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The Patron Saint of Cleveland is St. John the Evangelist

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Out & About - Photos and Event Recaps

2024

Good Friday Procession

A Good Friday Procession covered 3 churches in Cleveland on Good Friday 2024. It began at La Sagrada Familia Church at 7719 Detroit Ave. on Cleveland's West Side. The procession included Bishop Michael Woost, other priests, men carrying a large statue of the body of Jesus, people carrying a statue of the Sorrowful Mother, a man dressed as Jesus carrying a cross, Roman Centurions, Saint Veronica and more.

They marched through the neighborhoods to St. Colman Church where they processed in for a service. We counted about 1,000 people in the Church. The final stop was at St. Michael the Archangel Church at Scranton and Clark in Cleveland.

Good Friday Procession in Cleveland 2024

Good Friday Procession in Cleveland 2024


See photos and video of the Good Friday procession


Carpets of Holy Week - Alfombras de Semana Santa

The gymnasium at La Sagrada Familia Parish which was filled with dozens of colorful, sawdust carpets, known as the Carpets of Holy Week. In Spanish, they are called Alfombras de Semana Santa. The handiwork was done by individuals, families, parish organizations, nonprofits and other groups.

This Church is home to worshippers from over 15 different Hispanic countries. The Carpets became an annual tradition in 2014 when their priest brought the custom from El Salvador. The carpets are a tradition there and in Guatemala, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico and other places.

Carpets of Holy Week - Alfombras de Semana Santa in Cleveland

Carpets of Holy Week

The Good Friday procession walks over them and then these beautiful creations are swept up. They only exist through Holy Week.

Carpets of Holy Week - Alfombras de Semana Santa in Cleveland


See photos and video of the Carpets of Holy Week


Homeless Jesus - Matthew 25 Statue Collection in Cleveland

Cleveland is only the second city in the world, following Rome, Italy, to have the full collection of all six bronze figures in the Matthew 25 Collection created by Canadian artist, Timothy Schmalz.

The Bible verse of Matthew 25 says, "For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me … Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me" Here is a very quick look at all 6. The sculptures are sponsored by Community West Foundation and are located on the near west side of Cleveland:

  • Homeless Jesus - St. Malachi Parish
  • When I Was Naked - Malachi House
  • When I Was Sick - Cleveland Clinic Lutheran Hospital
  • When I Was in Prison - Bridge CLE (formerly Family Ministry Center)
  • When I Was a Stranger - The Refugee Response at Urban Community School
  • When I Was Hungry and Thirsty - Old Stone Church
You can see more and precise locations at https://www.communitywestfoundation.org/matthew25collection.

Here is a quick video look at all 6.



See photos of all 6 figures


Taste of Nations - March 2, 2024

Pastor John Betters has hosted a Taste of Nations event at Ss. Robert and William Catholic School in Euclid for the last 15 years to share the diversity of the students and community. The 2024 event included rooms for Eastern Europe, Germany, Senegal and Western Africa, Mexico and Puerto Rico, Southern Soul and Ireland.

Sharing Puerto Rican and Mexican food and culture

Sharing Puerto Rican and Mexican food and culture


Photos and a video with Fr. Betters


2023

Corpus Christi Procession at St Casimir Church

Corpus Christi is a celebration of the Eucharist that the Catholic Church has celebrated since 1246. The name "Corpus Christi" is a Latin phrase that refers to the body of Christ. Corpus Christi is a public holiday in Poland. It is a day off for the general population, and schools and most businesses are closed. Large groups of people take part in outdoor processions in many villages, towns and cities in Poland.

In Cleveland, many churches had Corpus Christi processions. Following 11:30 Mass, there was a Corpus Christi procession to the outside altars with children distributing rose petals at St. Casimir Church.

Fr. Eric Orzech is pastor of St. Casimir Church (and the Shrine Church of Saint Stanislaus) and is celebrating 30 years as a priest.

Father Eric Orzech at St. Casimir Church

Father Eric Orzech at St. Casimir Church

Father Eric Orzech at St. Casimir Church

After Mass he led the procession to 4 altars carrying a monstrance containing the consecrated Eucharist.

Corpus Christi procession at St Casimir Church in Cleveland


See photos and video of Corpus Christi at St Casimir Church


Holy Saturday Food Blessing (English and Polish) at St Casimir Church

Swieconka, meaning "the blessing of the Easter baskets", is one of the most enduring and beloved Polish traditions on Holy Saturday during Easter. People bring food that they will be serving on Easter Sunday to the church where it is blessed by the priest.

Father Eric Orzech is the pastor of St. Casimir Catholic Church in Cleveland Ohio and he did the blessing and prayers in both English and Polish.

Father Eric Orzech

Father Eric Orzech

There were 3 blessings at the Church on Holy Saturday morning and parishioners, new and longtime, attended.

