Hundreds of priests join Bishop Frank J. Dewane on the altar at Epiphany Cathedral in Venice for the Sacred Chrism Mass Tuesday. PROVIDED

The Most Rev. Frank J. Dewane, bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Venice in Florida, was joined Tuesday, March 26, by close to 200 priests and deacons from across the Diocese for the annual Chrism Mass at Epiphany Cathedral in Venice.

The Chrism Mass, which takes place during Holy Week every year, is one of the most solemn and important liturgies of the Catholic liturgical calendar. It is also the largest annual gathering of the clergy and the faithful in the Diocese of Venice.

At the Chrism Mass, priests renew promises made at their ordination as an expression of unity with their shepherd, the bishop of the Diocese. In addition, Bishop Dewane blessed the holy oils, and consecrated the Chrism Oil, used in the administration of the sacraments throughout the year at each Diocesan parish.

Priests and Deacons celebrating 25 and 50 years of ordination as well as other milestone anniversaries were recognized at this Mass for their service to the church.

The following priests and deacons celebrating milestone anniversaries included:

50 years: The Rev. Richard Bondi, the Rev. James Drew, the Rev. Brian Manning and the Rev. Mark Svarczkopf, along with Deacon Michael Leahy

25 years: The Rev. Victor Caviedes, the Rev. Anthony Hewitt, the Rev. Antonio Jean and the Rev. Jay Raju, along with Deacon Peter Fullen, Deacon Edward Gwiazda, Deacon William Hickey and Deacon Alfred Mauriello

The Diocese of Venice in Florida was established by Pope Saint John Paul in 1984 and today includes 61 parishes, 15 schools and serves an estimated 250,000 Catholics in 10 counties.

For additional information on the Diocese of Venice in Florida, please visit the diocese’s website at dioceseofvenice.org.