On May 6, 2018, when Bishop Gregory Parkes consecrated the Diocese of St. Petersburg to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, the Cathedral of St. Jude was standing room only, full of the faithful who gathered and joined their voices in prayer. This year, when Bishop Parkes celebrates the Consecration Renewal Mass, the Cathedral pews may be empty, but the people will still be united as they join via livestream from their homes, praying together as the Diocese is entrusted again to Mary’s maternal care.

The Mass, celebrated by Bishop Parkes at 10:30 a.m., will be the highlight of the 2^nd Annual Marian Congress taking place on Saturday, May 2, 2020 from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the event will now be offered online exclusively, and people are invited to participate via livestream.

“In this time when people are facing many difficulties, uncertainty, pain, fear, anxiety, and depression or struggling with the death of loved ones, we hope that participants will strengthen their faith in the midst of the pandemic and receive inspiration and strength from the example of Mary, who courageously witnessed the suffering and death of her only Son. They can apply that to their everyday life, especially during this difficult time,” said Carlos Flores, associate director of Hispanic Ministry.

This special event will take place at Our Lady’s Chapel at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle and will include:

• 9:00 a.m. Keynote Presentation Part 1 (English/Spanish), Courageously Living the Gospel Like Mary by Father Carlos Rojas.
• 10:00 a.m. Praying of the Rosary in multiple languages.
• 10:30 a.m. Celebration of Mass with Bishop Gregory Parkes (English only), which includes the Consecration Renewal to the Immaculate Heart of Mary and Crowning of Mary.
• 11:30 a.m. Keynote Presentation Part 2 (English/Spanish), Courageously Living the Gospel Like Mary by Father Carlos Rojas.

To view all of the details and livestream links, visit www.dosp.org/heartofmary/

“Our diocesan vision of Courageously Living the Gospel asks us to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus, to invite others as Jesus did and to encounter Jesus ourselves and with one another,” said Bishop Gregory Parkes. “Mary, as the first disciple of Jesus, did all of this and is an example for us to follow. At a moment of great pain, Mary showed great courage when she stood at the foot of the Cross. Being the Mother of Christ, she intercedes for us. We can go to her, especially now, to ask for help and to grow closer to her Son.”

Marian Congress 2020 from Diocese of St. Petersburg on Vimeo.