Search
-
-
Save the Date: February 10-11, 2026
Florida's Bishops invite you to join them in Tallahassee to advocate for the protection of human life and dignity as lawmakers continue the important work of shaping Florida's laws and future for the common good. Each year during the legislative session, Catholics from across the state gather in Florida's capital city to put their faith and civic responsibility into action.
Catholic Days activities include:
- A legislative briefing on policy issues affecting human life and dignity
- Pre-scheduled meetings with lawmakers and/or their aides
- The opportunity to view the legislative process in action
- An awards breakfast with Florida's bishops and legislators
- Rosary led by the bishops of Florida
- Group photo of each of diocesan delegation with its bishop
In addition to the legislative events, the 50th Annual Red Mass of the Holy Spirit will be concelebrated by the bishops of Florida to pray for those working in the legislative, judicial and executive branches of government on the evening of March 19, the feast of St. Joseph.
Pre-Registration is required. Please contact your diocesan coordinator for more information.
-
-
-
Diocesan CoordinatorsFor more information contact your diocesan coordinator:
Archdiocese of Miami
Angela Curatalo
(954) 981-2922 x 1001
acuratalo@theadom.org
Diocese of Orlando
Leidy Rivas
(407) 658-1818, ext. 1085
cultureoflife@cflcc.org
-
Diocese of Palm Beach
Deanna Herbst-Hoosac
(561) 360-3330
dherbst@ccdpb.org
Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee
Aida Bone
(850) 435-3532
bonea@ptdiocese.org
Diocese of St. Augustine
Maureen Shilkunas
(904) 262-3200 ext. 159
mshilkunas@dosafl.com
-
Diocese of St. Petersburg
Armando Chavarria
(727) 317-4580
achavarria@dosp.org
Diocese of Venice
Tavia Ames
(941) 441-1101
ames@dioceseofvenice.org
Catholic Days at the Capitol is a private event sponsored by the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops (FCCB). The FCCB reserves the right to restrict admission to any and all events to persons whose participation and actions are consistent with the FCCB’s positions and mission. The FCCB reserves the unrestricted right to revoke the license granted by a person’s registration by an offer to refund the cost of their registration. It further reserves the right to exclude without refund anyone who exhibits inappropriate conduct.
-
-
-
Photo Albums
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Defensor AwardsDuring years when the bishops of Florida designate Defensor award recipients, they are presented during Catholic Days at the Capitol.
Defensor Parentum, Defender of Parents
Presented in grateful appreciation for untiring, courageous and committed defense of parents in the education of their children
Recipients:
Representative Richard Corcoran, 2013
Senator Joe Negron, 2011
Representative Will Weatherford, 2010
Senator Stephen Wise, 2006
-
Defensor Vitae, Defender of Life
Presented in grateful appreciation for ongoing, courageous and valiant defense of the sanctity of life
Recipients:
Representative Jenna Persons-Mulicka, 2024
Representative Erin Grall, 2021
Representative Larry Ahern, 2016
Representative Jennifer Sulllivan, 2016
Senator Thad Altman, 2014
Senator Ronda Storms, 2012
Representative Dennis Baxley, 2012
Representative Kelli Stargel, 2011
Senator Anitere Flores, 2008
Senator Paula Dockery, 2006
Representative Jeff Kottkamp, 2006
Senator Mike Fasano, 2005
Representative Aaron Bean, 2005
Senator Anna Cowin, 2004
Representative Sandra Murman, 2004
-
Defensor Dignitatis, Defender of Dignity
Presented in grateful appreciation for efforts to protect the human dignity of the residents of Florida
Recipients:
Speaker Paul Renner, 2025
Senator Jeff Brandes, 2022
Senator Debbie Mayfield, 2022
Senate President Joe Negron, 2018
Representative Jose Felix Diaz, 2017
Senator Rene Garcia, 2014
Senator Anitere Flores, 2013
Representative Steve Precourt, 2013
Senator JD Alexander, 2011
Representative Bill Galvano, 2008
Representative Mike Davis, 2007
-