Finding Hope in the Midst of Suffering
A Special Event in St. Petersburg on March 28th with Cardinal Christophe Pierre, the Pope’s Representative to the U.S.
Who: Cardinal Christophe Pierre, U.S. Ambassador to the Vatican
Bishop Gregory Parkes, Leader of the Catholic Diocese of Saint Petersburg
Leo Schofield, Local Mechanic who found hope in prison, despite wrongful conviction
Enrico Grugnetti, a Florida Hospice Nurse who finds hope in the dying
Kathryn Skillet, a mother and wife from Nebraska who finds hope in family life, even after a miscarriage
What Encounter Tampa Bay: Hope in the Midst of Suffering
When: Friday, March 28th, from 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Where: St. Petersburg Catholic High School Auditorium, 6333 9th Ave N, St. Petersburg
The media are invited to cover or preview this event. Please contact Teresa Peterson (tlp@dosp.org) if you would like to receive a media credential and parking pass.
Interview Opportunity: Father Ralph D’Elia, a local priest and one of the organizers of the event.
Additional Information:
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.
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. Encounter Tampa Bay is sponsored by “Communion and Liberation,” a Lay Ecclesial Movement in the Catholic Church.
This event is also in support of the Jubilee of Hope proclaimed by Pope Francis for 2025.
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 share personal insights on the topic of finding hope in the midst of suffering.