Bishop Nelson Perez continues his mission to meet the faithful as he celebrates Masses in all corners of the Diocese of Cleveland.
On Sept. 26, he was the celebrant at a Mass for 25 parishes in the Cleveland Central West and Cleveland Northwest districts. Priests were invited to a dinner and social that was hosted by St. Augustine Parish in Tremont before they headed to St. Ignatius for the liturgy. Hundreds of people attended the liturgy in the grand, old church on a steamy night. The bishop was welcomed by Father Michael Troha, St. Ignatius pastor.
?Wow! What a beautiful church,? the bishop remarked. ?They don?t build them like this anymore,? he said, as he admired the stained-glass windows, marble accents and other distinctive features in the historic church building.
?It?s wonderful to be here with all of you in this stunning church,? he said.
The Mass was interpreted for the deaf by a signer using American Sign Language.
?I learned a few things from him,? Bishop Perez said, as he mirrored the signer saying ?I?m happy to be here.?
He acknowledged the priests, expressing gratitude for all they do.
?My parish pastor was very important to me and my vocation. At my ordination, he vested me and I invited him to my installation,? Bishop Perez said. ?He?s in his 80s and I looked for him, but didn?t see him so I thought maybe he couldn?t come. But then I saw him. He was there and that was very important to me.?
The bishop said one time as a parish priest, he asked fourth-graders how you discover God?s will. ?What was I thinking? I didn?t even know the answer,? he said. ?Then one girl said, ?You just listen.? It hit me like a ton of bricks. She was absolutely right.?
?So why are we here tonight?? he asked the congregation. ?You could be home watching the Indians play baseball
