Catholic Days at the Capitol to be Held Virtually, February 2-3, 2021
To ensure the health and safety of participants in light of the coronavirus, the 2021 Catholic Days at the Capitol will be a virtual event. Previous attendees as well as those who have been unable to attend this annual event in Tallahassee are urged to take this opportunity to participate virtually. During these unprecedented times, through innovation and technology, Catholics can continue to bring their values and voices to political life to promote and protect human life and dignity.
Online activities will begin the afternoon of Tuesday, February 2 with a welcome and legislative briefing on public policy priorities. Virtual activities will continue on Wednesday, February 3, including a rosary with the bishops of Florida and a Defensor Vitae award presentation to a legislator. These online activities will be recorded and available to view by registered participants later in the day or evening if desired. Virtual group meetings with legislators will be scheduled for participants to attend.
The Red Mass of the Holy Spirit will be celebrated on the evening of February 3 by Bishop William Wack CSC of the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee at the Co-Cathedral of St. Thomas More, with limited seating capacity. The Red Mass will also be live-streamed for Catholic Days participants and all others who wish to virtually attend.
To ensure the health and safety of participants in light of the coronavirus, the 2021 Catholic Days at the Capitol will be a virtual event. Previous attendees as well as those who have not been able to join Catholics in Tallahassee for this annual event are urged to take this opportunity to participate virtually this coming year. During these unprecedented times, through innovation and technology, Catholics can continue to bring their values and voices to political life to promote and protect human life and dignity.
On January 28 ans 29, Catholics from across the seven dioceses in Florida gathered with their bishops in Tallahassee to participate in Catholic Days at the Capitol. Over the two days, participants attended a legislative briefing, met with elected officials and/or their staff, observed lawmaking in action, posed for group photos with their bishops, and enjoyed a breakfast and award presentation. The Red Mass, concelebrated by the eight bishops of Florida, concluded the activities.
On the evening of January 29, Catholic Days at the Capitol came to its official conclusion with the 45th Annual Red Mass of the Holy Spirit. All eight bishops of Florida were present to concelebrate the Mass at the Co-Cathedral of St. Thomas More in Tallahassee. The Red Mass provides an annual opportunity for bishops and the lay faithful to gather in prayer with elected and appointed officials as one body in Christ. Congregants invoke the Holy Spirit, praying that those who serve in the executive, legislative and judicial branches of government will be divinely inspired and guided as they carry out their work for the people of Florida.
During years when the bishops of Florida designate
Defensor award recipients, they are presented during the Catholic Days at the Capitol luncheon.
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 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 ongoing efforts to protect the human dignity of the residents of Florida
Recipients: 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