Showing posts with label parish openings. Show all posts
Showing posts with label parish openings. Show all posts
Sunday, November 5, 2017
St. Emeric
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
Wisdom from the Pews
Saint Colman's Parish Cleveland initiated a successful letter writing campaign to Bishop Lennon, and Archbishop Vigano (papal nuncio to the US of A) to extend Fr. Robert Begin's pastorate of the parish. Lennon has allowed a year. In the process, a number of letters were copied to the parish, and a parish member, Joseph Patrick Meissner is collecting letters for a proposed upcoming book, “Wisdom from the Pews”.
From: joseph meissner <meissnerjoseph@yahoo.com>
Subject: REPORT for August 17 2013 Wisdom from the Pews Project: Join us !
TO Everybody
FROM Joseph Meissner
DATE August 17 2013
SUBJECT: Report on Letters from Pew Project for this week
1. We continue to work on Letters Project.
... 4. We are open for the submission of more letters and other items. Email them now. We want them all by August 31, 2013. Please let others know about this effort.
5. If you do not have your letters and materials on the computer, send the hard mail. We do have a great typist who will put them into the computer, so we can publish. Two of the above sent us hard mail copies.
6. So far, we have about 80 items. We also have a publisher for the book. It will be soft cover right now. We can get a hard cover, but that would involve some expense. We are always available for donations.
7. There were a lot of great articles in PD, especially by Michael O’Malley. We are looking into whether we can include any of these.
8. Some people did receive letters from the Diocesan leadership. We plan to consider using these.
9. We also have respectfully requested from the Diocese whether they would like to include any of the Diocesan communications or any letters from the Diocese in the book. We also offered to accept for consideration any new letters from the Diocese.
10. Please let us know your ideas and recommendations. So far, we have considered the title of this publication: “Wisdom from the Pews.” If anyone would like to submit another title for consideration, please let us know.
11. We do plan to include the names of all who submit. But we understand that some people may want to submit anonymously. That is fine. We plan to include names of all who submit on the front cover.
From: joseph meissner <meissnerjoseph@yahoo.com>
Subject: REPORT for August 17 2013 Wisdom from the Pews Project: Join us !
TO Everybody
FROM Joseph Meissner
DATE August 17 2013
SUBJECT: Report on Letters from Pew Project for this week
1. We continue to work on Letters Project.
... 4. We are open for the submission of more letters and other items. Email them now. We want them all by August 31, 2013. Please let others know about this effort.
5. If you do not have your letters and materials on the computer, send the hard mail. We do have a great typist who will put them into the computer, so we can publish. Two of the above sent us hard mail copies.
6. So far, we have about 80 items. We also have a publisher for the book. It will be soft cover right now. We can get a hard cover, but that would involve some expense. We are always available for donations.
7. There were a lot of great articles in PD, especially by Michael O’Malley. We are looking into whether we can include any of these.
8. Some people did receive letters from the Diocesan leadership. We plan to consider using these.
9. We also have respectfully requested from the Diocese whether they would like to include any of the Diocesan communications or any letters from the Diocese in the book. We also offered to accept for consideration any new letters from the Diocese.
10. Please let us know your ideas and recommendations. So far, we have considered the title of this publication: “Wisdom from the Pews.” If anyone would like to submit another title for consideration, please let us know.
11. We do plan to include the names of all who submit. But we understand that some people may want to submit anonymously. That is fine. We plan to include names of all who submit on the front cover.
Monday, July 15, 2013
it has been a long, hard haul
The first of the parishes that had their Roman decrees enacted have been public for a year now. There has been various degrees of success in rebuilding the parishes. But the author of the troubles is unbowed. The people in the parishes do not see that they need to stand together against the common adversary. He resents their continued existence.
The two groups that publicly challenged Lennon are inactive. The first group, Endangered Catholics, disintegrated after the decrees came. Several members, including the president and the vice-president of the group, could not see the necessity of holding together and being resistant to the bishop's tyrannical behaviour. They were too narrowly focused on their own parishes. With a new bishop, this might not have been so bad; but with no change in the episcopacy, this was a foolhardy self inflicted wound. Richard Lennon is a mean, nasty prick, and always will be one. Overall, Lennon greatly benefited in the great reluctance his opposition showed towards him, and the deference they still had. The other group, Code Purple, shared significant overlap in its membership, and were more radical. They are a smaller group, but more willing to be confrontational. For those two reasons, they were far less mentioned by the press. Just too few Indians in the tribe, and to convenient to ignore them.
The parish is the Christian unit, not the diocese. The diocese was a Roman governmental administrative unit of subprovinces. The parish is a community of believers in God. The true founder of every parish is Jesus. We all know this...Jesus told us, “For where there are two or three gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them”. * And what God has put together, man should not destroy. And we know this too, or at least some of us do. In the old country every peasant knew the faith did not allow the destruction of parishes; but in current America not so much. St. Vincent of Lérins, †c.445, told us how to recognise what is Catholic, “quod ubique, quod semper, quod ab omnibus creditum est” (that which is believed everywhere, always, and by all). Later, this is what Bl. John Newman meant by 'sensus fidelium' (sense of the faithful). Those arguments have not been permitted to air in Cleveland's public square. Again, to the great benefit of the bishop.
