“We gather to celebrate the great joy of welcoming a new Holy Father as he begins his Petrine ministry,” said Bishop Parkes near the start of his homily on May 18, 2025, at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle.

“While there is still much to learn about and from Pope Leo, the words he spoke in his address on the loggia of St Peter's Basilica following his election as pope, remain with me. He said, ‘Peace be with you all.’”

Bishop Parkes explained: “This peace that comes from God who loves each and every one of us without condition is not something that we are capable of generating ourselves. Instead, it comes from the love that we receive from the one who gave his life for our sake and rose from the dead so that we could remain in his love and share it with our neighbor.”

Disciples of Jesus who stay focused on this generous outpouring of love, can find peace in their lives, regardless of daily struggles.

“Christ's love is defined by the complete sacrificial gift of himself,” added Bishop Parkes.

Lorena Leche attended the Mass of Thanksgiving wearing a “Pilgrims of Hope” t-shirt. She and members of her small Christian community have been making monthly pilgrimages to sacred sites designated by Bishop Parkes during this Jubilee of Hope. The Cathedral was their third stop so far.

The group feels so blessed to have taken part in the celebration. They arrived two hours before the start of the Mass to tour the Cathedral, pray, and reflect on their faith journey.

“These pilgrimages are much more than crossing through a door. There are steps to follow for prayer and it’s very spiritual.  It has been a beautiful experience,” said Leche, a parishioner of St. Markt the Evangelist, in Tampa.