the 29th annual Asian Catholic Community Mass and gathering

“We are blessed,” said Jen Ricard, executive director, Theology of the Body Cleveland, as she looked at the crowded ballroom on Oct. 3 at the Independence Conference Center at the Holiday Inn, Independence.

“May the Lord give you peace,” was this year’s theme for the CLE Catholic Women Day of Reflection celebrating the Jubilee Year of St. Francis of Assisi. Ricard explained the theme, noting it was how St. Francis greeted each person he met. He urged fellow Franciscans to do the same. “For St. Francis, peace was not just a sentiment. It was the fruit of a life surrendered to God, a life shaped into a living sanctuary where Christ himself could rest,” she added.

Nearly 500 women attended the daylong event, which included speakers, Mass celebrated by Father Damian Ference, diocesan vicar for evangelization, confession, adoration, prayer and fellowship. Taylor Tripodi, a popular Catholic singer, songwriter and worship leader, provided music.

This year’s speakers were Immaculee Ilibagiza, Mother Natalia and Father John Paul Kuzma, OFM Cap. Ilibagiza, who survived the 1994 Rwandan genocide, wrote her autobiography which is becoming a major movie, and has dedicated her life to peace and reconciliation. Mother Natalia, a Byzantine nun, is also a podcast host. Father Kuzma, who is assigned to Borromeo Seminary, serves on the formation staff for the Capuchin formation program and as a spiritual director. His presentation focused on the life of St. Francis of Assisi. The 800thanniversary of the saint’s transitus (death) was commemorated that day.

Father Kuzma captivated the attention of the audience as he shared facets of St. Francis’ life and spiritual journey. He also reminded them that St. Francis, who in 1224 was believed to be the first person to receive the stigmata (the spontaneous appearance of wounds mirroring those suffered by the crucified Christ), created the first Nativity to help explain the Eucharistic mystery in a deeper way.

At the end of his talk, Father Kuzma offered a closing prayer and blessed the group with a relic of St. Francis.

Ricard said planning for the 2027 conference will begin soon. Details will be shared on the Theology of the Body Cleveland website, as well as information about other events presented by the group.

Ricard said the group’s mission is “to share with people the truth of their origin, history and destiny so that they may live in the freedom of Christ, now and forever.”