In the fourth century, and some time thereafter, emperors and a majority of bishops were not trinitarian Catholics, but Arians. At the Council of Nicæa which wrote the Creed we recite at Mass, the Catholics prevailed over the Arians. St. Nicholas, depending on the translation of the verb, either hit, slapped, or punched Arius at Nicæa. After Nicæa it was not the bishops, Roman emperors, and Germanic kings that kept the faith, but the lay faithful. In liberated France, the people with Charles de Gaulle were so disgusted with non-representative bishops, whom were collaborators with the fascists that the French government had to negotiate with the Vatican to 'retire' several bishops. The two chief Vatican negotiators, both became popes.
De Gaulle was a solid, conservative Catholic, from a very Catholic family. After this he had no desire to go to a cathedral any longer, only his parish church in Colombey-les-Deux-Églises. Compare St. Louis, King of France, who is remembered for saying, “I think more of the place where I was baptized than of Rheims Cathedral where I was crowned.”. The parish is the Christian unit.
Cleveland's Catholics will suffer until, at least, Lennon's last day here. At times there were glimmers of hope, the candle has long since been snuffed. An occasional skirmish may be won. Some defenses, and territory may hold; but it is going to be a long, slow trek in a dark tunnel.
________________________________
* Matthew xviii. 20.
The two groups that publicly challenged Lennon are inactive. The first group, Endangered Catholics, disintegrated after the decrees came. Several members, including the president and the vice-president of the group, could not see the necessity of holding together and being resistant to the bishop's tyrannical behaviour. They were too narrowly focused on their own parishes. With a new bishop, this might not have been so bad; but with no change in the episcopacy, this was a foolhardy self inflicted wound. Richard Lennon is a mean, nasty prick, and always will be one. Overall, Lennon greatly benefited in the great reluctance his opposition showed towards him, and the deference they still had. The other group, Code Purple, shared significant overlap in its membership, and were more radical. They are a smaller group, but more willing to be confrontational. For those two reasons, they were far less mentioned by the press. Just too few Indians in the tribe, and to convenient to ignore them.
The parish is the Christian unit, not the diocese. The diocese was a Roman governmental administrative unit of subprovinces. The parish is a community of believers in God. The true founder of every parish is Jesus. We all know this...Jesus told us, “For where there are two or three gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them”. * And what God has put together, man should not destroy. And we know this too, or at least some of us do. In the old country every peasant knew the faith did not allow the destruction of parishes; but in current America not so much. St. Vincent of Lérins, †c.445, told us how to recognise what is Catholic, “quod ubique, quod semper, quod ab omnibus creditum est” (that which is believed everywhere, always, and by all). Later, this is what Bl. John Newman meant by 'sensus fidelium' (sense of the faithful). Those arguments have not been permitted to air in Cleveland's public square. Again, to the great benefit of the bishop.
In the fourth century, and some time thereafter, emperors and a majority of bishops were not trinitarian Catholics, but Arians. At the Council of Nicæa which wrote the Creed we recite at Mass, the Catholics prevailed over the Arians. St. Nicholas, depending on the translation of the verb, either hit, slapped, or punched Arius at Nicæa. After Nicæa it was not the bishops, Roman emperors, and Germanic kings that kept the faith, but the lay faithful. In liberated France, the people with Charles de Gaulle were so disgusted with non-representative bishops, whom were collaborators with the fascists that the French government had to negotiate with the Vatican to 'retire' several bishops. The two chief Vatican negotiators, both became popes.
De Gaulle was a solid, conservative Catholic, from a very Catholic family. After this he had no desire to go to a cathedral any longer, only his parish church in Colombey-les-Deux-Églises. Compare St. Louis, King of France, who is remembered for saying, “I think more of the place where I was baptized than of Rheims Cathedral where I was crowned.”. The parish is the Christian unit.
Cleveland's Catholics will suffer until, at least, Lennon's last day here. At times there were glimmers of hope, the candle has long since been snuffed. An occasional skirmish may be won. Some defenses, and territory may hold; but it is going to be a long, slow trek in a dark tunnel.
________________________________
* Matthew xviii. 20.
Saturday, March 30, 2013
blessing the cheeses
paschal food baskets atop the communion rail
Święconka
Christianity, and people's understanding of it are appreciated through the senses, and smell, and taste are part of the senses. Food is communal. In Cleveland, parish communities were unjustly forbidden to meet for two, three years. These parishes had no Masses, no food to bless, until Rome listened to the pleas of the people. The community celebrates again.
after the baskets were splashed with holy water, they are incensed
One can have what ever one wishes in the basket, and different national and religious preferences are welcomed, in addition to some items of religious allusions. Sometimes, an item is in the form of the paschal lamb (cake, bread, chocolate, butter), if lamb flesh itself is absent. Bread and wine were had at the Passover meal, and at the Divine Liturgies. We have pork, usually in ham and sausages. Pork was forbidden in the Old Dispensation it is permitted in the New, if they are links, they represent the chains of slavery and death, that have been broken.
