Parishioners, and friends far outside the diocese are happy, and optimistic; but at this time, we are not sure of the 13, there was a list of 14 (that the chancery only released a few weeks ago). One happy parish is St. Casimir-in-exile. They have had a Sunday street prayer vigil since their eviction on 8 November 2009. They had their first evening prayer vigil to-night under a very near full moon. Some four dozen Casimiri came, as did the local daily, and a television crew.
They prayed and sang as they always have. One of two prayer leaders, Joseph Feckanin, was especially spirited and reveled in telling the history of the last two and an half years, and Saint Casimir's prominent place in prayerful resistance to a despotic bishop. The other parishes that held vigils were mentioned, as was the last three existing Polish parishes that have not been de-polonised, or suppressed.
The bigger story is that Rome has chastised an over reaching American bishop in a manner so far overwhelmingly unique. Recently Rome has upheld the rights of a few parishes (and the laity) over their ordinary [administrative bishop], but to uphold virtually an entire slate of appeals is new. Sadly, several other parishes could, should, and would have been saved IF they were not discouraged, threatened, and sabotaged: Saint Lawrence Cleveland, Holy Trinity Lorain, Sacred Heart Akron, Sacred Heart Cleveland, Saint Cecilia Cleveland, Saint Margaret of Hungary and several others. Many parishioners were bamboozled, or steam rolled, or fell in despair.
St. Michael statue
A proud Catholic Pole with the spirit of Solidarity
friends posing in a moment of celebration
passing out prayer sheets and song lyrics before the prayer service
Daniel Fleszar holding television microphone to Joseph Feckanin
a message of a divine thanks
A great day for all Cleveland, a day that will be revered for generations. Our landmark Churches have a good chance to be opened and the treasures given to us by our ancestors can be enjoyed once more in Cleveland. I feel this decision by the Holy Father will be the start of revitalizing Cleveland ,its neighborhoods and the Catholic Diocese. God bless our Pope.
ReplyDeleteMiracles can happen and evil can be destroyed!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI feel sorry for the parishoners of the parishes that listened to the Bishop and did not file appeals. What did that get you? But shame on you that gave that advice in allowing the church that your forefathers built and gave all they had to build and you let it be destroyed.
ReplyDeleteFalse joy!...can't the bishop just restart the process of closing the parishes?
ReplyDelete