Bishop Pledges Church Rebuilding on Fort Myers Beach

FORT MYERS BEACH — Bishop Emilio E. Biosca, O.F.M. Cap., pledged Sept. 28 to rebuild the Church of the Ascension during a Mass of Remembrance held on the church grounds. The service marked four years since Hurricane Ian devastated Fort Myers Beach.

The commitment offers parishioners a renewed sense of direction as the diocese considers designs for a new church. Ascension's former congregation currently worships at St. Leo the Great in Bonita Springs, Resurrection of Our Lord and St. Columbkille in Fort Myers. Bishop Biosca stated the diocese also aims to restore the parish community that lost its gathering place after the storm, which significantly impacted coastal neighborhoods throughout Lee County.

Hundreds of parishioners, local officials and community members attended the Sept. 28 service. The bishop prayed for those who died in Hurricane Ian and for those who lost homes, businesses and their livelihoods. "Ascension has an integral bond with the Fort Myers Beach community, and we want to rebuild the church," Bishop Biosca said.

Former Fort Myers Beach Mayor Ray Murphy called the Mass "the first day of our rebirth." Current Vice Mayor Scott Safford noted Sept. 28, 2022, was the community's darkest day, with the following day bringing grace. "We will continue to rebuild together," Safford said. "Faith is here. Grace is here. We just need a church."

Father Bill Adams, Ascension's pastor during Hurricane Ian, thanked the bishop and recounted spending four days stranded on the island before a Knight of Columbus from Fort Lauderdale rescued him. Father Jaroslaw "Jarek" Sniosek of St. Leo the Great assured Ascension parishioners they remain "welcomed and loved and never forgotten" at the Bonita Springs parish.

Bishop Biosca pointed to St. Francis of Assisi as an example for the rebuilding effort. The diocese is marking the 800th anniversary of Francis' death in 1226, and the Mass occurred during the novena leading to the Oct. 4 feast. The bishop stated Francis' call to rebuild a church also held a broader message about rebuilding a faith community.

The diocese is exploring options for regular Sunday Mass on the Ascension property while leaders design and eventually construct a new parish church. Bishop Biosca did not provide a start date for these services or for construction but pledged to keep parishioners informed and prioritize the community's needs.