Friday, March 29, 2013
clearing the altar
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Saint Casimir Cleveland Ohio Holy Thursday 2013
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see also by clicking: Triduum 2008 , Paschal Triduum observances 2009, St. Rocco processes 2010, Easter Vigil 2010, anticipation of the Resurrection, Easter in northeast Cleveland 2011, Resurrection Candle for Homecoming, Easter Sunday Cleveland Hostage Churches ...
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
St. Wendelin wants parishioners
Cleveland's bishop, Richard Lennon, was required by Rome to re-open eleven of the parishes he wrongly and unjustly closed. Between the Mass of Eviction and the Mass of Homecoming, parishioners were lost. Some people who had lived by the church moved because they did not have a church close by. Some became familiarised to new congregations, and the diocese did not encourage anyone to return, and that should be noted in comparison to how people were coaxed to accept the disappearance of their parish. Some people left the Catholic Church, and some left all churches.
Sunday, February 10, 2013
Władysław Szylwian
On 8 November 2009, when Richard Lennon presided over a 'Mass of Eviction' at the parish church of St. Casimir in Cleveland. A, then,
ninety-six year old altar boy, Władysław "Władek (Walter)" Szylwian, a
Polish army veteran, and survivor of six years of Nazi concentration
camps, disconnected power to the microphone. This singular act began
the parish's open and public resistance to the bishop, and now the parish is open to public worship again; for Rome saw the attempted suppression as unjust, and against church law. Multiple such decrees were simultaneously issued for multiple parishes which also were the objects of episcopal fiat.
This act of non-coöperation ignited an immediate mass public showing of disdain for the offending bishop. Many people removed themselves from church. A singing of Polish anthems civil and Marian were sung by many of those who remained in the building. Richard Lennon and others were dumbfounded. The next Sunday, Cleveland's first street prayer vigil began with a prayer circle outside Saint Casimir church, some other parishes also had such outside prayer vigils. They continued, unabated, until the churches were returned to the parishioners.
To-day, Mr. Szylwian has completed a century of life. He is one hundred years old. He has been discharged from hospitals and another care facility with still active pneumonia on directives by insurance, as of the moment he is at another care facility.
In the parish bulletin this notice appeared:
Postscriptum 21 February 2013: Mr. Szylwian died last night.
Postscriptum 26 February 2013: Walter Szylwian unplugged (click Plain Dealer obituary)
This act of non-coöperation ignited an immediate mass public showing of disdain for the offending bishop. Many people removed themselves from church. A singing of Polish anthems civil and Marian were sung by many of those who remained in the building. Richard Lennon and others were dumbfounded. The next Sunday, Cleveland's first street prayer vigil began with a prayer circle outside Saint Casimir church, some other parishes also had such outside prayer vigils. They continued, unabated, until the churches were returned to the parishioners.
To-day, Mr. Szylwian has completed a century of life. He is one hundred years old. He has been discharged from hospitals and another care facility with still active pneumonia on directives by insurance, as of the moment he is at another care facility.
In the parish bulletin this notice appeared:
A TRUE SAINT CASIMIR HERO!____________________
As we all know, the true life of a parish is
made up of many different components, not
the least of which is the very lives of the
people who are a part of it and, indeed, form
that which it is.
We at St. Casimir’s are blessed with a
wonderful group of very dedicated and
generous parishioners. They are really “true
believers” whose very identity is inseparably
tied-in with their faith and their parish
church.
One such person, who to many has become a
public face identified with St. Casimir’s, is
WLADYSLAW “WALTER” SZYLWIAN.
Today, Wladek turns 100 years old!!! A
milestone by any means, it is further
amplified by the fact of Walter’s hard life
through the trials of World War II. For
many years, he has been a backbone of our
parish...a kind, steady, faithful, and helpful
presence spanning the decades. Since “sto
lat jest za malo”, we wish him ad multos et
plurimus annos! As he has currently taken
ill, we send him our love, our prayers for a
full and speedy recovery, and our fond
remembrance of his contributions to Polonia
and the life of our parish. Bog Zaplac!!!
Postscriptum 21 February 2013: Mr. Szylwian died last night.
Postscriptum 26 February 2013: Walter Szylwian unplugged (click Plain Dealer obituary)
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
Cleveland Scene Reason #11
http://www.clevescene.com/cleveland/13-reasons-2012-was-clevelands-best-year-ever/Content?oid=3119706
click above to see their page
December 26, 2012
13 Reasons 2012 Was Cleveland's Best Year Ever
It was grand, it's over, and it's worth celebrating
by Eric Sandy and Vince Grzegorek
11. We Won an Unprecedented Appeal Over the Vatican and Got Our Churches Reopened
After Bishop Richard Lennon closed 50 churches in the Cleveland Catholic Diocese in 2009 and 2010, parishioners built up a strong case against his actions in papal court, which is more like Judge Joe Brown than you'd guess.
With the help of strong representation and a virulent Cleveland base, the Vatican overturned the initial decision and sent over a monumental decree to Lennon.
In April of this year, the bishop was forced to concede the appeal - as half-assedly as possible - and eventually agreed to reopen 12 parishes.
