Sixty-three members of religious communities in the Diocese of Cleveland — including one bishop, eight priests, two brothers and 52 sisters — were recognized on April 22 for significant years of service to the Church.
The jubilarians were honored during a Mass celebrated by Bishop Edward Malesic in Sacred Heart Chapel at the Center for Pastoral Leadership in Wickliffe. Each received a blessed Divine Mercy image from the bishop. The celebration continued with a luncheon after the liturgy.
There were a dozen concelebrants, including Auxiliary Bishop Michael Woost and Father Justin Dyrwal, OSB, one of the jubilarians. Auxiliary Bishop emeritus Roger Gries, OSB, also a jubilarian, was unable to attend due to another commitment.
(See above for a photo gallery from the event.)
“I am so glad to be here with you today,” Bishop Malesic told the jubiliarians. “We’re also glad our seminarians can be here with us. You’ve been an example for them over the years. And despite the rain this morning, you’re making my day very bright.”
The bishop noted that in the day’s Scripture readings, Stephen was chosen as the first deacon which enabled the disciples to continue Jesus’ work, much like the vowed religious who have ministered in the diocese and beyond for decades in diverse ministries such as teaching, hospital work, assisting the poor and incarcerated.
“You’re special to me and the Church. You have given witness to your vows of chastity and obedience and represent many years of striving for perfection in your discipleship. Thank you for never giving up on the race. There’s glory ahead at the finish line,” he reminded the group.
“What does a Christian look like?” he asked, as he scanned the jubiliarians. “You remind us and you lift us up.”
He recalled one religious order in his previous diocese in Greensburg, Pennsylvania that had the charism of smiling. They wanted to be like Christ who brings us joy, he said.
“You are powerhouses of prayer. Thank you, also, for the prayers you offer on my behalf as a fellow disciple. Never doubt the energy you give. The Holy Spirit links us together in our prayers. People appreciate you and yes, they love you. On behalf of the 600,000-plus people in the Diocese of Cleveland, I congratulate you,” the bishop said. “And on behalf of the poor and all those you have helped, we offer our thanks for all you do.”
He noted that religious life is changing, but the Lord remains a steadfast rock on which they continue to build.
“To all of you, happy anniversary,” he said.
The bishop told the group that during his 36 years of priesthood he was influenced by several vowed religious. “God has a plan for each of us. We’re not here by accident,” he said.
“Think back to when you were called to religious life and the community to which you were called. It was like finding your home. It was an apostolate you wanted to share. The people in your community and those whom you have served have strengthened you beyond what you dreamed of or thought was possible,” the bishop said.
But he noted “people are people, even in religious life. Some may drive you nuts sometimes, while others inspire you,” he quipped. “Some I have to find patience with and others have to have patience with me, but they inspire me.”
Bishop Malesic called the Gospel story of St. Stephen, the first deacon, brings to mind the ordination the previous Saturday (April 15) of Deacon Michael Garvin who was assisting at the Mass. “The Spirit always provides for the Church and will not fail you.”
Pope Francis uses the terms synodality and accompaniment, two words the bishop said he likes and that are applicable to the jubilarians through their ministries.
“Think of those you have nursed back to health, those you have taught, those on the margins that you have helped. Oh, the people you’ve accompanied. It’s more than you know. Jesus is with us through you,” he said.
Recalling the witness given by Borromeo Seminary senior Billy Reed at the recent Bishop’s Brunch, Bishop Malesic said as he spent time in Jesus’ presence, Reed questioned what Jesus did all day in the tabernacle.
“He was surprised to hear him say, ‘I wait for you.’ You have inspired many. You should help wake up the world. And we need to wake up. You show us what Jesus wants from us: to follow his call to discipleship and holiness. He wants us to be saints. That’s the goal. You give daily witness to Jesus, who died, rose from the dead ad lives again among us. You are the living examples of that,” the bishop told the group, “even if you’re no longer in active ministry. You still give witness through prayer and presence.”
Father Dan Schlegel, vicar for clergy and religious in the diocese, also thanked the jubilarians for their many years of service and inspiration.
Sister Mary Alice Mrema, CDNK, delegate for religious, helped organize the celebration and called the names of each jubilarian as the bishop presented them with their blessed memento.
This year’s jubilarians (not all of whom could attend the celebration), their religious congregations and years professed are:
Religious sisters
75 years: Sister Hope Greener, CSJ; Sister Loretta Schulte, CSJ; Sister Frances Ellsperman, OP; Sister Patricia Dippel, OSU; Sister Regina Alfonso, SND; Sister Marian Coughlin, SND; Sister Alice Chmura, SSJ-TOSF; Sister Ann Koszarek, SSJ-TOSF; Sister Alice Trebatowski, SSJ-TOSF; and Sister Barbara Jean Peplinski, SSJ-TOSF.
70 years: Sister Mary Dennis Maher, CSA; Sister Kathleen Kilbane, CSA; Sister Rita Makert, CSJ; Sister Joan Zinn, OP; Sister Janet Moore, OSU; Sister Mary Julie Rose Keck, SND; Sister Juliemarie McDonald, SND; Sister Mary John Albert Thiry, SND; Sister Jean Rene Mlodzikowski, SND; Sister Denis Seymour, SSJ-TOSJ; and Sister Elizabeth Koszareck, SSJ-TOSF.
60 years: Sister Marie Therese Courtad, CSJ; Sister Carmela, Chojnacki, FDC; Sister Leonarda Nowak, FDC; Sister Mary Beth Marquard, HM; Sister Kathleen McIntyre, HM; Sister Anne Victory, HM; Sister Mary Jean Raymond, OSU; Sister Linda Martin, OSU; Sister Mary Etienne Balek, OSU; Sister Elizabeth Ann Sheahan, SIW; Sister Elizabeth Cooper, SIW; Sister Mary Annete Adams, SND; Sister Mary Anne Burke, SND; Sister Mary Barbara Klodt, SND; Sister Mary Roseanna Mellert, SND; Sister Mary Joanne Miller, SND; Sister Mary Constance Przybylski, SND; Sister Marilyn Schiller, SND; Sister Maureen Spillane, SND; Sister Mary Louise Teckman, SND; Sister Mary Ann Hvizda, SND; Sister Mary Jean Vovk, SND; and Sister Mary Alice Jarosz, SSJ-TOSF.
50 years: Sister Maria Viatoria, OCD; Sister Cynthia Glavac, OSU; Sister Kathryn Mary O’Brien, OSU; Sister Mary Janet Lee Helphrey, SND; Sister Mary Charlotte Hobelman, SND; and Sister Eileen Marie Quinlan, SND.
25 years: Sister Mary Joseph Alice, PCPA.
Religious men
60 years: Bishop Roger Gries, OSB; and Father Thomas Acker, SJ.
50 years: Father Allan DaCorte, OFM; Father Michael Arkins, SSS; Father Michael Vincent, SJ; and Brother Allen Boeckman, SSS
25 years: Father Paschal Petcavage, OSB; Father Justin Dyrwal, OSB; Father Paul O’Connor, SJ; Father Gregory Hyde, SJ; and Brother Matthew Levis, O de M.