“You are so special to me and to those you love,” Bishop Edward Malesic told a group of St. Augustine Manor residents during a visit to the facility on Feb 8. They group had gathered in the chapel to pray the rosary. The Manor is part of St. Augustine Health Ministries, a Catholic Charities agency that provides home health care, assisted living, skilled nursing and rehabilitation, long-term care, hospice and more. (See photo gallery above.)
He promised them they would be in his prayers and asked that they also pray for him.
“Show us what it’s like to be close to Jesus,” the bishop said, reminding them that Jesus won’t forget them. “You are close to the heart of the Church in Cleveland,” he added.
While the elderly and sick may feel lonely, Bishop Malesic said Jesus is always with them. In last Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus was in the boat with Peter and was telling him where to fish.
“He is in the boat with you, too. You can always talk to Jesus. He never shuts down and he always hears your prayers,” the bishop said.
He connected with the group, telling them that his father, who is 104, lives in an assisted living facility in Pennsylvania. They talk frequently and the bishop said his father prays for him,
“I know you are special. I am here to say hello and to let you know that I love you,” he said, encouraging them to pick up their cross and follow Jesus, wherever he may lead them. He said it’s important to continue moving forward, even if that means moving ahead in a wheelchair.
“Thank you also to your caretakers, volunteers, the nurses and health professionals who bring Jesus to you in a special way. We are all part of the same body,” he added.
The bishop offered a special blessing for the residents’ rosaries and showed them his. “I always carry a sturdy rosary in my pocket,” he said, pulling it out to show them. The group stayed in the chapel after his visit to pray the rosary.
Bishop Malesic filmed a short video as part of the soon-to-launch 2022 Catholic Charities Annual Appeal.
In addition, Patrick Gareau, president and CEO, Catholic Charities, Diocese of Cleveland, guided the bishop on a brief tour of the agency’s administrative offices before his visit ended.