Bishop Edward Malesic got a warm welcome from the faithful at Our Lady of Angels Parish in Cleveland’s West Park neighborhood when he celebrated the closing Mass for the parish’s 100th jubilee on Dec. 3.
“For 100 years, this parish has stood as a testament to the love, mercy, joy, compassion and truth of Jesus Christ and his Church,” said Father Rob Ramser, whom the bishop appointed last summer as parish administrator. “Countless souls have come to know and experience the truth of the Holy Trinity and the power of faith through the parishioners who have made up the mosaic of our parish family. You are all part of that mosaic; part of our spiritual heritage that sustains you into our next century of service,” Father Ramser said.
(See photo gallery above.)
He recalled the earliest days of the parish when it was a small chapel on the dirt road that now is busy Rocky River Drive, noting it has been a place to gather in sorrow and joy “with hearts heavy and repentant and with hope in the promises of Jesus Christ. Our Franciscan forbearers laid a strong foundation of faith for so many in the neighborhood and beyond. Their work of caring for the needs of parishioners and training the future generation of brothers and priests in formation has rooted us firmly in the mercy of God. We thank the loving Father for their spiritual legacy and pray they continue to watch over and guide us on our earthly pilgrimage,” Father Ramser said.
“As we walk into our next 100 years as the parish family of Our Lady of Angels, we do so standing on the shoulders of so many parishioners who laid a rich groundwork and faith, hope, sacrifice and love,” he added.
Bishop Malesic pointed out the pectoral cross he was wearing that night, noting it was borrowed from the diocesan archives and had belonged to Bishop Joseph Schrembs who was the diocesan shepherd in 1922, when the parish was established.
Father Ramser also pointed out the centennial closing Mass occurred on the 100thanniversary of the installation of the first pastor, Father Columban Valentin, OFM. The Franciscans administered the parish until 1987, when the diocese assumed control. Since then, there have been three pastors: the late Father John Cregan, 1987-2010; Father Jerome Duke, 2010-2013; and the late Father Russell Lowe.
Concelebrants for the liturgy were connected to the parish or to Father Ramser. Father Dan Reed, a son of OLA and pastor of St. Martin of Tours Parish in Valley City; Father John Chlebo, former OLA administrator and pastor of St. Christopher Parish in Rocky River; Father Michael Lanning, a son of the parish and pastor of nearby St. Angela Merici Parish in Fairview Park, where Father Ramer served previously; Father Eric Orzech, pastor of St. Stanislaus Parish in Cleveland’s Slavic Village, Father Ramser’s home parish; Father John Carlin, a West Park native and pastor of St. Charles Borromeo Parish in Parma; and Father Josh Cochrac, parochial vicar at St. Charles. OLA Deacon Mark Yantek assisted.
Father Lanning was the homilist. He reflected on the rich history of the parish and its deep Franciscan roots. He also noted that Father Ramser ministered with him at St. Angela’s “Until he got ‘the call’” appointing him as OLA administrator.
“I am happy to be here with our shepherd (Bishop Malesic) and your new shepherd (Father Ramser),” Father Lanning said.
He told the congregation when OLA was established as a parish, Cleveland was one of the 10 largest cities in the country. He also noted the seeds of faith that were planted in the West Park area, mentioning the Franciscans who had a monastery on the OLA property, the Sisters of St. Joseph, located just down the street with their motherhouse and Saint Joseph Academy (1890), and the Poor Clares who also are located just down the street.
“The Sisters of St. Joseph paved the way, along with the Poor Clare Colettines. The Franciscans were smart and followed the women,” he quipped.
At first, the Franciscans had a chapel for the monastery. In 1906, they opened seminary and renamed the chapel after Our Lady of Angels. There were about 100 friars on site. As the community grew, requests were made of Bishop Schrembs to establish a parish, which he did.
“It’s time to look ahead, not back,” Father Lanning said.
He noted the new church was dedicated on Dec. 8, 1941 – the day after the bombing of Pearl Harbor.
After the Franciscans left the parish, the old monastery was converted to Franciscan Village, a senior citizen apartment facility.
With Advent at its midpoint, Father Lanning said it is a time of hope and a time to build on the gifts of the past. “You are the gifts at this time,” he told the parishioners.
After Mass, Bishop Malesic also offered some remarks, saying he had heard many wonderful things about the parish community. He also reflected on the rich history of the parish and school and noted the strong connection Father Cregan had to the safety forces and first responders, many of whom lived in West Park.
“Let’s remember all first responders and pray for them as they protect us. We also should remember Cleveland Firefighter Johnny Tetrick (who was killed in the line of duty the previous week),” the bishop said. He also prayed for the soul of Father Lowe who died recently.
“You have a new pastor who has brought a youthful perspective and a spirit of hope to OLA … this is a loving, caring parish which is a tribute to you and those who went before you,” the bishop said, adding it is a Christ-centered community, a place of worship, service and education.
“Don’t let the walls get in your way,” he told the congregation, urging them to take Jesus outside into the community and reminding them to be thankful for the gift of their parish.
After Mass, the bishop greeted parishioners and guests before moving to Linus Hall (named after the second pastor, Father Linus Koenemund, OFM, 1923-1954) for a reception and a presentation on the parish’s history.
Click here for more information on Our Lady of Angels Parish.