As Pope Francis remains hospitalized while battling a serious health challenge, his representative to the U.S., Cardinal Christophe Pierre, is planning to be in St. Petersburg for a rare appearance to speak about why there is suffering and what suffering can reveal to us. He will lead a panel discussion with individuals from diverse backgrounds who have one unique bond: they have all found hope in tragedy or loss.  This special event is especially relevant today as neighbors in our community are still recovering from hurricane devastation and major flooding.

 “Encounter Tampa Bay: Hope in the Midst of Suffering with Cardinal Christophe Pierre” will be held on Friday, March 28th from 7 pm to 9 pm at St. Petersburg Catholic High School. 

The conversation among panelists will provide an informal setting for speakers to share from their hearts about the difficulties they have faced and the ways they have risen above their personal tragedies.  

Encounter Tampa Bay is free but advance registration is requested. Click here to reserve your space. Also, before and after the event, participants can view an exhibit on finding hope.  Click here to learn more.

“People experience suffering on a daily basis, whether it’s a cancer diagnosis or trouble in the family. Whatever the case may be, we all know what it means to suffer, and we all have a desire to find hope in the midst of that,” said Father Ralph D’Elia, one of the organizers of the event.

In addition to Cardinal Pierre, featured speakers on the panel are:

Leo Schofield of Tampa is a local mechanic whose wrongful conviction story has been the subject of national podcasts that have been downloaded millions of times. He served 36 years in prison and is now living as a free man on parole. While another man has confessed to the killing, he has not been exonerated. 

Enrico Grugnetti is a Hospice Nurse in Florida who cares for the dying. In his work, he interacts with people who are often in pain or mental anguish, as they face their final days and final moments. He is close to the broken-hearted on a daily basis as families mourn the passing of loved ones.

Kathryn Skillet is a mother and wife who struggles with the daily challenges of parenting, marriage, and family life. Her personal tragedy revolves around unimaginable loss. She and her husband suffered a miscarriage that shook their world. 

Also, Bishop Gregory Parkes will be at this event and share personal insights on the topic of finding hope in the midst of suffering.

Encounter Tampa Bay is sponsored by “Communion and Liberation,” a Lay Ecclesial Movement in the Catholic Church. This is the second year they have hosted a panel discussion with Cardinal Christophe Pierre.

This event is also in support of the Jubilee of Hope proclaimed by Pope Francis for 2025. Speakers will share insights from the book, “Cry of the Heart,” and other sources of wisdom and encouragement.