Bishop Nelson Perez shared impressions of his first seven months in Cleveland before a lunch crowd of about 200 people at The City Club of Cleveland?s Friday Forum on April 13. His presentation was part of the Local Heroes series.
The bishop?s 30-minute presentation was sprinkled with humor, history, wisdom and advice.
He began by recapping his journey to the priesthood, recalling that as a child, he only attended Catholic school for a few years. However, he was mesmerized by what took place at the altar during Mass and wanted to be a part of it, but wasn?t invited.
Then one day, he followed the priest and servers to the sacristy, dressed and followed them to the altar. ?I?ll never forget the look on the priest?s face when he saw me. He said, ?Who are you?? And I told him I was one of his altar servers. ?I guess you are,? he said, and that?s how I became a bishop,? he said, as the audience laughed.
Bishop Perez was reflective as he recounted some of the famous people who addressed The City Club, including presidents, famous athletes and other key historical figures. ?I?m just the bishop of Cleveland. But believe me, when I wake up at 5:30 and look in the mirror, I don?t see the bishop; I just see Nelson and sometimes I look like I should go back to bed,? he quipped.
As he scanned the room, the bishop said he was happy to see so many young people in the audience. ?You are our future,? he said. Students from Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin School, St. Martin de Porres and St. Ignatius high schools were in attendance.
He also mentioned the weekend events happing in town, including the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony, the Cleveland International Film Festival and Indians and Cavaliers games.
?The people are profoundly warm and welcoming in Cleveland,? he remarked,