Group of parishioners at St. Casimir

Group of parishioners at St. Casimir

See video and photos of Holy Saturday at St. Casimir


Good Friday Procession: St Michael the Archangel Church, St. Colman Church, La Sagrada Familia

A procession covered 3 churches in Cleveland on Good Friday 2023. It began in the mostly Puerto Rican St. Michael the Archangel Church at Scranton and Clark in Cleveland. Bishop Edward Malesic offered a welcome and prayer and then led the procession with other priests, men carrying a large statue of the body of Jesus, ladies carrying a statue of the Sorrowful Mother, a man dressed as Jesus carrying a cross, Roman Centurions, Saint Veronica and more. They marched through the neighborhoods to St. Colman Church where they processed in for a service. The final stop was at La Sagrada Familia Church on Detroit.

Good Friday Procession at St. Michael the Archangel Church in Cleveland

Good Friday Procession


Video and photos of the Good Friday Procession


Carpets of Holy Week - Alfombras de Semana Santa

The gymnasium at La Sagrada Familia Parish on Cleveland's West Side, was filled with dozens of colorful, sawdust carpets, known as the Carpets of Holy Week. In Spanish, they are called Alfombras de Semana Santa. The handiwork was done by individuals, families, parish organizations, nonprofits and other groups.

Carpets of Holy Week, Alfombras de Semana Santa at La Sagrada Familia


See photos and a video of the Carpets of Holy Week


2022

Rest in Peace Pope Benedict XVI

Pope Benedict - Well Done


2021

Year of St. Joseph declared by Pope Francis

On December 8, 2020, Pope Francis declared that the next year, beginning on that day and concluding on December 8, 2021, as the Year of St. Joseph.

St Joseph with the infant Jesus by Guido Reni

St Joseph with the infant Jesus by Guido Reni


This proclamation comes as we prepare to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the declaration of Saint Joseph as Patron of the Universal Church. To mark this special year, the Pope wrote and Apostolic Letter entitles Patris corde, or “With a Father’s Heart.”

In it, he explores the man and father that Joseph was, and calls us to do the same. Especially in the time of this pandemic, Pope Francis says that Joseph “has helped us to see more clearly the importance of ‘ordinary’ people who, though far from the limelight, exercise patience and offer hope every day.”

Pope Francis has also introduced a prayer for Saint Joseph to be used throughout the year.

See more about the Year of St. Joseph


2019

Saint John Paul II bust blessing and dedication in the Polish Cultural Garden

A statue of Saint John Paul II was dedicated on May 18, 2019 in the Polish Cultural Garden in Cleveland Ohio. Bishop Roger Gries and Father Jerzy Kusy led a prayer and blessed the statue.

Not only was it John Paul II's birthday but it was also the 56th anniversary of Bishop Gries' ordination.



Bishop Roger Gries blesses the bust of Saint John Paul II

Bishop Roger Gries blessed the bust of Saint John Paul II

Bishop Roger Gries and Father Jerzy Kusy

Bishop Roger Gries and Father Jerzy Kusy


See more from the Saint John Paul II blessing and dedication


Sunday, January 13, 2019 Three Kings Epiphany at St. Casimir Church

Epiphany at St Casimir Church



2018

World Apostolate of Fatima Cleveland Diocesan Pilgrim Virgin Statue Our Lady of Fatima

The World Apostolate of Fatima Cleveland Diocesan Pilgrim Virgin Statue Our Lady of Fatima visited St. Casimir Church in July 2018 to coincide with the Taste of St. Casimir Polish Festival.

Our Lady of Fatima statue at St Casimir Church

Our Lady of Fatima statue at St Casimir Church


See more of the Fatima statue and St Casimir Church


We Pray the Rosary - Living Rosary DVD

Hail Mary, Full of Grace…

This DVD is a Living Rosary in the sense that over 200 people participated in saying a prayer. 3 bishops, numerous priests and sisters and a variety of lay people all said a prayer (Creed, Our Father, Hail Mary or Glory Be) that when put together combine to form the complete Rosary.

All 4 Mysteries (Joyful, Sorrowful, Glorious and Luminous) are included and there is an extra Decade for your special intentions.

We hope that this DVD inspires you to pray the Rosary more frequently. You can choose to view/pray a single Decade, a complete Mystery or all 4 Mysteries. The DVD includes a listing of all the Mysteries.

The Rosary is a great gift given to us by Our Blessed Mother.

Lourdes Shrine in Cleveland


Learn more about the Living Rosary and how you can order this DVD


Prayer to End Abortion

Lord God I thank you today for the gift of my life and for the gift lives of all my brothers and sisters.

I know there is nothing that destroys more lives than abortion, yet I rejoice that You have conquered death by the Resurrection of Your Son.

I am ready to do my part in ending abortion. Today I commit myself never to be silent, never to be passive, never to be forgetful of the unborn.

I commit myself to be active in the Pro-life movement and never stop defending life until all my brothers and sisters are protected and our nation once again becomes a nation with liberty and justice not just for some but for all. Through Christ our Lord. Amen!


