The Epoch Times
The Epoch Times
AD
The Epoch Times
Support Us
Faith
Featured

Florida’s Future Priests Find Hope for Religion After Million-Person Mass With Pope

Catholics from nearly every country visit Lisbon, Portugal, for World Youth Day

“The young people are the future of the church, and it’s great to see a lot of young people here at WYD,” said Mr. Velasco.
Florida’s Future Priests Find Hope for Religion After Million-Person Mass With Pope
Florida seminarians gather for World Youth Day in Lisbon, Portugal, Friday, Aug. 4, 2023. Courtesy of Tyler Gates
T.J. Muscaro
T.J. Muscaro
8/7/2023|Updated: 8/7/2023
0:00

TAMPA, Fla.–Three young Florida men studying to become Catholic priests were surrounded by more than a million reasons last week showing why there’s hope for their ministry, despite what they see as an ongoing push against religion.

Tyler Gates, 26, Caleb Malec, 23, and Ricardo David Velasco, 18, attend seminary—college to train priests—in the Tampa area.

T.J. Muscaro
T.J. Muscaro
Author
Based out of Tampa, Florida, TJ primarily covers weather and national politics.
Author’s Selected Articles

6.5 Earthquake in Southern Mexico Kills 2; Landslides and Power Outages Reported

Jan 02, 2026
6.5 Earthquake in Southern Mexico Kills 2; Landslides and Power Outages Reported

Miami Hosts NHL’s Outdoor ‘Winter Classic’ on Jan. 2

Jan 01, 2026
Miami Hosts NHL’s Outdoor ‘Winter Classic’ on Jan. 2

2 Killed in US Strike on Drug Boat in Pacific Ocean Attack

Dec 29, 2025
2 Killed in US Strike on Drug Boat in Pacific Ocean Attack

California Begins Assessments of Christmas Floods, Mudslides

Dec 26, 2025
California Begins Assessments of Christmas Floods, Mudslides
Related Topics
Florida
Catholic Church
World Youth Day 2023
Add to My List
Save
The Epoch Times
Copyright © 2000 - 2026 The Epoch Times Association Inc. All Rights Reserved.