“This beautiful cathedral is a statement in stone that we are here to stay and it is a visible reminder of the Church’s mission,” said Bishop Edward Malesic.
His remarks came during a Mass on Oct. 20 that brought to a close the yearlong celebration of the 175th anniversary of the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, the mother church of the Diocese of Cleveland. The diocese celebrated its 175th anniversary the previous year and a gala marking the cathedral’s anniversary took place on Oct. 12.
The Sunday liturgy featured additional musicians and vocalists for the occasion. Concelebrating the Mass were Auxiliary Bishop Michael Woost and Father Sean Ralph, cathedral rector.
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When Bishop Amadeus Rappe, the first bishop of Cleveland, began leading the new diocese in 1847, one of his first decisions was where to locate the cathedral. He selected a site that was in an undeveloped area of the city, Bishop Malesic said. However, as the city grew, the area around the cathedral became a hub. Today, East Ninth Street and Superior Avenue – where the cathedral remains – is a busy area of downtown Cleveland.
“The city moved in around the cathedral,” the bishop said. “You can’t drive down East Ninth Street without seeing the spire of the cathedral.”
And that spire, which points to heaven is a symbol that points us to God, he added. “It encourages us to look up,” the bishop said, “much like the beautiful, painted ceilings inside the cathedral do.”
He reminded the faithful at the liturgy that the cathedral was built by immigrants and poor people who wanted a sign of their Catholic faith. “This cathedral is a visible sign of the Church’s mission. Just as this cathedral is built of brick and mortar, we should be reminded that we are a living Church. We are its living stones,” the bishop said.
He told the congregation that the altar is the most important table in the diocese. “It reminds us as we gather that we are a family. We may not always agree, but we are a family united with Jesus. We welcome both cathedral parishioners and visitors.”
Reflecting on the day’s Gospel, Bishop Malesic said two of Jesus’ disciples, James and John, pulled Jesus aside. One wanted to sit on his left side, the other on the right, as a sign of power and favor with the Lord. Jesus asked them if they could drink of the same cup as him and be baptized like him, referring to his eventual sacrifice for the salvation of mankind.
“Jesus lived a life of service to the very end,” the bishop said. “Glory will only come after the cross. We must pick up our crosses,” he said. “Jesus lived for others, not for himself. He gave his life for us. If we live for others and put God first and foremost, our reward will be great in heaven. The Gospel proclaimed in this cathedral is meant to strengthen our resolve to follow Jesus.”
The bishop said we must live our lives with those thoughts in mind as we strive to be the best priest, deacon, religious sister, husband, wife, father, mother or whatever our vocation might be.
He also offered thanks to all who came before us for their efforts in building up the Church in Cleveland.
“And thank you to all who continue to make this cathedral a place of worship and service,” he added.
After Mass, all were invited to a reception in the Gallagher Family Courtyard outside the cathedral.
Learn more about the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist and take a virtual tour by clicking here.