St. Andrew Abbey, diocese celebrate Bishop Gries’ 25th episcopal jubilee

“Who doesn’t feel happy in the presence of Bishop Roger (Gries, OSB)?” asked Bishop Edward Malesic of the 300 people attending a benefit gala marking the 25thanniversary of Bishop Gries’ episcopal ordination.

The event took place July 30 at St. Andrew Abbey in Cleveland, home of the Benedictine Order of Cleveland and Benedictine High School, which will mark its 100th anniversary in 2027. The celebration began with vespers in the abbey church followed by dinner, music and remarks in the recently renovated Benedictine Student Commons.

Chris Lorber, BHS CEO and ’04 alumnus, welcomed guests with a brief rundown of Bishop Gries’ life, noting he is a Benedictine alumnus and athlete who later joined the monastic order and served in many roles at his alma mater including teacher, coach, bus driver, principal and chancellor. He also spent 20 years as abbot before being selected as an auxiliary bishop of Cleveland in 2001. Although he retired in 2013, he remained active in the diocese assisting Bishop Anthony Pilla, Bishop Richard Lennon, Bishop (now Philadelphia Archbishop) Nelson Perez and Bishop Malesic.

He confirmed countless people, Bishop Malesic said. “In fact, I think he wore off the fingerprints on one thumb,” he quipped.

The bishop praised Bishop Gries as someone who has “the wisdom of a monk, the heart of an educator, the instincts of a pastor and the heart of the people … He had a gift to make people be seen, heard, valued and loved by the Church … Bishop Roger, you’ve spent a lifetime saying ‘yes’ to God as a Christian, a monk, a priest, an educator, abbot and bishop, faithfully showing up and always loving people. You made my job easier,” he added, wishing him “strength, peace, health and the quiet joy that always marked your life. Ad multos annos (to many more years).”

Also speaking was Father Michael Brunovsky, OSB, abbey prior, who shared stories about Bishop Gries’ years at Benedictine as a student, monk, administrator, abbot and now in residence as a retired bishop.

Abbot Gary Hoover, OSB, called it “an alleluia day” as Bishop Gries’ years of service to the school, abbey and diocese were celebrated. He recalled a photo in the BHS student newspaper showing the bishop, then a student, and another student admiring the engagement ring of a school secretary – who happened to be the abbot’s mother.

“He had a great gift for recognizing struggling students and helping them,” Abbot Hoover said, noting he used that same gift during his years as abbot. “He shared his experience, offered thoughtful contemplation and quiet support, but never pushed. Thank you for helping so many of us walk the path of truth with your friendship and encouragement through which you proclaimed the life of Christ.”

Bishop Gries said as he advanced from teacher to principal, he recognized that many of his former high school teachers worked for him. “My motto was to be loved, not to be feared,” he said noting he retained that motto as bishop. He recalled his years at the abbey as a time of change, of rebuilding and raising money to ensure its future stability.

“It was fantastic working with so many bishops,” he said, recalling the day Bishop Malesic told him he was coming to Cleveland. They knew each other from serving on the board at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, Pennsylvania.

“We need your prayers. We need Jesus to be our model and our support,” Bishop Gries added.