Exactly four years after Hurricane Ian devastated Fort Myers Beach, hundreds in the community returned Monday morning to the site of one of the churches destroyed by the storm to remember those who died and those still living with its effects.

Bishop Emilio Biosca Agüero of the Catholic Diocese of Venice led a Sept. 28 Mass of Remembrance under a tent on the grounds of Church of the Ascension, 6025 Estero Blvd., the first public mass since Ian. In slightly less humidity than usual, the liturgy fell on the fourth anniversary of the hurricane’s historically destructive landfall in Southwest Florida, particularly on the Beach, where more than a dozen perished including some parishioners.

Here’s what to know.

‘We look to a new beginning’ on Fort Myers Beach with church’s rebuild

Ravaged by 150 mph winds and swallowed up by a 15-foot storm surge, the church was destroyed during Ian, and the bishop said the diocese continues to work on a mission to resurrect the parish on the Estero Island site.

“We want to rebuild the church, certainly, (and) in rebuilding the church, to rebuild the community,” Agüero said Monday. “As we continue the important work of rebuilding Ascension Parish, let us come together to pray for those who lost their lives, those who lost family or friends, those who lost their homes and all those hurt by this devastating tragedy, the effects of which are still felt today by so many. (We) look forward to a new beginning as we celebrate this Mass of Remembrance together.”

Recent rising costs have been having an impact on new church plans

Steering toward that new beginning, the diocese has been refining design plans it first shared with about 75 church members at a gathering last year, said Dan Beeman, director of diocese building and construction.

With seating for more than 700 slated, initial $14.5 million plans had called for elevated structures designed to withstand 175 mph winds. But cleanup alone cost more than $2.5 million, with diocese concerns of rapidly escalating prices including for needed materials, which has been notable the past 18 months. The diocese has set up a site to collect donations for the effort. Overall, the diocese of 62 churches reported significant Ian damage to more than 400 structures, including at 30 parishes and 10 Catholic schools.

What started as an event for perhaps two dozen turned into hundreds

Several hundred residents participated in Monday’s mass that stunned organizers like Karen Barry Schwarz, the diocese director of communications: “Wow, look at the turnout.”

“I’m so grateful that so many found solutions (in) having this mass celebrated on this day,” Agüero said, noting how the idea evolved over time from the initial concept. “Honestly, I expected maybe because of the time I’d come to visit, I expected maybe 20 or 30 people in a small, little tent with a puddle of water nearby, and I was just amazed from the beginning. I know that we began rolling little by little, and more people began to find out.”

Bishop Emilio Biosca Agüero oversees a Catholic Mass of Remembrance on Monday, Sept. 28, 2026, at the Church of the Ascension on Fort Myers Beach. The remembrance marked the 4th anniversary of Hurricane Ian. The future of the church, which was essentially destroyed, was discussed as well. There are plans to rebuild the church, but the timetable of when it will be done is unknown

Interim plans for new Fort Myers Beach in the works as plans continue

Town Manager Will McKannay, a parishioner, said Monday he knows “how important it is to bring back this church and help the diocese rebuild this church. We’re committed to it. We’ll do everything — me and my staff — to make sure that happens in the most strong and resilient way, as quickly as possible. And we’re working with the diocese very closely to schedule as many of these types of events as we can in the interim.”

As part of taking input from parishioners, Agüero said regional pastors are helping lead the future plans that may include the restoration of a damaged chapel on the property to serve in an interim use while the church is constructed, but a specific timeline hasn’t been determined.

‘New Church of the Ascension standing as a beacon to our Catholic faith’

“We’re working here with the town organizers, the town planners, managers and with the priests in the area (on) what we wanted to do, what we wanted to announce, but we can’t do it just yet, but we’ll do it as soon as we can,” Agüero said. “We pray also for the courage, the intelligence to be able to know and make good decisions to rebuild the church and our community.

“My hope is that this process will ensure that the final plan faithfully serves the community, respects its unique location and provides a lasting church for the worship of God. (We) seek to follow Christ faithfully and build together a vibrant and Holy Catholic Church in all of Southwest Florida, including once again in Fort Myers Beach. The diocese’s original vision for the new Church of the Ascension standing as a beacon to our Catholic faith in Fort Myers Beach remains.”

The diocese’s history of Fort Myers Beach’s Church of the Ascension

1955: The Church of the Ascension began as a mission of Saint Francis Xavier parish in Fort Myers.

1960: Hurricane Donna hammers the site but nothing like the damaged inflicted by Hurricane Ian

1962: After designation as a parish, a fire broke out Dec. 17, with Christmas mass held amid a charred altar and pews.

1963: Groundbreaking ceremonies for a new church, with the building formally dedicated in 1964.

1975: The church grounds were renovated, and the exterior of the church building was painted and restored.

1978: A capital campaign was launched to renovate and expand the church.

1979: The first official mass for the newly renovated church was held, followed by a formal blessing.

2005: A new rectory was completed.

2022: Hurricane Ian’s destruction of the property.

2026: Under a tent, the property hosted its first public mass on the fourth anniversary of Hurricane Ian.

This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Destroyed Florida church remembered with a promise to rebuild after Ian

Reporting by Phil Fernandez, Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News / Fort Myers News-Press

USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

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