“We come today in thanksgiving and gratitude for people like you who inspire us to become our better selves,” Bishop Edward Malesic told the nearly 300 people who gathered Nov. 24 at the Center for Pastoral Leadership. The occasion was the annual Deo Gratias Day of Recognition.
The event honors those who generously donate to Catholic Charities, Diocese of Cleveland and other ministries in the diocese.
The highlight of the event, presented by the Catholic Community Foundation, was the presentation of the Archbishop Edward F. Hoban Award to Adele Malley and her late husband Bill. The award, named in honor of the late diocesan bishop, recognized the Malleys’ generosity. The couple owned and operated Malley’s Chocolates, which was founded in 1935 in Lakewood by Bill Malley’s father, Mike Malley. The family continues to operate the business. Adele and Bill Malley supported and assisted many organizations, schools and parishes throughout the years with fundraising efforts. In addition, Adele Malley shared her expertise in marketing and advertising to help many entrepreneurs and small businesses.
(See photo gallery above.)
The day began with Mass celebrated by the bishop. Father Tom Mahoney, a retired priest and longtime friend of the Malley family, concelebrated along with Auxiliary Bishop Michael Woost, Father Andy Turner, president/rector of Borromeo and Saint Mary seminaries, and Father John Paul Kuzma, OFM Cap.
The bishop reminded the congregation that it was the solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe. He is the Lord of all and rules with love,” he said.
Bishop Malesic said it takes an act of courage to allow Christ to rule over us. “He is our Lord, our sovereign majesty, our ruler. We look to him for everything because he is everything. His power is in his love … if we don’t make him our Lord, the Lord of our lives, we are not ready yet to become citizens of his kingdom, heaven.”
We prove our faith in Jesus when we receive his body and blood at Mass. And we live our faith in his love, the bishop added.
“Let’s open our hearts to God and welcome him because he is here with us. We must be the best Church we can be by following Jesus’ direction to ‘love one another as I have loved you,’” he said.
“To take care of each other is to serve the Lord with gladness,” Bishop Malesic said, noting that is his episcopal motto.
After Mass, the group moved to the Founder’s Room for brunch and the program. Megan Kim, chair of the Catholic Charities Board of Directors, welcomed attendees. Father Turner also welcomed and thanked attendees for their generosity before offering grace.
Olivia Mackey, director of Camp Christopher, a Catholic Charities ministry that is celebrating its centennial, shared the camp’s history and outlined its operations for attendees. She noted her mother attended the camp and worked as a counselor when she was a teenager. Mackey also attended the camp and began working there. Over the years, she rose through the ranks until becoming director.
The popular camp, which operates all year with a variety of programs, sits on 165 acres in Bath. It was founded by the Knights of Columbus after World War I to allow children to experience nature while learning about God and creation.
“We serve about 23,000 campers during the summer sessions,” Mackey said. In addition, there are educational programs offered throughout the year, retreats, respite programs and special camp programs for senior citizens, families and people with disabilities.
After Mackey’s presentation, Father Mahoney talked about the many contributions the Malleys have made over the years. Unfortunately, Adele Malley was unable to attend the event, so her daughter, Megan Malley Cannon accepted the award on her behalf.
“Adele was always active and involved in her children’s lives, in the business, in their parish (St. Angela Merici in Fairview Park) and the diocese,” Father Mahoney said. “She had a real knack for promotion and advertising. At age 86, she published a book, ‘Conversations with Adele,’ to share her knowledge,” he said.
Cannon, the youngest of Adele and Bill Malley’s children, said her parents served others, which is part of their legacy.
“Mom asked us to stretch ourselves and to do a little more. I thank you on her behalf,” she said.
Patrick Gareau, president and CEO of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Cleveland, also was lauded for his 30 years of service to the organization as he prepares to retire.
“We don’t do anything alone,” Bishop Malesic said. “You inspire us to be our better selves. Bill and Adele Malley do that.” He said Bill Malley is in heaven for his good works during his lifetime. “But death doesn’t separate us. He is here with us today. We are a blessed people – every one of us. We are blessed by providence so we can be a blessing to others. Our blessings must be shared,” he added.
The bishop reminded the group that “it’s easy to profess our faith with our lips. But it’s much harder to live it. Bill and Adele put their love, patience and forgiveness in family, which was very important to them. Family is a building block. God puts us in a family to make us grow. Adele and Bill put Jesus at the center of their lives and it helped them grow. Doing something for others makes us better, more godlike.”
Once again, Bishop Malesic thanked attendees for their generosity.
“Money is important, but Christ must be in your heart. It’s easy to give away money, but it’s much harder to give away your heart. And that’s what God wants.”