A picture-perfect day brought a large crowd to the Center for Pastoral Leadership in Wickliffe for The FEST 2025, a free daylong celebration of faith, family and fun.
Throughout the day, tens of thousands of people enjoyed Christian music, opportunities for adoration, reconciliation, family blessings offered by deacons from the Diocese of Cleveland, praying the rosary and the highlight of the day: a closing Mass celebrated by Bishop Edward Malesic with Auxiliary Bishop Michael Woost, Bishop Thelagathoti Joseph Raha Rao, bishop of Vijawada, India, and numerous priests from the diocese concelebrating.
(See photo gallery above.)
Father Bob Stec, pastor of St. Ambrose Parish in Brunswick and FEST founder, offered a look back at the event’s 25-year history. It originated as a way to welcome home young people from the diocese who traveled to Rome for World Youth Day in 2001, he said.
“For 25 years, The FEST has been an inspiring day of faith, family and fun,” Father Stec said, adding it “paints a picture of the Church – strong, alive and united together. It’s a day that gives all of us hope – the love of God is alive. God and family are always best when we are together as one.” He also expressed his appreciation for the hundreds of volunteers who help with the event and those who come to The FEST each year.
Family fun included craft areas, games, activities, food, giveaways and drawings. There also were opportunities to learn more about the faith, to tour the diocesan seminary and to visit booths with information about Catholic education and vocations. Popular Christian musicians Seph Schleuter, Ben Fuller, Danny Gokey and Maverick City Music entertained the crowd before the stage was prepared for Mass.
Bishop Malesic and Bishop Rao led the rosary as dozens of people joined them under a tent. Bishops Malesic and Woost also enjoyed dinner and conversation with high school students from around the diocese prior to the closing Mass.
As twilight approached, crews set up the altar and prepared for Mass, including lighting a large cross suspended next to the stage. The entrance procession included many from the Asian community in native dress, Knights of Columbus, youth representatives from the diocese, deacons and priests.
“What an amazing day,” Bishop Malesic said as The FEST 2025 drew to a close. “I am so pleased I could be here to spend time with you and to pray with you.”
After Mass, the festivities concluded with a fireworks show.
Click here to stay updated on plans for next year’s The FEST, scheduled for Aug. 2, 2026.