A sellout crowd of nearly 500 people flocked to the Marriott in downtown Cleveland on Oct. 12 for a gala culminating the celebration of the 175th anniversary of the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, the mother church of the Diocese of Cleveland.
Prior to the gala, Auxiliary Bishop Michael Woost celebrated the vigil Mass in the cathedral.
“We are gathered to celebrate a sign of this church’s history,” he told those attending the Mass. The bishop noted the significance of the event and the cathedral’s importance in the history of the city of Cleveland, the diocese and the Catholic Church.
Reflecting on the readings, Bishop Woost said a rich man asked Jesus what he must do to get to heaven. Although he had many worldly possessions, the man had a sense of emptiness and longed for something more.
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Jesus told him to follow the commandments, which the man said he had done. He then told the man to sell his worldly belongings and to follow him. “He told the man, ‘Don’t be burdened by what’s holding you back, by wordly stuff,’” the bishop said. However, the man was conflicted and couldn’t do what Jesus asked, “so he walked away sad.” Bishop Woost explained that the man’s possessions were his security.
“Jesus asked him to trust in his discipleship. He could have found a source of security and wealth in Jesus by trusting him … God alone satisfies the deepest desires of our hearts,” the bishop said.
“No one who has given up everything to follow Jesus will be disappointed. He tells us he will provide for us now and in the hereafter. God can satisfy the deepest desires of our hearts if we are willing to listen,” Bishop Woost said.
The black tie optional gala included about 150 raffle items in a silent auction, music, dancing and dinner.
Father Sean Ralph, cathedral rector, welcomed guests and introduced Bishop Edward Malesic, who expressed his gratitude for those who worked to build up the Church of Cleveland and those who continue to support it. He also offered grace before dinner.
Father John Manning, a retired seminary professor, shared some diocesan history with gala attendees as they enjoyed dinner. There also was a slide show with highlights of cathedral history.
After dinner, guests mingled, enjoyed desserts and had a chance to bid on the silent auction items which included things like a private tour of the cathedral, sports-themed packages, children’s items, packages from local restaurants and businesses and a stay at a manor in Ireland.
Click here to learn more about the cathedral and its history.