Bishop Nevins: 50 years of serving ‘with mercy’

A brief biography of the Venice Diocese’s first bishop.

Posted: 06.19.09

Pope Benedict XVI and Bishop Emeritus John J. Nevins exchange gifts during a visit to the Vatican in 2006, his last visit to Rome Bishop before retiring in early 2007.

COURTESY OF THE DIOCESE OF VENICE
Pope Benedict XVI and Bishop Emeritus John J. Nevins exchange gifts during a visit to the Vatican in 2006, his last visit to Rome Bishop before retiring in early 2007.

Bishop Emeritus John J. Nevins was born Jan. 19, 1932, in New Rochelle, N.Y., to John and Anne (McGuire) Nevins. He attended Blessed Sacrament grammar and high schools, and continued on to Iona College there.

He graduated from the School of Philosophy at The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., where he also pursued his theological studies. He earned a Master of Social Work degree from Tulane University in New Orleans. He holds several honorary doctorates.

Under his motto, “To Serve With Mercy,” shown on his coat of arms, he responded to changing societal needs by instituting many diocesan ministries, including those to migrant farmworkers, unwed mothers, refugees, and people with HIV/AIDS.

Bishop Nevins coat of arms displays his motto, “To Serve With Mercy.” As the first bishop of Venice, he responded with passion to establish ministries for migrant farmworkers, unwed mothers, refugees and people with HIV/AIDS.

Bishop Nevins circa 1998.

He was ordained to the priesthood June 6, 1959, at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, and served the Archdiocese of Miami in many capacities for almost 25 years, including vicar general, rector of St. John Vianney College Seminary and director of vocations. Following an appointment by Pope John Paul II, he was ordained auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Miami on March 24, 1979.

Bishop Nevins was appointed first bishop of the Diocese of Venice in Florida on July 17, 1984, by Pope John Paul II, and was installed by Archbishop Pio Laghi, pro nuncio to the United States, at Epiphany Cathedral in Venice on Oct. 25, 1984.

The Catholic population in the 10-county diocese exploded from about 115,000 to more than 200,000 parishioners under his tutelage. In an effort to better meet the spiritual needs of this burgeoning Catholic population, Bishop Nevins added 15 parishes to the original 39, and increased the number of chapels and missions to 13. He also oversaw the ordinations of 50 men to the priesthood. Bishop Nevins established a new elementary school, a school for adult formation and two retreat centers.

Under his motto, “To Serve With Mercy,” he responded to changing societal needs by instituting many diocesan ministries, including those to migrant farmworkers, unwed mothers, refugees, and people with HIV/AIDS.

Bishop Nevins served as vice president of the Florida Catholic Conference; a member of the board of trustees of St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary; and a board member of St. John Vianney College Seminary, Saint Leo University, the Florida Catholic newspaper, the Catholic Near East Welfare Association and the Franciscan Foundation for the Holy Land. He also served on the dialogue committee for the National Council of Synagogues and the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee On Ecumenical And Interreligious Affairs.

He retired as bishop of the Diocese of Venice on his 75th birthday, Jan. 19, 2007. He is enjoying his retirement in Venice.

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