On June 14, 1953, Archbishop Edward Hoban dedicated Alverna Rest Home in Parma.
Now called Mount Alverna Village, the ministry of healing was founded by the Franciscan Sisters of Chicago who remain as the sponsor.
The facility’s roots can be traced to 1946, when the sisters (formerly known as the Franciscan Sisters of Blessed Kunegunda) responded to then-Bishop Hoban’s request to house and care for 14 aged women who had survived a fire at Jennings Hall in Garfield Heights. The sisters opened their home on Terrace Road in East Cleveland to care for them.
The bishop met with Mother M. Jerome Dadej, superior general of the order, requesting that they consider the ministry in the Diocese of Cleveland. In gratitude, he offered the sisters land in Parma to build a home for the aged.
Construction began in 1951 and the new facility was dedicated two years later.
Bishop Edward Malesic visited what now is called Mount Alverna Village, 6765 State Road, Parma, on Aug. 12 to celebrate a liturgy of praise and thanksgiving in celebration of 70 years of loving care.
Patrick Welsh, executive director, welcomed the bishop and noted that Mount Alverna Village has continuously provided its residents with daily Mass and the sacraments throughout its 70-year history. “Today, we express our gratitude and honor our spiritual partners in ministry who currently and regularly enable us to provide for the spiritual needs of our residents,” he added.
Sister Joseph Marie Zenda, FSC who works closely with the staff and residents, also was celebrating 60 years with the Franciscan Sisters of Chicago.
“The presence of God goes forth in this place to the residents and those who serve them,” the bishop said. “It is a great privilege to gather with you today.”
Reflecting on the readings and the Gospel, the bishop said Elijah sought God in the strong wind, the earthquake and fire, but couldn’t find him, but he found the Lord in a whispering sound. At World Youth Day, the pope said it’s important to have silence in our lives. “We have to find God in the silence,” he said, as a loud clap of thunder boomed outside the chapel and a downpour began.
“Who planned this homily?” the bishop asked, laughing. “God comes to us in the ordinary, in a stable in Bethlehem. We’re here because God wills it. He loves us into heaven and sustains us. But we also encounter God in the storms of our lives like marital problems, difficulties at work, problems with our children, etc. Jesus is there with us just as he was with Peter in the tempest.”
God is with us in the silence and in the storm, he said.
Reflecting on his father’s long life – he died last year at age 104 – he said aging hurts, but promised it would be temporary, noting, “Jesus will be in the boat with us. The Holy Father wants us to remember that sickness and other troubles bring us closer to God.”
Bishop Malesic said as the 70th anniversary of Mount Alverna Village is celebrated, “We remember those who have passed through the doors and the current residents and their families. Jesus walks with you and all of us. Let us also pray for the care team members who dedicate their lives to the residents and for the Franciscan Sisters of Chicago. This work is crucial. You don’t often get the affirmation you deserve. This place is important. It’s not just bricks and mortar but what’s inside. Remember the words of Jesus when he said, ‘Whatsoever you do for one of these, you do for me. That’s why we’re here,” the bishop added.
“Mount Alverna Village is a beacon at the top of State Road hill. You are a spirited group and we can see evidence of the Franciscans here. May God continue to bless all of you.”
After Mass, residents, staff and guests were invited to a reception in the Frankino Life Enrichment Center and entertainment by the Cleveland Letter Carriers Band.