Bishop Richard Lennon stalled the matter as long as he could, stoking the ire of parishioners across the region. In the end, however, doors were opened and Mass was celebrated once again and Lennon was left to do something other than f*** with Cleveland's faithful.
It was a joyous moment (or long, drawn-out series of moments) for Cleveland Catholics. And like our city's other forays into spirituality -- like shotgunning PBRs in the Muni Lot or getting high at Blossom -- the Vatican appeal shows how our region is pushing the envelope across cultural lines.
Boston activist Peter Borre called the appeal "unprecedented for Catholic America." And he was right. This tidal wave of support for the common parishioner has rarely been seen.
______________________________
*** there has been an edit, in print there were three letters in place
click above to see their page
December 26, 2012
13 Reasons 2012 Was Cleveland's Best Year Ever
It was grand, it's over, and it's worth celebrating
by Eric Sandy and Vince Grzegorek
11. We Won an Unprecedented Appeal Over the Vatican and Got Our Churches Reopened
After Bishop Richard Lennon closed 50 churches in the Cleveland Catholic Diocese in 2009 and 2010, parishioners built up a strong case against his actions in papal court, which is more like Judge Joe Brown than you'd guess.
With the help of strong representation and a virulent Cleveland base, the Vatican overturned the initial decision and sent over a monumental decree to Lennon.
In April of this year, the bishop was forced to concede the appeal - as half-assedly as possible - and eventually agreed to reopen 12 parishes.
Bishop Richard Lennon stalled the matter as long as he could, stoking the ire of parishioners across the region. In the end, however, doors were opened and Mass was celebrated once again and Lennon was left to do something other than f*** with Cleveland's faithful.
It was a joyous moment (or long, drawn-out series of moments) for Cleveland Catholics. And like our city's other forays into spirituality -- like shotgunning PBRs in the Muni Lot or getting high at Blossom -- the Vatican appeal shows how our region is pushing the envelope across cultural lines.
Boston activist Peter Borre called the appeal "unprecedented for Catholic America." And he was right. This tidal wave of support for the common parishioner has rarely been seen.
______________________________
*** there has been an edit, in print there were three letters in place
Monday, December 31, 2012
foto miscellany 2012
I took a lot of fotos. Here are some taken this year. These are of people
at churchy events, and causes. I have had a tendency to not take
portraits, as people are people and deserve some privacy. I also am
uncomfortable in pestering, cajoling, and the like; but i like these
photographs.
These two fotos were taken in Cleveland's Polish Constitution Day Parade on the Sunday before 3 May. The form up begins in Washington Park, Newburgh Heights. The parade begins on Cleveland's border at Fleet Avenue (yes, 'Street' sounds better). Former Old Brooklyn councilman Theodore Sliwa is in the car, the Magyar (Hungarian) flag is on the car. Las Vegas Elvis rides in the other car.
Very recently there has been a move to have the parade in Parma. At first they were on the same day, this year they were on successive Sundays. There are still rankled people over this.
Many news stories were filmed at St. Casimir's. Supra, is before the last street vigil prayer circle 8 July. Infra, is Homecoming Sunday a week later.
William and Nancy McGrath of St. Peter's Cleveland attend a pre-Homecoming service on 28 August. Nancy is a fifth generation member of the parish. Their grandchildren come to Mass there now. The statue of St. Paul once sold to a parish in Westerville is left of center.
Deacon Moises Cruz presents an homily at St. Michael the Archangel in Cleveland. 1 July.
Bishop John Kudrick of the Eparchy of Parma speaks at Holy Ghost (Tremont) Cleveland. 16 September.
Some members, and friends of the Community of St. Bridget came to hear Fr. Roy Bourgeois 17 October.
Deacon Moises Cruz presents an homily at St. Michael the Archangel in Cleveland. 1 July.
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
observation on local television Christmas coverage
a little decoration for Christmas 2012 at Saint Casimir Cleveland O.
the last Christmas the altar saw was in 2008
Christmas Day has passed. I noticed the television news coverage in Cleveland, O.. Being a religious and business holiday, there was a reduction of broadcasts. The big story was the upcoming weather. A snowstorm is expected on the day after. Only the weather was competition for air time. Most work activities that generally produce 'news' were dormant. But something had to fill time. It was not a Sunday, so there was no local football game. NHL hockey is on a lockout, and Cleveland is a very minor league hockey town. |
| after a woodcut by Fritz Eichenberg for The Catholic Worker |
Christmas Eve the television is mostly about shopping and commerce. Since Rome, and Bethlehem are several hours ahead, film is available in the US. Time does not readily allow television to get the local Midnight Mass (which could begin earlier), and they do not often realise or think of getting an earlier vigil Mass.
Now, there are many Protestant churches that celebrate Christmas. Most Orthodox still use the old calendar (Julian), and are still in Advent. When Christmas comes the crews will come to the cathedral of St. Theodosius, or St. Vladimir. They go for color, atmosphere, and ranking. Now, the Anglican cathedral of Trinity is a far more impressive building than the Cleveland's Latin rite cathedral of St. John the Evangelist (the Greek rite cathedrals of St. Josaphat, and especially St. John the Baptist only confuses media); and the Anglicans can do ceremony well. The tendency is other Protestants to have less audio-visuals.