2017

World Union of Jesuit Alumni in Cleveland

The World Union of Jesuit Alumni (WUJA), founded in 1956, holds an international Congress every four years to gather Jesuit friends and alumni-from as many as 50 countries representing a global network of Jesuit ministries-to build international networks and affirm Jesuit centric values for a greater good.

From June 28-July 2, 2017, WUJA met for the first time ever in North America, at John Carroll University, in Cleveland, Ohio. WUJA 2017 gathered renowned, world-class speakers committed to Uniting Our Jesuit Frontiers in the arts, business, science, law, spirituality, theology, faith and leadership, service, and justice.

Fr. Don Doll

Fr. Don Doll, S.J.


WUJA attendees from the  Democratic Republic of the Congo

WUJA attendees from the Democratic Republic of the Congo


6 pages of photos and videos from the WUJA Congress


Jesuit Ministries Fair

A Jesuit Ministries Fair was held at the World Union of Jesuit Alumni (WUJA) event and included numerous organizations of interest such as the Ignatian Solidarity Network, Fr. Don Doll S.J., Manresa Jesuit Retreat House, Jesuit Refugee Service, International Samaritan, The Cana Institute, Loyola Press and more.

Loyoal Press at WUJA Jesuit Ministries Fair


Photos and Videos of some of the Jesuit organizations


Come to the Feast - a Teaching Mass

What does a priest wear and why? Why do we sometimes say the Apostle's Creed and sometimes the Nicene Creed? What does 'Alleluia' mean?

Fr. Patrick Schultz of Communion of Saints Parish preached a one night Inter-Parish Mission at St Ann Church called "Come to the Feast." It was a "Teaching Mass" and Fr. Patrick explained many aspects of the Mass.



See more short videos of the "teaching moments" from the Mass


Welcome Bishop Nelson J. Perez

Bishop Perez

Pope Francis has named Bishop Nelson J. Perez, Auxiliary Bishop of Rockville Centre, N.Y., as Bishop of the Diocese of Cleveland, Ohio.

As a member of the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops, Bishop Perez serves as the Chair of the Bishop’s Sub-Committee for Hispanic Affairs and is a former member of the Bishop’s Sub-Committee for the Campaign for Human Development.

Bishop-designate Perez will be installed as the 11th bishop of the Diocese of Cleveland at a Solemn Mass on Tuesday, September 5, 2017 at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in downtown Cleveland.






Cleveland Youth Rally for Life

For 43 years, pro-life people have publicly witnessed for the unborn babies in downtown Cleveland during the freezing January season. Since 1981 these Pro Life Rallies have been dedicated to our youth who enjoy first opportunity on speaking at the Rally.

Youth Rally for Life Cleveland 2017

Youth Rally for Life Cleveland 2017


Photos and more about the Youth Rally for Life Cleveland 2017


2016

St Casimir Church 125th Anniversary

It was a big weekend for Greater Cleveland's Polish American Community. To celebrate the 125th Anniversary of the founding of St. Casimir's Parish, Fr. Eric Orzech, pastor of both St. Casimir and St. Stanislaus Churches invited the Most Reverend Andrzej Wypych, the Auxiliary Bishop of Chicago to be the Celebrant and Homilist at the Sunday, October 16th, 11:30 AM Solemn Mass of Thanksgiving.

Bishop Andrzej Wypych along with Fr Orzech, altar servers and children of the Sienkiewicz Polish Language School Piast Dancers

Bishop Andrzej Wypych, Fr Eric Orzech, altar servers and children of the Sienkiewicz Polish Language School and Piast Dancers


See more from the 125th anniversary of St Casimir Church


Mother Teresa Canonization Ceremony - Albanian Cultural Garden

The Albanian Cultural Garden hosted a canonization ceremony for Blessed Mother Teresa on Sunday September 4, 2016. "Many people don't know Mother Teresa was Albanian," said Cleveland Councilwoman Dona Brady, one of the founders of the garden and leader of the ceremony.

Bishop Roger Gries, O.S.B., Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus as well as Sister Judith Ann Karam, CSA, FACHE Congregational Leader, Sisters of Charity of Saint Augustine, and Sister Kathleen Ryan, administrator for the Cleveland Catholic Diocese, all spoke about the new saint and her influence on the world and their lives.

Sheila Crawford, Sister Ryan, Bishop Gries, Dona Bradt, Sister Karam and Adem Meta

Sheila Crawford, Sister Ryan, Bishop Gries, Dona Brady,
Sister Karam and Adem Meta

See photos and videos of the Mother Teresa ceremony


St. Patrick's Day Parade

Many Cleveland Irish began the day with Mass at St. Colman's, St Patrick's or Saints Robert & William or other churches. There were many Catholic schools and organizations in the Parade as well including the Knights of Columbus.

Knights of Columbus

Knights of Columbus at the Parade


The Cleveland Right to Life marchers were greeted by hearty applause along the Parade route.

