word deacon (diakonia) means service — in ministry to others — and that service most often starts at home. In this three-part series, the Florida Catholic will introduce you to three diaconate families and explore how this vocation impacts …
18 men go forward in diakonia
ORLANDO | Eighteen men promised to serve the Lord with their lives, becoming deacons for the Diocese of Orlando, June 8, 2024. Family and friends packed the Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe in support …
Future priests are young, ready to serve
ORLANDO | Bishop John Noonan will ordain two transitional deacons to the Order of Priest, Saturday, May 25, 10 a.m. noon, at the Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe, 8300 Vineland Ave., Orlando. All are …
Diocese welcomes home new pastor
ORLANDO | When Father Kenneth Gill was young, he considered a vocation to the priesthood. Although years passed between his early musing and true discernment that led him to the seminary, he said his incardination into the Diocese of Orlando, …
Priest’s life cut short after five decades of service
PALM BAY | Father Robert “Bob” Hoeffner and his sister, Sally, were tragically murdered in their home Jan. 28, 2024. Born to parents Bernard and Margaret Aug. 20, 1947, in Queens, New York, Father Hoeffner was one of eight children.…