What was interesting is that both WEWS (also here), and WJW gave a goodly view of historic Saint Casimir. There are two additional points here:
- Saint Casimir broke into the regular line up
- Both stations paired St. Casimir with the Cathedral
Sunday, November 11, 2012
Short history St. Casimir-in-the-Street
Despite its historic significance and
importance to the Polish Community, St. Casimir was ordered closed by
Bishop Lennon along with 56 other churches (and one other parish) in
the Cleveland Diocese. The last Mass as many believed, at the time,
took place on November 8, 2009 with Bishop Lennon presiding.
An important event occurred just before
closing in that a Polish Priest (Father Wachala) came to St. Casimir,
and dedicated the church to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Those that
believe in the “Miracle of St. Casimir” believe this was an
important event.
The Sunday after the Bishop closed St.
Casimir, parishioners began their vigil. They braved winter's winds
and snow, and the summer's heat and rain. Prayers to the Blessed
Virgin Mary were held in both the Polish and English language outside
the locked doors of the church. This group and members of the St.
Casimir Alumni appealed to the Vatican for help. A formal appeal was
accepted by Rome, along with 10 other parishes in Cleveland.
Start of the Prayer Vigils
Dr. Michael Klymiuk-Wieczerski, a
parishioner at St. Casimir called fellow members about a dream that
he had the night after the church was closed. He said the Virgin Mary
appeared in his dream and said, "Don't leave me", which he
took to mean the church. This event led to the assembly of many
faithful from not only St. Casimir, but visitors from even other
states to form a prayer vigil each and every Sunday in the rain,
snow, and cold led by Mr. Joe Feckanin, Stan Zadnik, and Wojtek
Fleszar. Soon other closed churches under appeal began their own
prayer vigils at St. Patrick, St. Wendelin, St.
Emeric, and St. James. Letters poured into Rome, and the
Bishop’s office; articles appeared in publications across the world
including the Los Angeles Times, New York radio host Rita
Cosby hosted Mr. Feckanin, and many wondered why and how this tiny
group of Poles were so dedicated to this cause.
Aside from the criticism, the vigils
went on at St. Casimir outside the closed gates. The group’s motto
that gave each of them strength was, and still is, "NIE BOJCIE
SIE" (in English: "DO NOT BE AFRAID”). Pope John Paul II
on his first visit to Poland as
the Vicar of Christ quoted these words.
These same words ignited a nation to throw off the chains of tyranny.
In May 2010, St. Casimir vigil
organizers met with Endangered Catholics supporters to conduct a
public event on the steps of the Cleveland City Hall. City Council
members came, and spoke, to show their support for the closed
churches. In January, 2012, another massive letter writing campaign
was mounted by the faithful; but this time targeting Cardinals and
the Pope himself in Rome. Signatures were gathered from the
Cleveland Community and sent to Rome urging the churches to be
reopened.
After two and an half years on the
streets, supporters continued their tireless efforts but certainly
many grew weary. On a warm evening on March 7, 2012 on the week of
the feast day of St. Casimir, a formal announcement went across the
news channels in Cleveland — “Cleveland Churches to reopen!!” A
decree was issued from the Vatican which listed the names of
parishioners declaring the closing of St. Casimir as invalid, and
calling for its reopening was made public that day. Members of the
prayer vigils from churches slated to reopen came down to St.
Casimir's to rejoice in the streets on that evening. Monika
Socheka’s mother, Helene, ill from cancer came to celebrate with
us. Please remember Helene as she passed away a few days later, but
at least found rest with the “joyous news.”
On July 15, the church and neighborhood
was full of cars and people from across the city and state. Over 1200
people came to see what many now feel is why Dr. Klymiuk stated “the
miracle has happened.”
*Please note that only a few of the
names appear in this history. Many of the faithful that contributed
so much are not listed above. A photo with names of the prayer vigil
faithful is now available.
— compiled by John Niedzialek
This along with a Polish translation should soon be available at the church.
To-day, the pre-noon Mass at St.Casimir was an anniversary recognition, and celebration of the time in exile wherein the parish continued to meet, and work for re-entry and restoration. Also, being Armistice Day (now called Veterans' Day in the US), and Polish Independence Day, and November is the month of remembrance of all dead souls, a Wypominki observance was held at the end of Mass with Exposition of the Sacrament, and Benediction. Wypominki is a remembrance of the dead (most appropriately, but not limited to) on the Octave of All Saints, sometimes held in cemeteries.
This along with a Polish translation should soon be available at the church.
