St. Petersburg Bishop Gregory Parkes participated in Catholic Days at the Capitol earlier this month. The event is an opportunity for Catholics to advocate for policies that are in line with promoting human life and dignity.

“Good to be back in Tallahassee, the capital city of Florida, for Catholic Days at the Capitol!” he said in a tweet that he posted during the event. "This afternoon I welcomed over 300 faithful from around the state who will visit our legislators and attend the Red Mass tomorrow evening.”

Catholics from across Florida gathered March 7-8 to learn about the legislative process, make their voices heard about politics, and pray for elected officials. The yearly event strives to inspire participants to put their religion and civic obligation into action in order to make a difference in the lives of their fellow Floridians, according to the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops. The annual event saw participation from over 300 Catholics belonging to Florida's archdiocese and six dioceses, Florida Catholic Media reported.

The 2023 Catholic Days activities included various sessions and meetings to educate and inspire attendees to advocate for and promote policies that align with Catholic values, including: a legislative briefing on policy issues affecting human life and dignity, pre-scheduled meetings with lawmakers, group photos of each diocesan delegation with their bishop, the opportunity to view the legislative process in action and more, the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops said.

The 48th annual Red Mass of the Holy Spirit, a highlight of the event, was held March 8. The bishops of Florida led the concelebration in prayer for those serving in the legislative, judicial, and executive departments of government. According to Florida Catholic Media, the homily was delivered by Bishop Erik Pohlmeier of St. Augustine, Florida's newest bishop.

“This is what it means to participate with a God who calls us into his family,” Pohlmeier said, Florida Catholic Media said in its report. “Honor is found in relationship with others and God. Love and God and Love and neighbor cannot be separated. Our participation must involve getting others to participate. We indeed have a role to play with God and among God’s people.”