Historic St. Elizabeth of Hungary Parish in Cleveland?s Buckeye neighborhood, once a thriving Hungarian community, marked its 125th anniversary with a Mass and celebration on Oct. 15. A delegation of representatives from Hungary attended the celebration. The entrance procession included representatives of parish and cultural organizations, many in traditional Hungarian garb, as well as members of the Hungarian Scouts.
Bishop Nelson Perez was the celebrant. Concelebrants included Auxiliary Bishop emeritus Roger Gries, Benedictine Abbot Gary Hoover and Father Andras Antal, parish administrator.
?It is truly an honor to be here,? Bishop Perez said, ?especially for such a significant anniversary. In a particular way, we are bringing together the entire Hungarian community as we celebrate this joyful mystery and our faith.?
The Mass included both Hungarian and English prayers, readings and music.
In his homily, Bishop Gries, who attended and later was a teacher and principal at nearby Benedictine High School, talked about the rich history of Hungarians in Cleveland and the role that St. Elizabeth Parish played.
He said after the parish was established in 1892, a chapel was built, and then as the congregation grew, ?this magnificent church was built.? He said the parish school at one time had about 800 students, with many of the boys opting to attend Benedictine.
?The Hungarians are a beautiful people, a wonderful, religious people,? Bishop Gries said. ?We gather around this altar to celebrate Mass and then will have a banquet. We are nurtured, nourished here by the sacrifice of Christ. When we eat a big banquet, it becomes a part of us. It?s the same thing with the Mass
