Bishop Malesic visits with clergy, residents at Regina Health Center

“You are a gift to the Church in so many ways,” Bishop Edward Malesic said to the residents, staff, volunteers and family members attending the annual Appreciation Day Mass at Regina Health Center on Aug. 31.

“You show the face of Christ to us in your suffering and in your smile … It is a gift to me, a gift to someone,” he added. 

The bishop’s remarks echoed those of Sister Judith Ann Karam, CSA, congregational leader, as she welcomed him to Regina, an award-winning, faith-based skilled nursing, assisted living and rehabilitation services with compassionate care. Located in part of the former motherhouse of the Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine in Richfield, Regina Health is a ministry of the Sisters of Charity Health System. It welcomes lay people as well as members of several Northeast Ohio religious communities, clergy from the dioceses of Cleveland and Youngstown and others needing supportive services or residential nursing care. Regina opened in 1993 as the first collaborative health care facility of its kind in the country.

Sister Karam thanked Bishop Malesic for his visit on behalf of the entire Regina Health community. “We are so grateful you could join us today,” she added.

Prior to the Mass, the bishop spent some time visiting with retired priests living at Regina and catching up with them. About 10 of the priests concelebrated the liturgy along with Father John Chlebo, diocesan delegate for senior priests. Deacon Mark Yantek, Regina’s executive director, assisted.

The bishop told those attending the Mass that the liturgy is special, a gift to us from God in which Jesus comes to us under the signs of bread and wine.

“Jesus gives us his gift of love, a love that never ends, but he asks something of us. He wants us to give him the gift of our hearts,” he said.

The bishop said he has often wondered what he would see if he could gaze on Jesus’ face. “I think I would see his love. What would he see if he looks at us? Would he see that we’re doing our part?”

He said Jesus knows our fears and weaknesses, so there is no need to be embarrassed. “Let the staff and volunteers have the opportunity to be Christlike as they help you,” he said. But the bishop cautioned them not to let their fears and weaknesses hold them back. “You must keep moving forward,” he said, reminding them that’s what Jesus did. “Always move forward.”

After Mass, the bishop chatted with residents and enjoyed lunch.