Holy Rosary Parish welcomes Bishop Malesic for Sunday evening Mass

The 8 p.m. Sunday Mass at Holy Rosary Parish in Cleveland’s Little Italy neighborhood regularly draws many people. On Aug. 30, they were surprised to see Bishop Edward Malesic as the celebrant. He was joined by Father Joe Previte, Holy Rosary pastor, as the concelebrant. Assisting was Deacon Bruce Battista.

In addition to parishioners and others, members of the Newman Catholic Ministry from nearby Case Western Reserve University often attend the Mass.

The bishop talked about the Paschal mystery in his homily, explaining that we must embrace it as a gift from God. “He gave us his Paschal mystery by dying and rising from the dead for us.”

He said in the Gospel, Peter wanted the Messiah and redemption, but without the death and suffering. Jesus told him the suffering was necessary. And in the second reading, he said Paul warned that we must not conform ourselves to this age. The bishop said it’s important that we don’t allow things like social media “rewire your brain.” He said things like artificial intelligence can work for you, “but don’t let it control you. A computer can’t tell you what love is.”

Bishop Malesic said we don’t have to look for our crosses because they will find us. Then we must move beyond the cross because “Good Friday isn’t the end … We must move forward beyond it … Some crosses teach us patience and they may last a long time … Others can teach us humility, that we can’t do everything alone.”

Intelligence can help people build a successful career, but it takes wisdom to learn how to carry our cross and walk through it to the abundant life beyond. “Christ holds this out to you, but you have to die to self,” the bishop said. “Whatever you do, whatever cross you bear, don’t stop. Keep moving forward with Christ in the direction he wants you to go. Always keep moving toward that greater glory.”

After Mass, Father Previte invited the congregation down to the parish hall for an ice cream social, where the bishop spent time greeting and chatting with everyone.