CHICAGO (WLS) — Father Michael Pfleger is celebrating 50 years as a priest on Wednesday.

He’s led Saint Sabina in Chicago’s Auburn Gresham neighborhood since the 1980s.

Father Pfleger will host an event on Wednesday to mirror his continued outreach with a gun turn-in event, carnival and food giveaway.

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He joined ABC7 Chicago to talk about his community outreach throughout the years.

“I went to bed, and I was 25 years, I woke up and it was 50,” he said. “I’m blessed to be here every single day.”

Father Pfleger mentioned that when he initially came to St. Sabina, he was informed that it was slated to close in three years. Nevertheless, he became involved in community initiatives to help the church continue to thrive and advance.

“In numerous instances, in areas that have experienced significant neglect and abandonment, it’s a long-distance effort… you have to decide ‘I’m going to be here for the duration’,” he remarked.

A Day of Blessing Events

A Gun Turn In & Lock event is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 1210 West 78th Place. Individuals who turn in a handgun will receive $100 in cash; and those returning assault weapons will be given $200 in cash.

A free food giveaway will begin at noon at 78th and Throop. 400 boxes of free food will be given away to the community.

To end the day, the PEACE Carnival will take place from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the church parking lot at 1210 78th Place. There will be a live DJ, free hamburgers and hotdogs, a petting zoo, games, and other free activities.