Right to Life at St Patrick's Day Parade

Right to Life at St Patrick's Day Parade

Right to Life at St Patrick's Day Parade


Cleveland's Polish community from St. Casimir Church celebrated 1050 Years of Christianity.

Polonia marchers at St. Patrick's Day 2016 in Cleveland

See more of Polonia at the Parade

See more from the 2016 Cleveland St. Patrick's Day Parade


Annual Youth Rally for Life
by Joseph Meissner

"Nobody will be there." This thought haunts me the night before our annual Youth Rally for Life in January 22, 2016.

We have sent out hundreds of emails about this event celebrating human beings and promoting respect for all human life from when we first begin at conception until we die a natural death.

Read the rest of Joe's experience at the 2016 Rally.


2015

Pope Francis visit influence on Cleveland Catholics

Fr. Joseph A. Bacevice, pastor of St. Casimir Parish in Cleveland Ohio was asked if Pope Francis' visit would have an influence.

He said that it will have a great influence especially with alienated Catholics. He said it already has with several people wanting to get back to the Faith.




Forty First Annual Youth Rally for Life - Cleveland

It is Thursday, January 22. This is the Forty First Annual Youth Rally for Life. Normally we have held this event on Cleveland Public Square at noon in the midst of all the lunch-time crowds. Despite the usual freezing cold, the young people have always come from their high schools and colleges to deliver their messages of hope and love. We more "mature young people" come to listen and find inspiration.

Read the rest of Joe's account of the Rally for Life

Cleveland Rally for Life 2015



2014

Fr. Bob Begin honored on St. Colman Day

Fr. Caroli B. Shao, A.J. Pastor of St Colman Church in Cleveland wrote these remarks about St Colman Day and the honoring of Fr. Robert Begin.

"This year as we honor Fr. Bob, we recall his 20 years of commitment to the people of St. Colman Parish and to the entire neighborhood. During his 20 years as Sacramental Minister and Pastor, we saw St. Colman Parish growing tremendously in all aspects of parish life: spirituality, social justice, service, education and finances.

Fr. Bob never sat back to watch what would happen. He became a key player in the field, along with all of the parishioners who work so hard to ensure St. Colman's future. Thank you, Fr. Bob, for your gift of service to the people of St. Colman's, the neighborhood and the City of Cleveland."

Father Bob Begin art


More from the Fr. Bob Begin reception


Cleveland Asian Catholic Gathering

About 1000 people celebrated the Annual Mass and Gathering on Sunday, October 5, 2014 at 12 noon at St. Clarence Church. This is the 17th year the event was hosted by the Asian Ministry of the Diocese of Cleveland. It was an afternoon of family celebration of Asian culture and spirituality beginning with the celebration of the Mass with the Most Rev. Roger W Gries, OSB along with priests from the different Asian Catholic communities.

The cultural and ethnic diversity of the Asian Catholic communities assembled at the Mass was reflected throughout the celebration. Members of the various Asian communities came together with their own traditions, dressed in colorful ethnic clothes: shimmering saris, kimonos, karawangs, hanboks, barongs, and ao dai. The entrance procession included Vietnamese drums. During the Mass there was an incense ceremony by the Vietnamese, and the Indian aarti. Hymns were sung by the choirs in various Asian languages: Tagalog (Filipino), Korean, Vietnamese and Hindi (Indian). The readings and the prayers of the faithful were also said in various Asian languages.

Sesuraj Family

Sesuraj Family at the Asian Catholic Mass and Gathering

2 pages of photos and videos of the Asian Catholic Gathering


Tribute to newly canonized Saint Pope John Paul II


April 27, 2014
St Barbara Church at 1505 Denison in Cleveland has a large Polish American population. They celebrated the canonization of Pope John Paul II with a special service (in Polish and English) at St Barbara Church.

Processional into St Barbara Church

Processional into St Barbara Church


Photos and videos of the Polish Mass and ceremony at St Barbara Church


Mass Mob at St Barbara Church and Canonization of Popes John XXIII and John Paul II


April 27, 2014
St Barbara Church at 1505 Denison in Cleveland has a large Polish American population. Pastor Joseph Hilinski and Rev. Andrzej Panek were joined by 2 other priests at this special Mass celebrated in both Polish and English.

Cake for the canonization of Pope John XXIII

Cake for the canonization of Pope John XXIII


Photos and videos of the Polish Mass and ceremony at St Barbara Church


First Cleveland Mass Mob

Saint Casimir Church - 8223 Sowinski Ave. Cleveland
March 23, 2014
Social Media (Facebook, Twitter and others) has been used to create Flash Mobs for impromptu dance and other performances, Cash Mobs to help a small business get lots of customers and other "Mobs" to get a larger than usual group of people together for a common purpose.