To-day, the pre-noon Mass at St.Casimir was an anniversary recognition, and celebration of the time in exile wherein the parish continued to meet, and work for re-entry and restoration. Also, being Armistice Day (now called Veterans' Day in the US), and Polish Independence Day, and November is the month of remembrance of all dead souls, a Wypominki observance was held at the end of Mass with Exposition of the Sacrament, and Benediction. Wypominki is a remembrance of the dead (most appropriately, but not limited to) on the Octave of All Saints, sometimes held in cemeteries.
group photograph by Gus Chan of the last meeting of St. Casimir outside the fence 8 July 2012
Sunday, November 4, 2012
Parish Saved from Oblivion
incoming procession to a congregation overflowing with anticipation
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Father Sandor Siklodi, past and present pastor of St. Emeric Cleveland read the Gospel, and gave an history of the last twenty-eight months. At times it was a bad dream. He, as all people present, were publicly grateful to Fr. Begin and Saint Colman's for saying so many Hungarian language Masses in the interim. All realised how much this helped the community to survive and thrive. Siklodi said words too kind concerning Bishop Lennon.
a view at the Ave Maria window, and the press in the balcony
Of the eleven churches restored to public worship of God, in the Cleveland Catholic diocese, this church, Saint Emeric has physically the smallest nave, and sanctuary. Still they held six hundred people. Folding chairs were placed, everywhere they could fit, and some people stood.
After the distribution of Communion, Jesus finally re-entered the tabernacle after a long absence. The tallest member of the congregation pulled down the tabernacle lamp, and lit it. The lamp was out for twenty-eight months.
Before the Mass dismissal, the parish's procurator/organist presented an historical reflection on what has happened in the history, of the parish, the Hungarian nation, and the Catholic Church. To get to this Mass, in this church to-day, took the near moving of heaven and earth.
The time, noon 4 November echoed history. In 1456 a Christian force, led by Hungarians defeated the Turks at Nándorfehérvár (Beograd/Belgrade). Three years before, Constantinople (the Second Rome) fell. János Hunyadi is considered the top general of his generation, he had fought the Turks for more than a decade. This was his last battle. He soon died of contagious disease. His fame was so grand, that several nations claimed him. The next year, his son was elected king. The Hungarians believed the bells rang at noon by papal order after the victory.More recently, the short lived Hungarian independence revolt of 1956 was crushed on Sunday, 4 November.
But locally, this little parish became a cause célèbre for the world's Hungarians. The Hungarian government inveighed and cajoled diplomacy to the Vatican on the parish's behalf. The parish was opposed by a beyond remarkably recalcitrant bishop. They would not accept compromise, neither would he; but Rome did not relent. This the Mother of God, the parishioners, in various groupings (Templom Örzö, the street prayer vigils, the scouts), judicial and diplomatic actions, and justice all were on the same side. They found friends in Saint Colman's and other Catholics in town. The parish was "saved from oblivion". This was an historical moment in the church universal, and a great victory. It was the proper solution, to a falsely created problem.
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Guest Submission VII: St. Emeric's decree fulfilled
supporters and press standing on public property during the stand-off 1 July 2010
sit in ended
The next day: diocesan workers found the doors locked, and they could not get in. They called the chancery, and then a stand off took place with all media in attendance. St. Casimir supporters were on the outside witnessing the event. By mid afternoon the chancery called in the police, and told them that that the people in the church broke in and did all kinds of damage to the interior. I was told this by the police commander, Keith Sulzer. The commander told me, that the diocese told him, if they do not come out immediately, to use a battering ram on the doors. I told him that the chancery were liars, and that the people stayed in the church after the prayer service, and social, which ended around midnight. They did no damage, and that they were praying inside. The commander said, "I am a Catholic. I do not want to batter down the doors. Can I talk to someone". Immediately we put him in touch with their attorney, Charles Feliciano, the former head consul for the diocese. Feliciano arrived. A powwow was arranged inside, with the commander, attorney, and the faithful sit down occupiers. Then the commander brought, into the church a number of his men, whom he asked to sit in the pews and pray with the Hungarians. So they did.
An agreement was reached with no arrests made, after the commander called the chancery, and had them agree to the terms of no arrests, and a meeting with the bishop. The commander did his Christian duty, and a week later, Bishop Lennon met with the parishioners and counsel. No progress was achieved. The parish's pastor, Sandor Siklodi, had no idea of the sit in. The next day, Lennon told him he cannot practice as a priest in Cleveland. He told him to leave the diocese.
An appeal was made to Rome by the parish organist, Miklos Peller. Saint Emeric followed the example of St. Casimir's and started a Sunday morning prayer vigil on the street, being the 5th closed parish to do the same. These parishioners, many of whom were in the 1956 Hungarian Revolution against the communists were not giving up without a fight.
After the 10 other churches were opened, Lennon kept punitively stalling on St. Emeric. Rome had ordered them to be re-opened. Two more appeals were made to Rome concerning Lennon. Lennon made a comment to the Pellers, that he is tired of this "ethnic stuff" and he will do what he wants to do, regardless of Rome.
Rome had other ideas. The opening Mass will be on November 4th at noon. St. Emeric's Day is November 5th. How about this for a celebration? The parishioners have won out over tyranny by following the teachings of Jesus, living their Catholic faith, and staying together for the Sunday prayer vigil on the street in front of their beloved St. Emeric.
— Joe of St. Casimir
—— a friend of a voice from the rustbelt, and himself another voice
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
bulletin breaking--church news
Father Siklodi speaking outside his evicted church to parishioners and friends, one year after, on 30 June 2011
diocesan announcement click
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Közlemény
Real good news soon for Saint Emeric and the rest of the Catholics of Cleveland (and really the entire country) expected to be announced soon.
