Dear Brothers and Sisters,
It is a special joy and privilege for me to write a few words about our Shining Star. I say this because we are honored to recognize as this year's Shining Star a man who was and continues to be a great and devoted priest, second to none; one whom the Bishop with all the clergy spread all over our Diocese deeply admire, including, myself and all the Cathedral priests and deacons, our cathedral staff and school, and all our parishioners. Cherished, profoundly regarded and loved, I am, of course, referring to the one and only, Father Jack Costello .
Born in 1950 in Boston to Jean and John Costello, Father Jack has devoted his life to faithful service in the Church and to the countless souls he ministered to with such devotion and apostolic fervor. After twenty-five years as a Christian Brother and serving as an educator in the Miami area, the then Br Jack discerned a call to the priesthood as a further expression of his commitment to Christ and love for souls.
Fr. Jack then completed his academic and seminary formation at Iona College in New Rochelle, New York; Saint Michael’s College in Burlington, Vermont; and Saint Vincent de Paul Seminary in Boynton Beach.
In service to the Diocese of Venice, he was appointed parochial vicar at Saint William Parish in Naples and later served as pastor of Saint Joseph Parish in Bradenton.
In 2008, Bishop Frank J. Dewane appointed Father Costello as Rector of Epiphany Cathedral Parish and School. In addition to his parish responsibilities, he served on the Diocesan Pastor Peer Review Committee and on the Advisory Board of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center.
We gratefully honor Father Jack Costello, our much-esteemed former Rector, as our Shining Star in recognition of his faithful and dedicated service to Epiphany Cathedral Parish and School. During his thirteen years as Rector, he provided wise leadership and pastoral care to the parish and school communities.
Under his guidance, Epiphany Cathedral Parish and School experienced significant growth in faith formation, education, and community life. His dedication to the spiritual and academic development of parishioners and students alike has been deeply fruitful, and countless parishioners remain truly grateful to him for the way he touched their hearts in significant moments of their lives, leading them ever closer to God.
Today, beyond the school and parish, our beloved Fr. Jack has done much and continues to do so, by serving our entire parish community. As he lives out his faith in a way that inspires those around him - leading by example through his compassion, generous spirit and devoted service - Fr Jack stands out as a true role model, embodying the values we cherish at Epiphany.
Fr. Jack’s service and religious spirit have truly reflected the wonderful mission of the Church for many years, right to the present. That is why we cannot but greatly rejoice on this occasion as we pay our deepest and most genuine tribute to Fr Jack Costello, honoring him as the Epiphany Cathedral 2026 Shining Star.
Father Jack Costello
