Hundreds of parishioners, family and friends of Father Ryan Mann filled the pews at St. Basil the Great Church in Brecksville the evening of Aug. 22 for his installation as pastor of the parish where he has been serving as administrator for the past two years. While the faithful gathered, they were greeted by music played by friend Tanis Merimee and her string quartet as members of the parish council and parish staff distributed worship aids and prayer cards specially designed for the installation Mass, which took place on the memorial of the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Prior to celebrating the 7 p.m. Mass, Bishop Edward Malesic prayed over Father Mann, who pledged his loyalty to the Church and signed series of documents making his appointment official. Nate Menkhaus and Matt Wasinski, two men entering the seminary from St. Basil Life Teen, and Lucas Torres, who is discerning the seminary, served as witnesses.
(See photo gallery above.)
As Mass began, more than 30 priests, deacons, religious brothers and seminarians joined the processional into the church. Bishop Malesic greeted the faithful with a smile and asked, “Should we keep him?” The response was applause and cheering. Click here to view a recording of the livestreamed liturgy.
Principal concelebrants included Father Jack Carlin, pastor of St. Charles Borromeo Parish in Parma; Father Barry Gearing, pastor of St. John Neumann Parish in Strongsville; and Father Walt Jenne, retired pastor of St. Basil. Father Mann thanked each of them for shepherding him during time spent at those parishes in his previous assignments.
During his homily, Father Mann expressed how deeply humbled he felt and what a privilege it was to share this special moment not only with members of the parish, but those who traveled from across the diocese and even out of state to support his new ministry as pastor. As he scanned the crowd, he admitted feeling a sense of surprise and abundant love.
“The best joy of my life is being a priest in Cleveland,” he said. Father Mann also thanked his fellow priests, many of whom attended the Mass, for their support and friendship.
Father Mann also reflected on the Gospel reading from St. Luke as it relates to walking with God. The day Gospel told the story of when the angel Gabriel was sent from God to share with Mary the news that she will have a son. He explained how God leads us into our limits so that he can provide.
“A mark of God’s call in a person’s life is when he asks you to do something you didn’t believe you could do,” he said. Father Mann continued by explaining that when a person moves out of the uncomfortable and into what the Lord is calling them to do, it may feel simultaneously exciting and challenging.
After the homily, Bishop Malesic formally installed Father Mann. He was presented to parish council and finance council. Father Mann also recited the oath and led the faithful in the profession of faith.
Dominick Farinacci, a trumpeter and jazz musician who is a friend of Father Mann, traveled from New York to play a moving rendition of the Ave Maria as an instrumental reflection after Communion.
Before giving the final blessing, Bishop Malesic shared heartfelt remarks with Father Mann and the congregation. Bishop Malesic thanked the family of Fr. Mann in attendance, including his mother.
“What a beautiful Mass,” he said. “This parish knows how to worship God. What an energetic proclamation of the Gospel. Thank you for welcoming me,” the bishop said.
“A good pastor is a man that knows Jesus and points the way to him. The best pastor is able to find Jesus in his people. Support Father Ryan’s vocation as pastor. Take care of him and stretch him beyond his limits as he leads people to heaven,” the bishop added.
All were invited to a dessert reception in the parish’s family life center after Mass where Bishop Malesic and Father Mann greeted guests and posed for photos.
St. Basil parish was established in 1960. Father Mann is the fourth pastor. He replaces Father Jenne who retired in August 2020.
Special thanks and photo credit: Shari Jordan