There’s no place like home.
Tens of thousands of people proved that as they flocked to the Center for Pastoral Leadership in Wickliffe on Aug. 7 for The FEST 2022. “Homecoming: Take Hope Home” was the theme for the daylong celebration of faith, family and fun.
(See photo gallery above.)
“Our prayer is that this day will inspire and stir a deep sense of hope in God’s abiding presence in your life and in our community,” said Father Bob Stec, FEST founder and pastor of St. Ambrose Parish in Brunswick. “We need the hope that comes from the Lord. WE need to hear – again and again – of God’s promise to walk with us in good days and in challenging times. We need FEST 2022 to renew our spirit and fill our hearts with the hope of the Lord. Even more, we need to take hope home,” he added.
People began arriving at the CPL campus hours before the gates opened at noon. Friendly volunteers from across the eight-county Diocese of Cleveland helped set up for the event, greet attendees, guide them to parking spots, shuttle them around the grounds, staffed booths, sold food, coordinated stage changes between acts, set up for Mass and helped clean up after the event.
The weather was hot and steamy, but FEST attendees were ready with cold drinks, sunscreen, blankets, lawn chairs and umbrellas to shield them from the sun. Those umbrellas proved useful as rain pelted the crowd a couple of times during the day, causing short delays in the entertainment. But the crowd patiently weathered the storm and cheered when the bands resumed play.
Five major Christian artists performed this year: Rhett Walker, Micah Taylor, We The Kingdome, Phil Wickham and Crowder, as well as local entertainment. Stilt walkers roamed the grounds to the delight of attendees. Children enjoyed a petting zoo and Dr. U.R. Bubbles, the Wickliffe High School drumline, Jasmine Dragon Acrobats, Lake Catholic cheerleaders, Hispanic dancers, aerialists, acrobat and Djapo Cultural Arts performed.
FEST merchandise was sold to help attendees spread the word about the event.
The rosary was prayed hourly. Deacons were on hand to offer family blessings. Brown Scapulars were available. Priests were ready to hear confessions throughout the day. Bishop Edward was among those hearing confessions and leading the rosary. He also blessed rosaries. Adoration took place throughout the day in Sacred Heart Chapel. Information about various religious orders, vocations, Catholic schools and colleges, service organizations like the Knights of Columbus and other groups was available in tents scattered across the spacious CPL campus.
In addition, the bishop visited with attendees and found time to record some remarks for the Question of Faith podcast hosted by Father Damian Ference, diocesan vicar for evangelization and director of Parish Life ad Special Ministries, and Mike Hayes, director of Young Adult Ministry for the diocese.
Father Don Bosco, a priest from India, returned for a 10th year to attend The FEST and bring awareness to his ministry in India where he coordinates, encourages and empowers religious sisters there to help break the cycle of poverty for young girls and to end human trafficking.
The Marc’s Mom’s Station featured prizes for moms. The Man Cave had games, speakers and prizes. A variety of vendors offered information about their businesses and services.
But the highlight of the day was the closing Mass, celebrated by Bishop Malesic and a host of concelebrants. Dozens of priests and deacons participated in the liturgy, processing through the crowd as they joined the bishop and The FEST Choir on stage for the Mass.
The bishop noted a large, Cascade dishwashing detergent inflatable and told the crowd that sometimes he uses the product to clean dishes. “I’m not a salesman for that product,” he said, “but I’m not afraid to be a salesman for Jesus who washes our souls, takes away the stains and makes then sparkling clean,” he said, as the crowd applauded enthusiastically.
In the homily, Father Stec compared the excitement of a high school homecoming to The FEST, noting the high point is selecting a king and queen.
“Who’s our king? Yes, it’s Jesus,” he said. “Every day we choose Jesus as our king. How can a day be bad if we meet and are with him?” he asked. “If we choose to follow him, as king, we choose to develop a kingdom with mercy, compassion and no war. We allow God to enter our lives and we’ll be working for a better world now and forever.”
As FEST attendees return home, Father Stec asked them to do three things: to consciously choose Jesus; to look to Mary, our queen, who opened her heart to the Lord and intercedes for us; and to take the hopefulness and joy of the day home to remind them of the event, “until we meet again next year.” Throughout the day FEST attendees were reminded to “take hope home” by signs posted around the grounds. They featured suggestions like being kind to people, greeting them with a smile, offering them a blessing and more.
After Mass, the crowd enjoyed a fireworks display before heading home.
“We’ll see you back here on Aug. 6, 2023,” Father Stec said.
Click here for more information on The FEST.
Members of The FEST Core Team include Caitlin Arbogast, Kailey Baca, Jake Bihari, Tom Bonezzi, Christie Cereshko, Perpetua Fischer, Louise Formica, Helen Lanzarotta, Rafe Lewis, Patrick McDonald, Kevin McBride and Father Stec.
Major sponsors include Marc’s, Sherwood Food Distributors, Dole. Barons Bus Lines and P&G.