“It’s not enough to know about Jesus. You must know him, talk to him, love him and worship him,” Bishop Edward Malesic told Incarnate Word Academy students, faculty, parents, benefactors and members of the Sisters of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament.
The bishop visited the Parma Heights elementary school on Oct. 29 to celebrate its 90th anniversary and to bless an icon of newly canonized Saints Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati.
(See photo gallery above.)
“It’s a blessing to be in a Catholic school,” he told the students. “It’s a gift to you.”
The bishop also commended IWA, which had been named a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence in 2023, is a Purple Star School, recognizing its commitment to supporting military-connected students and families, and received the STEM and STEAM designation for its commitment to holistic education and innovative teaching.
“This school is a family, a community, a special place … God made each of you unique, to be saints. The world is like a jigsaw puzzle. You are one piece. God made you to be his sons and daughter who are beloved in his sight,” Bishop Malesic said. He warned the students that some people might try to take away their faith. “Don’t let them. Hold on to Jesus and he’ll never let go.”
The bishop also reminded the students of the importance of prayer, explaining it doesn’t need to be fancy, but it’s something they should do daily.
Referring to the Gospel, he said we should strive to enter through the narrow gate, which is Jesus. “We have to follow him, but we must know him to follow him … No one else can make you a saint but Jesus ... Take your faith with you. Be rooted in your faith and make the world the best place you can. Go, make a difference.”
The bishop also spoke briefly about the two new saints whose icon was being blessed that day, noting St. Carlo Acutis referred to the Eucharist as a highway to heaven. He also thanked the benefactors and donors attending the Mass for their support of the school.
After Mass, there was a brief reception with the donors and benefactors before the bishop briefly toured the school. He visited several classrooms and the Biernacki Innovation Center, where he saw students learning to repair computers. In addition to the IWA swag he received after Mass, students created a special mug with his name, episcopal motto and part of his coat of arms.