On Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026, millions of Americans will take part in our nation’s mid-term elections, exercising one of the most precious rights and responsibilities of citizenship. I extend a heartfelt invitation to all the Catholic faithful of the Diocese of Palm Beach: if you are legally eligible to vote, please exercise that right with a well-formed conscience, a profound love for the United States of America and a sincere commitment to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
This election comes in the year our nation celebrates the 250th anniversary of its independence, a fitting moment to renew our gratitude for the blessings of freedom and to reaffirm our responsibility for the common good and the dignity of every human person.

As we look around the world today, with so much confusion, war, unhappiness, prejudice, pride and corruption, we realize that all of these are caused by the tragedy of not becoming a saint. The misery that all of these tragedies cause is most prevalent in the one who chooses not to be a saint but to live solely for oneself and one’s convenience. At the beginning of November, we celebrate the Solemnity of All the Saints and the Commemoration of All the Souls. It is inherent to our faith that we believe we are called to holiness, which is a real relationship with God, and the tragedy of life is to not follow His call.

Appointment of the Chief Communications and External Affairs Officer of the Diocese of Palm Beach

Catholic Charities’ Samaritan Center will host its 34th annual Soup Bowl fundraiser on Thursday, Nov. 5, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Vero Beach Heritage Center. The community tradition offers handmade pottery and soup in exchange for donations. Area businesses, places of worship and community organizations also will serve soup and offer bowls at their own locations across Indian River County.

Called to the Vatican in September to participate in an annual formation program for new bishops, Bishop Manuel de Jesús Rodríguez was able to do some fundraising for the Diocese of Palm Beach around the same time. Following eight days of scheduled events at the Vatican, he was able to enjoy some quality time with a group of 27 pilgrims from the diocese who donated funds to aid priestly vocations.

Florida's Catholic history is rich with stories of faith, missionary zeal, and extraordinary sacrifice. Among these are the stories of the Martyrs of La Florida, Native American Catholics and missionaries who gave their lives in witness to Christ between 1549 and 1715.