Parishioner leaders from St Casimir Catholic Church in Cleveland have been active since the Church was originally closed down several years ago. Stanislav Zadnik, Joseph Feckanin, John Niadzialek, Wojtek Flezar and others organized weekly prayer vigils at the Church until it was reopened on July 15, 2012. Zadnik heard of the Mass Mob in Buffalo and spread the word to the others and, after discussing with pastor Rev. Eric Orzech, spread the news of a Catholic Mass Mob at St. Casimir Church at East 82nd and Sowinski.

Typically the 11:30 AM Sunday Mass at St Casimir would attract about 100 people but over 700 attended Mass on March 23, 2014 for the first Mass Mob in Cleveland.

Fr. Orzech  processes into the Church

Fr. Orzech processes into the Church

Photos and Videos from the Mass Mob at St Casimir.


Jesus meeting the Samaritan woman at the well

Fr. Orzech' sermon from the 3rd Sunday of Lent reflected on the Gospel account of Jesus meeting the Samaritan woman at the well. His advice is inspiring

Rev. Eric Orzech




Pilgrimage to Stop Deportation of Local Immigrant Father

Ricardo Ramos, an immigrant father of three U.S. citizen children, has been working (and paying taxes) in the nurseries of Lake County, OH for the past sixteen years. Currently, he's facing deportation on January 16th, the same day as his daughter's twelfth birthday.

St. Casimir Church in Cleveland is home to a predominantly Polish American congregation but St Casimir has become the adopted Church of Ricardo Ramos and his family. They learned of the miracles attributed to Our Lady of Czestochowa, also known as the Black Madonna.

On Monday January 13, 2014 about 100 supporters made a 20 mile pilgrimage walk in the cold and rain from Painesville to St Casimir to pray for a miracle in front of the icon of Our Lady of Czestochowa.

Ricardo Ramos family at St Casimir Church

Ricardo Ramos family at St Casimir Church


Photos and Videos from the Pilgrimage


2013

Feast of the Nativity of Mary - Indian style

St. Agnes Church in Elyria
September 28, 2013

The Asian Indian Catholic Community celebrated the birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary at St. Agnes Church in Elyria. Fr. Albert Veigas, Pastor, is from India and said that in India the Feast is one of the most celebrated and revered days of the Church calendar. It coincides with the Harvest Festival and the two are combined to make Mary's birthday even more special.

Statue of Blessed Virgin Mary - after flowers

Statue of Blessed Virgin Mary - after children brought flowers


More of Feast of the Nativity of Mary - Indian style


Interfaith Fellowship Day 2013

Myths and Mysteries in our Religions
February 4, 2013

Church Women United in Greater Cleveland is a group of women who gather together to promote the positive similarities of our faiths and accentuate the underlying oneness of the various religious groups and affiliations. This year's theme was "The Myths And Mysteries In Our Religions" and featured speakers from the following faiths: Catholic, Jewish, Lutheran, Muslim and Sikh.

Fr. Damian Ference of Borromeo Seminary spoke and explained that "stuff matters" in the Catholic faith because Jesus was incarnate not just spiritual. So the water, oil and other physical aspects of the sacraments are important.



More from Interfaith Fellowship Day 2013


Organizations and Resources for Catholic in Cleveland


The Roman Catholic Church is the world's largest Christian church, representing over half of all Christians and one-sixth of the world's population. The Cleveland Catholic Diocese is the 17th Largest Diocese in the United States.

It was founded on April 23, 1847. It covers eight counties including Cuyahoga (Cleveland), Summit (Akron), Lorain (Lorain-Elyria), Lake (Painesville), Geauga (Chardon),Medina (Medina), Wayne (Wooster) and Ashland (Ashland)- an area of 3,414 square Miles.

The 753,255 Catholics in the Diocese represent or 28% of the total 8 county population.


Diocese of Cleveland Website

Cleveland Catholic Churches - information, photos and videos

Our Lady of Lourdes Shrine and Grotto


Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto

Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto


Ursuline Sisters of Cleveland Prayer Hotline

The Ursuline Sisters have always been called on to pray for special intentions and their Prayer Line is available at (440) 449-1200, ext. 103.

You can also submit your prayer request via a form on their website.

The website Catholic Online has a searchable list of Catholic Saints and Angels. You can search by patron, cause or alphabetically. You can also see the Saint of the Day.

Ohio Right to Life

Cardinal Newman Society
To renew and strengthen Catholic identity in Catholic higher education

Essays from Emmanuel M. Carreira, S.J
Religion, God, Science, Catholicism and more explained by this Renaissance man of science and Jesuit Priest

Special Prayers from the St. Philomena Parish prayer book

Catholic Voting Information
Why is the right to life the most important political issue?

The Vatican YouTube Channel
Video coverage of the main activities of the Holy Father


Favorite Prayers of Priests, Sisters, Brothers and lay people - short videos of them reciting their favorite prayers. (See Fr Gary example below)

First page of videos of Favorite Prayers

Second Page of videos of Favorite Prayers.

Third Page of videos of Favorite Prayers.

Fourth Page of videos of Favorite Prayers.


