St. Justin Martyr Parish celebrates blessing of new crucifix

Parishioners from St. Justin Martyr Parish in Eastlake gathered for a joyful celebration on Aug. 23 as Auxiliary Bishop Michael Woost blessed the parish’s newly installed crucifix during the 10:30 a.m. Mass. Father Josh Cochrac, pastor, concelebrated the Mass. Assisting was Deacon Timothy Shell.

Father Cochrac said the new crucifix was commissioned by the family of Ray and Mary Ann Schindel, founding parishioners. “Their faith and dedication helped shape St. Justin Martyr in its earliest years,” Father Cochrac said.

The crucifix, which is prominently displayed in the church sanctuary, was crafted by Norbert Koehn, the well-known sacred artist from South Euclid. “It will serve as a permanent reminder of Christ’s love and sacrifice and as a focal point for prayer and worship in our church,” Father Cochrac added.

In his homily, Bishop Woost reflected on the depth of Christ’s sacrifice and the love revealed on the cross.

“It wasn’t the nails that held Jesus to the cross. It was his love for us,” the bishop said.

He also recalled a pilgrimage he made to Calcutta 20 years ago when he had the opportunity to celebrate Mass at the motherhouse of the Missionaries of Charity, the congregation of religious sisters founded in 1950 by St. Mother Teresa to serve the poorest of the poor. In their chapel, as a in Missionaries of Charity chapels worldwide, the words of Jesus from the cross, “I thirst,” are written beside the crucifix.

The bishop reminded the congregation that the words speak not only of Jesus’ physical thirst on the cross, but of his thirst for each of us. Christ desires us and loves us personally, he said. The crucifix is more than an image of suffering, the bishop explained. “It is a visible proclamation of the reality of God’s love.”

After Mass, the celebration continued with about 200 people gathering in the school gym for food and fellowship as a parish family at the annual parish picnic.

Father Cochrac said he is grateful for the many contributions made by the Schindel family. When the parish was new, they stored the altar in their garage during the week until it was moved to nearby North High School for use at Mass on Sunday before the church was built.

After the school was built, he said the family would drive the Sisters of Notre Dame from their motherhouse to the parish every day. Then, as the parish grew, the Schindels were instrumental in establishing the St. Vincent de Paul Society.  

“The crucifix will serve both as a memorial to their legacy and a lasting invitation for parishioners to keep their eyes fixed on Christ,” Father Cochrac said.