_______________
postscriptum 15 October 2012: Expect the delayed announcement from the Cleveland chancery/bishop this Thursday, 18 October. Part of the announcement will be noon Sunday 4 November.
_______________
postscriptum 15 October 2012: Expect the delayed announcement from the Cleveland chancery/bishop this Thursday, 18 October. Part of the announcement will be noon Sunday 4 November.
Friday, September 14, 2012
Obdurate officials of the ordinariate
Ten parishes in the Cleveland Latin-rite diocese that were unjustly forced not to meet have now been operating with official episcopal acknowledgment. An eleventh one has been impeded by the overbearing ordinary. A twelfth has been denied a real explanation of their status.
In Kansas City a bishop has been convicted and put on probation for his role in a pedophilia coverup. Robert Finn, a politically active bishop, has spent over a million dollars of diocesan money trying to avoid that conviction. He is a public disgrace. He still is bishop and continues to operate as before. Now, many other bishops could be convicted on similar charges if government wanted to exercise vigilance. Of course, those who agree with his politics and church polity will vigorously defend such criminal bishops, and bash those that do not.
Bishops have been removed from office throughout history. But the hierarchy loathes to have one of their number to be driven from office, or removed. In Finn's case a life of private prayer and penance would be appropriate.
Now, in Cleveland, we have Richard Lennon. Lennon would not pass scrutiny. Fortunately for him, he is not going to be investigated. Records and evidence will remain secreted. He was transferred from Boston, which he and his sponsor, Bernard Law, left in shambles. Although his office in Boston was considered temporary, Boston was more prestigious than Cleveland. The management of the entire local press will not allow a censure or investigation in Cleveland. The national, and international press are far more interested. There has been "pervasive commingling of accounts" where monies from the sale of parish properties, and supposedly dedicated funds fall into general funds, which in turn can be used for anything.
The people who have their parishes back, are only interested in their parishes now. Two groups of local faithful that made up Endangered Catholics, and Code Purple are spent and involved in their parishes, and personal lives. Local government is filled with Catholics not willing to chance their positions at the ballot box, and social circles.
Now we have parishes trying to rebuild. By accident and by purpose, no parish received the same pastor they had had. Lennon did not want that sort of continuity. Lennon wants these parishes run by these new men alone. Now, some parishes were lucky and got men whom like their communities. This was seen at the Homecoming Masses in which there was a great celebratory presence, and the intentions and words of praise the priest had for the parishioners whom fought for their parishes. In others, the contrary absence of celebration and admiration for the people, coupled with praise and concern for Lennon was also indicative, but adversely so. At St. John the Baptist in Akron, many parishioners made it known that they do not care for the administrator appointed, for he had worked for the parish's closure. St. James Lakewood also received a lennonist.
Lennon has avoided coming to the Homecoming Masses. He is making a point of coming to the parish to 'install' the pastor. Of course, these Masses will be attended not only by a fraction of those coming to the Homecoming, but also a fraction of an average Mass, even though the pastor will encourage the Christians to come. While St. Mary Akron had their Homecoming, Lennon installed the pastor at St. Mary Bedford.
One priest who said good things at his first re-assignment said troubling words at his second. A second newspaper journalist shared some of those words with the public, a first reporter judiciously did not. The Amish are a forgiving, and pacifist people; but as circumstances were, they do not have to see Charles Roberts. To counsel people to forgive an unrepentant Lennon, is the same as counseling a battered woman to stay with her man. Lennon is just like a wife beater, and will continue to abuse.
Many people thought Richard Milhous Lennon could not stay after the parish debacle, and the low morale of his priests. He has had these unusual 'meetings' with groups of priests. Yeah, they know he is vindictive, and a mental case, and very few have shown any courage before in speaking. Why would they feel free to speak now, especially when after six years they certainly know him? Has there been a public disclosure of the outcomes of those meetings?
Lennon has had at least three emissaries come to town to ask him to remove himself, he has not. Lennon has been to Rome several times and has been advised and scolded, and told of his problems. Unlike Martino of Scranton, he did not take a hint. Such bishops have pushed away an altogether too numerous a number of individuals from the faith, and therefore their families, and generations yet to be born. To keep the faith is, at times, a very trying task. Jesus promised us [Matthew xi. 30] His yoke was sweet, and His burden light. We have been assigned a pharisaic faro whose yoke is harsh, and burden heavy.
I had always thought at least some of the Cleveland parish appeals were going to be successful. I was certain most, if not all would have been successful after the Allentown decisions. But we never did find out how many were in play. There was at least one occasion when Lennon's departure would have had a good cover story (his operation). I have heard many people say that they can not see him continuing as bishop in Cleveland. I can.
______________________________
postscriptum 6 pm 21 April 2015: Finn has resigned as bishop. [click] and {click}
In Kansas City a bishop has been convicted and put on probation for his role in a pedophilia coverup. Robert Finn, a politically active bishop, has spent over a million dollars of diocesan money trying to avoid that conviction. He is a public disgrace. He still is bishop and continues to operate as before. Now, many other bishops could be convicted on similar charges if government wanted to exercise vigilance. Of course, those who agree with his politics and church polity will vigorously defend such criminal bishops, and bash those that do not.