My Favorite Prayer - by Rev. Gary Hoover, OSB



Prayer of Release

Lord give me a faith that expects greater things
Whatever I do let me give it my best
Anxious in nothing
And at peace with the premise
that when I've done all I can
You'll take care of the rest

Saint Philomena - Virgin and Martyr
Patron of Babies, Infants, and Youth. Her story and prayers

Infant Jesus of Prague Statue - Devotion and Prayers
"The more you honor me, the more I will bless you"

Submit your Cleveland Catholic organizations and resources.

Out & About Continued - More Photos and Event Recaps

2012

Creche on Cleveland's Public Square

Thanks to the Knights of Columbus for reminding us of the Reason for the Season

Knights of Columbus Nativity Christmas display in downtown Cleveland on Public Square

Knights of Columbus Nativity Christmas display in downtown Cleveland on Public Square



Mother Teresa statue unveiled

Mother Teresa founded the Missionaries of Charity, a Roman Catholic religious congregation, which in 2012 consisted of over 4,500 sisters and is active in 133 countries. Members of the order must adhere to the vows of chastity, poverty and obedience, and the fourth vow, to give "Wholehearted and Free service to the poorest of the poor".

She said, "By blood, I am Albanian. By citizenship, an Indian. By faith, I am a Catholic nun. As to my calling, I belong to the world. As to my heart, I belong entirely to the Heart of Jesus."

On September 22, 2012 a 7' tall bronze statue of the Nobel Peace Prize winner was unveiled at a ceremony attended by Albanian President Bujar Nishani.

Mother Teresa statue in Albanian Cultural Garden in Cleveland

Mother Teresa statue in Albanian Cultural Garden in Cleveland


See more of the Mother Teresa Statue


Annual Asian Mass in Cleveland

The Mass attracted Catholics from various Asian communities including Vietnamese, Chinese, Indian, Korean, Filipino, Indonesian, Sri Lankan and Bangladeshi.

Asian-American children in procession in Cleveland Mass


More from the Annual Asian Mass in Cleveland


A life saved by the Blessed Virgin

Wojtek Flezar was one of the loyal parishioners who met and prayed the rosary outside the closed St. Casimir Church in Cleveland every week for 139 weeks. On the day the church reopened he told of how the Blessed Virgin saved his life and helped open St Casimir Church again.




Senor de los Milagros - Lord of the Miracles Procession

On October 7, 2012 almost 1000 people gathered at Iglesia La Sagrada Familia Catholic Church for Mass and the Lord of the Miracles Procession. Just as many cultures celebrate The Feast of the Assumption with parades and festivals, the people of Peru celebrate The Lord of the Miracles. It is the main Catholic celebration in Peru and boasts one of the largest processions in the world.

Senor de los Milagros - Lord of the Miracles icon procession

The mural is also known as "Black Christ" or "Christ of Pachacamilla", and shows Christ enduring the unimaginable pain of the crucifixion. Below and to the right of Jesus is his mother, the Virgin Mary with her heart pierced by a sword of sorrow. To her right at the foot of the cross is St. Mary Magdalene.

See more from Procession of the Lord of the Miracles (Señor de los Milagros de Nazarenas)


Reopening Mass at St. Casimir Church

The reopening Mass at St. Casimir Church drew over 1,000 parishioners and supporters. Was it a miracle? As Father Orzech said, we can leave that for the theologians to decide but "I haven't seen anything like it happen before. Have you?"

Clergy Procession into St Casimir Catholic Church in Cleveland as it reopened

New Pastor Father Eric Orzech flanked by other clergy
and Knights of Columbus


Procession into the reopened St Casimir Church

Mass, Sermon, Holy Water, Recessional, etc. at St Casimir reopening Church

People at the Reopening and testimonials


The Diocese of Cleveland Fest

Borromeo and St Mary Seminaries
August 5, 2012

Throughout its history, The FEST has truly become a one-of-a-kind regional event. People from all over Northeast Ohio and beyond eagerly look forward to The FEST each year! The FEST began in August of 2000, where just under 5,000 people attended. Now, twelve years later, the attendance has reached 35,000!

Melissa Waclawik, Tiffany Wallace and Angelique Jones  from Ursuline

Melissa Waclawik, Tiffany Wallace and Angelique Jones
from Ursuline at the Fest


See more from the Diocese of Cleveland Fest

Last Vigil at St. Casimir Church

The last Mass held at St. Casimir Church in Cleveland was held on November 8, 2009. Starting the following Sunday, parishioners and supporters met outside the locked church to pray.

On Sunday July 8, 2012 the 139th and final street service was held. St Casimir Church will reopen on Sunday July 15, 2012.

The St Casimir group was the first to meet outside the church and never missed a week despite Cleveland's dramatic weather. They inspired 4 other church communities (St. Emeric, St. Patrick, St. Wendelin and St. James) to begin meeting in the street the following summer.

