Representatives from all the seven Dioceses in the Florida gathered in Tallahassee, March 9th and 10th, for the 2010 Catholic Days at the Capitol. This is an annual event organized by the Florida Catholic Conference, and this year saw record attendance with 300 attendees. The event began with a call to order by D. Michael McCarron, FCC Executive Director following a legislative briefing and reception.

I found that being part of this eager, energetic and purpose driven group was invigorating! Active Catholicism is alive and well in our state where Catholics make up 2,255,891 of the States 17, 019,068 population. The sincere concern and presence of the Holy Spirit was palpable.

All the attendees were instructed to wear “red” as a show of unity before our legislators. The lobby of the Capitol was a “sea of red” and created a remarkable presence.

It is so important for all Catholics to take time to acquaint themselves with some of the issues that are being addressed in our state that affect our moral and ecological direction. You can find these important issues at The Florida Catholic Conference. For those of you in other states, why not acquaint yourselves with your own Catholic Conference at the National Association of State Catholic Conferences which can also be found on our web site under Resources and Links – Catholic Church.

Present for the event was Archbishop John Favalora of the Archdiocese of Miami and all Florida Bishops with the exception of Bishop John Ricard, SSJ of Pensacola, who was recuperating from an illness.

The Archbishop and Bishops con-celebrated the Red Mass at the Co-Cathedral of St. Thomas More which was attended by legislators and attendees and was followed by a reception outside the Church. Maybe it was the acoustics or better yet, the Holy Spirit, but the voices of the faithful shook the walls, as it was standing room only.

I look forward to next year, and invite all of our Florida readers to consider attending!!

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