Friends pay tribute to Bishop Nevins

The praise of friends, colleagues and family poured in as part of a glowing tribute to the man who impacted many lives during his 50 years of priestly service.

BOB REDDY | FLORIDA CATHOLIC VENICE BUREAU EDITOR

Posted: 06.19.09

Bishop Emeritus John J. Nevins talks with Sister Carmella DeCosty of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary at a reception June 7 at Plantation Golf and Country Club in Venice honoring the 50th anniversary of his priestly ordination while his cousin Pat Hanley watches.

BOB REDDY | FC
Bishop Emeritus John J. Nevins talks with Sister Carmella DeCosty of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary at a reception June 7 at Plantation Golf and Country Club in Venice honoring the 50th anniversary of his priestly ordination while his cousin Pat Hanley watches.

VENICE | Bishop Emeritus John J. Nevins calls himself a simple man who always wanted to serve God.

On the day when he was honored for his 50 years as priest, the praise of friends, colleagues and family poured in as part of a glowing tribute to the man who impacted many lives.

Some stories reflected on the priest and bishop in his pastoral duties, but the more personal ones were about the man and his generosity toward others and even about his large collections of books, ceramics and works of art.

Many of the stories dated back to the days when Bishop Nevins was a priest and then auxiliary bishop in the Archdiocese of Miami.

Miami Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus Augustin Roman was ordained a bishop together with Bishop Nevins and the two remained close friends ever since. They referred to each other as “twins.”

Bishop Nevins poses for photos with Franciscan Father Peter Vasko, president of the Franciscan Foundation for the Holy Land Association. Bishop Nevins and Father Vasko have known each other for many years through their work for the Holy Land.

BOB REDDY | FC
Bishop Nevins poses for a photo with Franciscan Father Peter Vasko, president of the Franciscan Foundation for the Holy Land Association. Bishop Nevins and Father Vasko have known each other for many years through their work for the Holy Land.

“I have known no truer or dearer friend,” Bishop Roman said. “In your grace with the Holy Spirit, you are an example of the Gospel for all of us.”

Father Jerome Carosella, chancellor of the diocese for 17 years under Bishop Nevins and current pastor of Our Lady of Mercy Parish on Boca Grande, spoke about Bishop Nevins’ love for the priests.

“These were times when he shared his love, esteem and respect for all of the priests,” Father Carosella said. “We are all humbled by the example you have given us as priest.”

An example of Bishop Nevins’ openness and friendship to others was relayed in a story about infamous Sunday night dinners.

Miami Archbishop John C. Favalora, who has been a dear friend of Bishop Nevins ever since Archbishop Favalora was appointed as bishop of St. Petersburg, said these dinners would include 20 to 40 people and be an open house, and anyone was welcome. Priests, deacons, sisters and friends would help cook and clean.

“I think of John Nevins as a collector of people,” Archbishop Favalora said. “The dinners were an expression of his genuine love of people and showed how he was a great giver of love to others. He enjoyed seeing other people enjoying themselves.”

Archbishop Favalora also spoke about the many faces of Bishop Nevins.

BOB REDDY | FC
Bishop Dewane, left, and Archbishop Favalora of Miami join other priests and the congregation in applause for Bishop Nevins, right, at a celebration of the 50th anniversary of his priestly ordination.

“I know John Nevins the priest, John Nevins the shepherd, John Nevins the musician and John Nevins the librarian,” he said. “During my visits I would see the piles of books all around his home. Large collections of books, ceramics and artwork everywhere. So much so that it was overwhelming to see how much he had. He never had enough rooms on his walls or his shelves, but if you expressed an interest, he would not hesitate to give you whatever he had. That is the John Nevins I know.”

Bishop Nevins said during a Mass in his honor that he could not think of anything else he could have done with his life that would have been as fulfilling as being ordained as a priest 50 years ago.

He added that he was truly blessed to become a priest and honored to have been able to serve many of those years at the helm of the Diocese of Venice in Florida.

Bishop Nevins said he was overwhelmed by the day of events and praise, adding he believes he did not deserve so much attention.

“Thank you all.”

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