Nearly 200 people turned out to hear Bishop Edward Malesic speak on a variety of topics during an Aug. 18 program presented by Theology on the Rocks Akron at Our Lady of the Cedars in Fairlawn.
The bishop was introduced by Father John Valencheck, pastor of St. Sebastian Parish in Akron. Among those attending was Father Lou Thomas, pastor of St. Andrew the Apostle Parish in Norton and Prince of Peace Parish, in Barberton. A show of hands among attendees reflected participation from many Summit County parishes and some in Cuyahoga County.
“Without a good foundation, things will go bad,” Bishop Malesic told the audience. “The lesson is that we need a good, strong foundation in Jesus. It’s absolutely necessary for a good life and a good spiritual life.”
He walked the group through his faith journey, noting that he always believed in Jesus, but had a few detours along the way as he discerned his vocation. He attended services at some other churches, and while they could be inspiring, he always found something lacking. After realizing he was being called to the priesthood, Bishop Malesic left college and transferred to the seminary where he completed his education.
Following his ordination as a priest of the Diocese of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, he spent several years in campus and parish ministry before being sent to study canon law and being named the pastor of a parish.
A few years later, he was surprised to receive a call asking him to accept Pope Francis’ appointment as bishop of Greensburg, Pennsylvania, where he served for five years before being named bishop of Cleveland in 2020.
“I’ve been asked about my vision for the diocese,” he said. “But it’s not my vision. We are one Church with multiple parish families of faith. We are diverse, but our strength is in our unity. I’m not building the Church. Jesus is. I’m a day laborer or a contractor.”
The bishop also reminded the group that if they have complaints about the Church, they should remember, “The solution starts with me. We all need converting and changing. When we allow Jesus to change us, the Church thrives.”
In addition, he reminded them the way to get closest to Jesus is to become an intentional disciple. “Make a choice to follow Christ … and have the salvation of souls before your eyes in all you do. Try to become and to make saints.”
The bishop also talked about his pastoral letter, “ A Flourishing, Apostolic Church,” that was released last December. He encouraged everyone to read it, to become friends with Jesus, to spend at least 15 minutes day in prayer and to be a missionary disciple. He also reminded the group that baptism makes us all adopted sons and daughters of God, with the Blessed Virgin as our mother.
“I want a flourishing, apostolic Church,” he said.
For more information on upcoming Theology on the Rocks Akron events, contact Keith Johnson 330-836-2233, Ext.134 or email him at johnsonk@stsebastian.org.