The leader of half-million Catholics in the greater Tampa Bay Area spent the day bringing faith and hope to the homeless.
- Bishop spends Easter Sunday with the homeless
- Bishop Gregory Parkes held mass for residents at Pinellas Hope
- Meal provided Sunday were donated
For the first time ever, Bishop Gregory Parkes of the Diocese of St. Petersburg held mass for residents at Pinellas Hope.
"It's a blessing, it's also an honor to have him here as well," Justina Anaclerio said.
Justina Anaclerio has been living at Pinellas Hope for several months after falling on hard times.
"I sustained some injuries from a car accident and it's been kind of difficult to find a job and I'm still looking," Anaclerio said.
While she looks for work and tries to get back on her feet, Anaclerio said Pinellas Hope has given her a place to stay and some peace of mind.
"It also helped me to relax a little bit because where I was staying before wasn't relaxing and this helped me get my mind centered," Anaclerio said.
Many residents said they were shocked to see Parkes take the time to pray for and get to know the residents. Parkes said that is what Easter is all about.
“No matter who we are, no matter what our state is in life, rich or poor, powerful and weak, the Lord came for each one of us," he said.
As he broke break and had a hot meal with those in need, Parkes shared an important message.
"There is always hope. Our lord came to serve those who are mostly poor and mostly sick, those who are sick and he's still present for each one of us today," Parkes said.
All of the Easter meals provided at Pinellas Hope on Easter Sunday were donated by local restaurateur Steve Westphal.