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Surrounded by family, friends, and Catholics from across the state and beyond, Bishop Gregory Parkes will celebrate the 25th anniversary of his priesthood ordination on Wednesday, June 26th at 11 a.m. with a Silver Jubilee Mass at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle.

“I never could have imagined that I would be where I am today,” Bishop Parkes said when reflecting on his 25 years of priesthood.

“When I was ordained a priest, I just wanted to be a good parish priest. But I was always open to whatever God’s plan for me was, and I've always trusted in His will for my life,’ added Bishop Parkes.

While in his 20s, Bishop Parkes was a banker in Tampa when God started nudging him to consider priesthood.

“This feeling that God was calling me to be a priest just wouldn't go away. It was staying with me, it was in my heart, and it was something that I began to pray about,” said Bishop Parkes.

More and more, God was leading him on a journey to his vocation.

“When I thought about being a priest, I had a great sense of peace and that was something I was lacking in my life at that time,” said Bishop Parkes.

He prayed for God to show him the way.

“God, please show me what are you calling me to do and give me the courage, give me the strength to say yes to that call to follow you,” Bishop Parkes prayed to know and follow God’s will.