Collinwood parishes host annual A Mile for Mary Mass, procession

More than 100 people joined in the annual A Mile for Mary event on Oct. 31, a crisp, cool fall morning. Organized by Our Lady’s Blue Army, the World Apostolate of Fatima, the event began with Mass at 9 a.m. at Holy Redeemer Church in Cleveland’s South Collinwood neighborhood.

After Mass, the faithful formed a procession and walked from Holy Redeemer to St. Mary of the Assumption Parish, about a half-mile away. Cleveland police blocked streets to ensure the safety of those in the procession.

Father Anthony Simone, Holy Redeemer pastor, was the principal celebrant for the liturgy. Concelebrants were Father John Kumse, St. Mary pastor; Father Robert Jasany, pastor of St. John Nepomucene and Holy Name parishes in Cleveland and spiritual director for the local Blue Army; and Father Kevin Fox, pastor of SS. Peter and Paul Parish in Garfield Heights. Deacon Tom Ward from Holy Redeemer assisted with the liturgy.

Small, battery-operated votive candles lined the pews during the Mass. Those in the procession were invited to carry the small candles as they walked.

In his homily, Father Simone told the congregation that those who find the way to the Lord’s mercy no longer doubt – they trust in his mercy. “And the more they know him, the more they know his mercy for all souls,” he said, but those who don’t know the Lord are in pain. He said if we feel that way, we should try to imagine how the Blessed Mother feels.

“Can we even imagine the joy and sorrow she feels? She makes you feel like the only child in the world – the most seen and loved person in the world … Let us let her melt way our anguish,” he said. “Jesus gave her to us. She is yours – your mother and mine. She loves you as if you were her only child.”

After Mass, Father Simone placed the Blessed Sacrament in a monstrance and led the clergy, servers and faithful, including several Mercedarian sisters, out of the church as they processed to St. Mary’s. Several women and girls carried flowers and the sisters led the group in praying the rosary, singing hymns and in prayers.

Once they reached St. Mary’s, there was time for Eucharistic adoration and benediction. A light lunch followed benediction.