- December 24, 2024
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Rev. Justin K. Vakko, pastor of Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Ormond Beach, celebrated his 25th anniversary of ordination to the Catholic priesthood with a Silver Jubilee Mass and dinner at the church on Saturday, April 15.
Vakko is from Cochin, Kerala, India and he attended Mahatma Gandhi University and seminary at Johor Bhaven Institute of Theology. He was ordained to the Catholic priesthood in Kerala, India, on Dec. 28, 1998, in the Order of Discalced Carmelites.
Prior to being appointed pastor at Prince of Peace in August 2021, Vakko served catholic communities in his native country and at parishes in the Diocese of Orlando in Winter Haven, Longwood, Orlando, and Ocala.
Approximately 750 people attended the Jubilee Mass, and the dinner in the parish hall was attended by 220 parishioners, friends of Vakko and other priests from the Diocese of Orlando.
Ron Nowviskie, a parishioner since 1970, helped coordinate the dinner, and Wendy A. Mara, chairman of the Prince of Peace Parish Pastoral Council, was master of ceremonies.
Vakko, who was presented with gifts, is joined at Prince of Peace by another priest from India, Francis Joseph, who serves as assistant pastor, as well as two permanent deacons, Bruce Gesinski and Carlos Bon Conselho.