St Casimir Church supporters


Now their prayers have been answered and St Casimir Church will reopen with a Mass at 11:30AM on July 15th. The loyal group which was exiled outside for so long will be able to enter their beloved church again.

St Casimir Church in Cleveland to reopen

Many believe this to be a miracle delivered to them by the Blessed Virgin as Our Lady of Czestochowa.

Photos and Videos of the Last Vigil


Congratulations Bishop Roger W. Gries

On June 6, 2012 Bishop Gries was awarded the Sam Miller Celebration of Goodness award along with Lute Harmon Sr. and Eleanor Fanslau. Bishop Richard Lennon introduced Bishop Gries.

Bishop Roger Gries and Bishop Richard Lennon

Bishop Roger Gries and Bishop Richard Lennon


See more of Project Love - Purple America Sam Miller Celebration of Goodness


A Blessing to One Another: Pope John Paul II and the Jewish People

A Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage Exhibit featured Pope John Paul II.

Original bronze cast of the hand of Pope John Paul II

Original bronze cast of the hand of Pope John Paul II

Photo from Cleveland Plain Dealer article about Cardinal Karol Wojtilla in 1969

Cardinal Karol Wojtilla visit to Cleveland in 1969


More from A Blessing to One Another: Pope John Paul II and the Jewish People


Mother Teresa and the Indian community

On May 30, 2012, an intercultural group of people came together to raise funds for the Mother Teresa statue in the Albanian Cultural Garden as well as to meet new friends and have some fun. The event was created by immigration attorney and author Richard Herman, City Councilwoman Dona Brady and Federation Of India Community Associations of NE Ohio (FICA) president Asim Datta.

Sister Valarie Sweeney, SND

Sister Valarie Sweeney, SND gave an opening prayer


Photos & Videos from the Mother Teresa Statue event at FICA


Father Jim O'Donnell was inducted into the Cleveland International Hall of Fame in a ceremony on Wednesday May 9, 2012. Jack Kahl gave the induction speech.

Father Jim O'Donnell in the Cleveland International Hall of Fame

Photos and Video of Fr. Jim in the Hall of Fame


Right to Life Society at the 2012 St. Patrick's Day Parade
Photos and Video

Right to Life Society at Cleveland St. Patrick's Day Parade



Knights of Columbus at the 2012 St. Patrick's Day Parade
Photos and Video

Knights of Columbus at Cleveland St. Patrick's Day Parade



2011

Congratulations to Bill Jackson who served as director and coordinator of the Fr. Michael Wittman Ozanam Center at St Philomena Church. His many years of selfless service were recognized at a Mass and reception in August. As Communion of Saints Pastor John McNulty said, "The Center is a constant reminder of our obligation to reach out to those in need with the compassion of Christ. Well Done Bill!

Bill Jackson at St Philomena Church

Bill Jackson with certificates of appreciation


Speaking of Fr. McNulty, that's him (on the right) at the annual BBQ held at the St Philomena campus of Communion of Saints Parish.

St Philomena barbecue crew



St Anthony of Padua Parish in Tanzania got their ambulance

You Did it! St Anthony of Padua Parish in Tanzania got their ambulance
Lives will be saved in Father Deogratias Ruwaainenyi's home town of Mbahe,Tanzania

Saint Anthony of Padua parishioners

Saint Anthony of Padua parishioners


More of St Anthony of Padua Parish in Tanzania's ambulance


Catholics at St Patrick's Day Parade 2011

Knights of Columbus, Holy Name Society, Right to Life and more

Right to Life marchers at St Patrick's Day parade

Right to Life marchers at St Patrick's Day Parade


See Catholics at St Patrick's Day parade 2011


2010

30th Anniversary of Four Women Missionaries Killed In El Salvador on December 2, 1980

A reflection by Thérèse Osborne during a Special Commemorative Mass organised by The Archbishop Romero Trust to celebrate the lives of Sisters Maura Clarke M.M., Ita Ford M.M., Dorothy Kazel O.S.U. and lay missionary Jean Donovan, martyred in El Salvador on 2nd December 1980.

The Reflection on Dorothy Kazel and the others


Cleveland Catholic Fest 2010

Over 35,000 people came to the Center for Pastoral Leadership on Euclid Avenue in Willoughby on Sunday August 8th to participate in the Annual "Fest".

Crowds at the Catholic Fest

Crowds at the Catholic Fest


See more from the 2010 Catholic Fest


Favorite Prayers

Prayers are very personal. Sometimes a word or phrase or an entire prayer speaks to us in a special way. Here are some short videos of Cleveland people reciting (and sometimes singing!) their favorite prayers.



See more short videos of favorite prayers


Saint Patrick Church on St. Patrick's Day 2010

St. Patrick parish was founded on March 17, 1848. It is the oldest Catholic parish in Cuyahoga County.

