Legatus of Cleveland invited Bishop Edward Malesic to speak at its April monthly meeting, which began with Mass in Mary, Mother of the Good Shepherd Chapel at the Center for Pastoral Leadership in Wickliffe. The April 15 event also included dinner and the bishop’s presentation.
In his homily, the bishop reminded the Legates and guests that God has a plan and we are all part of it. “We were loved into existence by God … Everything has a purpose … God gives meaning to our lives,” he said, unlike science, which has limitations.
He connected those thoughts to the topic he was asked to address, “What is the young Church looking for?”
“Young people are seeking truth,” the bishop said, “not just scientific facts, but a spiritual truth, which the Catholic faith can give them.”
He focused on eight bullet points:
- Authenticity
- Belonging to community
- Beauty
- Challenge (counterculture)
- (Good) liturgy
- Service
- Tradition
- Truth
Bishop Malesic said young adults don’t trust institutions. “They want authentic, ‘real’ people and an authentic relationship.” He used the example of the apostles meeting Jesus on the road to Emmaus and how they didn’t recognize him until the breaking of the bread.
Young people want “to belong, to be seen welcomed, known and believed,” the bishop said, which the Church can provide. “The Church is not a club, it’s a family.”
As for beauty, he stressed the importance of churches being attractive and clean, “both inside and out … Beauty is the doorway to truth.” A beautiful outdoor space, such as the cathedral exterior with its new lighting and the renovated courtyard, attract people. “It makes them want to see what’s inside.”
The bishop noted that young people also want to be challenged, which he embraces. “I challenged people to pray daily – and they’re doing it,” he said, referring to the popularity of “My Daily Prayers.”
Good liturgy and a relatable homily that connects Scripture to their lives is important for young people, the bishop said, and something seminarians focus on in their formation. The liturgy – what Jesus did in the breaking, blessing and sharing of the bread (Eucharist) – is fundamental and authentic to the Catholic faith.
As for the service component, Bishop Malesic said “young people have a heart for service, especially service rooted in Christ.”
Tradition, which is rich in the Catholic Church, flows from the apostles, the bishop explained. “I am humbled by the fact that I am a direct successor of the apostles,” he said. That link makes the faith attractive to truth-seekers.
Regarding truth, “Humans are agents of truth,” the bishop said, and they can find truth in the Church, he said, again referring to history.
The seminarians who were ordained as transitional deacons on April 16 were guests at the event.
Legatus of Cleveland – a chapter of the national Legatus organization – consists of Catholic lay executives and their spouses. The group meets monthly and serves as ambassadors for Christ in the marketplace. Members (legates) encourage one another to integrate their faith into their business practices and to live influential lives.