Regina Health Center in Richfield, a ministry of the Sisters of Charity Health System, is home to a number of priests and members of religious congregations, including sisters and brothers. Bishop Edward Malesic visited the center on Dec. 5 to spend time with the residents, to celebrate Mass and to enjoy lunch.
He and Father John Chlebo, diocesan delegate for senior priests, met with about 15 retired priests before Mass. It was an opportunity for conversation and to ask the bishop questions.
At Mass, the bishop told the congregation that since arriving in Cleveland five years ago, he’s experienced a few health issues that reminded him that “this body of mine isn’t as young as it used to be.” The day’s readings felt like a personal gift from God, he noted.
The Old Testament reading said the deaf shall hear. The Gospel told the story of Jesus healing two blind men. “And we all know the story of Jesus telling the man who couldn’t walk to get up and go home,” the bishop said. He connected his own health issues to these stories, noting he has hearing aids, had a torn retina repaired and is recovering from ankle surgery.
“What we’re reminded of is this: God’s will is at work in the lives of the deaf, the weak and the wounded. None of our hardships are wasted in his hands,” he said. We are moving forward with our bodies “that grow tired and spirits that sometimes feel worn down,” the bishop added. But St. Paul tells us that God assured him “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.”
The Paschal Mystery is that death and decay never have the final word over God’s children because we move from death to life with Christ.
“Let us remember this: We are loved by God, especially in our weakness, especially in our aging, especially when life feels heavy. His love does not lessen as we grow older; if anything, it deepens,” the bishop said. “God is shaping us into saints,” he said, noting he invites us to follow him.
“The prophecies of the Old Testament and the miracles of the New Testament are not just stories from long ago. They are reminders – gentle promises – that Jesus is the divine physician. He has come to restore what was lost and to make all things new again … And Advent, this season of hope, invites us once again to renew our trust in those promises,” he added.
After Mass, the group enjoyed lunch and a surprise visit from St. Nicholas, whose feast day is celebrated on Dec. 6.