40 year parishioner Bob Weisenseel and Bishop Pevec

40 year Saint Patrick parishioner Bob Weisenseel
and Bishop Pevec on St. Patrick's Day 2010


See photos and videos of St. Patrick Church on St. Patrick's Day 2010


2009

St. Patrick's Day Mass - East and West Side

Bishop Richard Lennon at St William's Church St. Patrick's Day 2009

Bishop Richard Lennon at St William's Church St. Patrick's Day 2009


2009 St. Patrick's Day Mass at Saint Colman
Pictures and video from this special Mass

2009 St. Patrick's Day Mass at Saint William
Celebrant Bishop Richard G. Lennon and others at Mass in Euclid


2008

2008 Catholic Fest

Over 25,000 people came to the Center for Pastoral Leadership

Sister Julie Ann Sheahan at Catholic Fest 2008

Sister Julie Ann Sheahan at Catholic Fest 2008


More from the 2008 Catholic Fest


2007

2007 Catholic Fest

Thousands of people flocked to the Center for Pastoral Leadership on Euclid Avenue in Willoughby on Sunday August 5th to participate in the 7th Annual "Fest". The Fest is a remarkable gathering of Catholics coming together with family and friends. It is a one day free event.

Girls from the Clown Ministry at the Cleveland Catholic Fest

Girls from the Clown Ministry


More from the 2007 Catholic Fest


Blessing of the Pets at St. Philomena Church

St Francis of Assisi is known as the patron saint of pets and with his feastday celebrated on October 4th, the month of October is special for pets. Many parishes hold some kind of special blessing ceremony for the pets of parishioners.

Father Chris Weber with Joan Atkian and Berner Hub

Father Chris Weber with Joan Atkian and her Berner 'Hub'


More of the 2007 Blessing of the Pets


Submit your Cleveland Catholic photos and event recaps.


Catholic History and Culture


Catholic Humor

Death Notice for Jesus Christ of Nazareth

Answer to "Why I hate religion, but love Jesus"

CatholicVote.org asks, "Did you hear about the YouTube sensation where a man named Jefferson Bethke says: “Why I hate religion, but love Jesus”? In the video Bethke asks, “What if I told you Jesus came to abolish religion?” and “Why does [religion] build huge churches, but fails to feed the poor.” He also wonders why religion can be considered good if it’s started so many wars.

Of course, these are the same tired arguments we’ve all heard leveled against the Catholic Church for generations. But tragically, Bethke uses his great skills as a poet and video artist to make these stale arguments fresh and persuasive to a new generation of Americans.

These clever, but illogical and false critiques of the Church cannot go unanswered. Our friends at Spirit Juice Studios put together a response that is sensational. And we just had to share it with you."




Submit your Cleveland Catholic cultural items.


Profiles of Catholic in Cleveland and Northeast Ohio

Sister Ann Patrick Adams
From Superior to Seoul, Sister Ann Teaches & Serves

Sister Mary Assumpta
Batting 1.000 for Seniors

Helen Bacon
This Nurse's Charity began at Home
but extends to the World

Gloria Karpinski Battisti
A soulful woman finding solutions in a troubled world

Barb Brown
A Life of Fate and Faith

Sister Maureen Burke
In the "habit" of leading young women

Emmanuel Carreira SJ, PhD
Renaissance Man of Philosophy and Light

Dr. Ted Castele
TV's first News Doctor made over a billion house calls

Bob Cerminara
Well Dressed and Well Respected

Mary Ann Corrigan Davis
Survivor leaves business world for the school she loves

Larry Dolan
Baseball has always been his game

Virgil Dominic
He recognized his destiny and shared its blessings

Mike Douglas
Ground-breaking Talk Show host and Class Act

Dick Dugan
From ink to paper to smiles

John Feighan
Spreading good will from Moriartys to Murray Hill

Mary Fitzpatrick
Overcame tragedy through Faith, Family & Friends

Margie Flynn
Doing Well by Doing Good

Diane Karpinski
The Appealing Judge of the Court of Appeals

Helen Karpinski
Pioneer for Women in Politics

Dorothy Kazel, OSU
Sister Dorothy was murdered while doing missionary work in El Salvador

Sandy Lesko
Cleveland's Communications Pro

Dino Lucarelli
Love of, and Loved By, the Cleveland Browns

Fr. John McCarthy
Around the World by Rail and Sail

Gerald McFaul
Cleveland's own Marshall Dillon

John Murphy
That Smiling Irishman

Ed Mugridge
From Cape Town to Zanzibar to Trinidad to Cleveland!

Doris O'Donnell
Front-Page Girl

Nacy Panzica
Family is Cornerstone to Builder's Success

Gino Paoloni
He brings good things to life

Robert Prohaska
From Pollywog to a real 'Pro"

Sam Rutigliano
A Coach of Football - and of Life

Claire Schmidt
A WAVE and a Lady

Mercedes Karpinski Spotts
Tending to the business of the courts, community and family

Ralph Tarsitano
Picture Perfect from Collinwood


If you know of a Cleveland Catholic person who should be profiled,
please let us know.
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