Bishops have been removed from office throughout history. But the hierarchy loathes to have one of their number to be driven from office, or removed. In Finn's case a life of private prayer and penance would be appropriate.
Now, in Cleveland, we have Richard Lennon. Lennon would not pass scrutiny. Fortunately for him, he is not going to be investigated. Records and evidence will remain secreted. He was transferred from Boston, which he and his sponsor, Bernard Law, left in shambles. Although his office in Boston was considered temporary, Boston was more prestigious than Cleveland. The management of the entire local press will not allow a censure or investigation in Cleveland. The national, and international press are far more interested. There has been "pervasive commingling of accounts" where monies from the sale of parish properties, and supposedly dedicated funds fall into general funds, which in turn can be used for anything.
The people who have their parishes back, are only interested in their parishes now. Two groups of local faithful that made up Endangered Catholics, and Code Purple are spent and involved in their parishes, and personal lives. Local government is filled with Catholics not willing to chance their positions at the ballot box, and social circles.
Now we have parishes trying to rebuild. By accident and by purpose, no parish received the same pastor they had had. Lennon did not want that sort of continuity. Lennon wants these parishes run by these new men alone. Now, some parishes were lucky and got men whom like their communities. This was seen at the Homecoming Masses in which there was a great celebratory presence, and the intentions and words of praise the priest had for the parishioners whom fought for their parishes. In others, the contrary absence of celebration and admiration for the people, coupled with praise and concern for Lennon was also indicative, but adversely so. At St. John the Baptist in Akron, many parishioners made it known that they do not care for the administrator appointed, for he had worked for the parish's closure. St. James Lakewood also received a lennonist.
Lennon has avoided coming to the Homecoming Masses. He is making a point of coming to the parish to 'install' the pastor. Of course, these Masses will be attended not only by a fraction of those coming to the Homecoming, but also a fraction of an average Mass, even though the pastor will encourage the Christians to come. While St. Mary Akron had their Homecoming, Lennon installed the pastor at St. Mary Bedford.
One priest who said good things at his first re-assignment said troubling words at his second. A second newspaper journalist shared some of those words with the public, a first reporter judiciously did not. The Amish are a forgiving, and pacifist people; but as circumstances were, they do not have to see Charles Roberts. To counsel people to forgive an unrepentant Lennon, is the same as counseling a battered woman to stay with her man. Lennon is just like a wife beater, and will continue to abuse.
Many people thought Richard Milhous Lennon could not stay after the parish debacle, and the low morale of his priests. He has had these unusual 'meetings' with groups of priests. Yeah, they know he is vindictive, and a mental case, and very few have shown any courage before in speaking. Why would they feel free to speak now, especially when after six years they certainly know him? Has there been a public disclosure of the outcomes of those meetings?
Lennon has had at least three emissaries come to town to ask him to remove himself, he has not. Lennon has been to Rome several times and has been advised and scolded, and told of his problems. Unlike Martino of Scranton, he did not take a hint. Such bishops have pushed away an altogether too numerous a number of individuals from the faith, and therefore their families, and generations yet to be born. To keep the faith is, at times, a very trying task. Jesus promised us [Matthew xi. 30] His yoke was sweet, and His burden light. We have been assigned a pharisaic faro whose yoke is harsh, and burden heavy.
I had always thought at least some of the Cleveland parish appeals were going to be successful. I was certain most, if not all would have been successful after the Allentown decisions. But we never did find out how many were in play. There was at least one occasion when Lennon's departure would have had a good cover story (his operation). I have heard many people say that they can not see him continuing as bishop in Cleveland. I can.
______________________________
postscriptum 6 pm 21 April 2015: Finn has resigned as bishop. [click] and {click}
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Saint Peter's meets
To-night, there took place the first religious service at East 17th and Superior since Easter 2010. It was similar to a truncated Liturgy of the Word, calling itself "a gathering for praise and preparation". Thereafter, a parish meeting took place; and a coffee and cookie time for chit-chat.The official announcement for the first Mass since the Vatican decree of full restoration was made. The Mass will begin 11.30 a.m. Sunday, the 9th of September 2012.
The pastor for Saint Peter Cleveland is Reverend Robert Kropac. He is also the pastor of Saint Wendelin. Currently the Mass schedule at Wendelin is Saturday 4.30 p.m., and Sunday 10.00 a.m. The Sunday Mass will move to 9.30 a.m. at Saint Wendelin.
some forty people were in attendanceThe parish at Superior will continue on. The parish began in 1853, and has worshipped in this building on E. 17th and Superior since 1857. It is the oldest Catholic church building in Cleveland, Ohio. The parish has never gone out of existence, and will have its first public service in the old building in 29 months. This is the 10th of 11 churches to have its attempted suppression publicly lifted after receiving a Vatican decree in the Cleveland diocese.
The parish is looking forward to an active campus ministry with Cleveland State University. The parish will also be working with the Bishop William Cosgrove Center and the neighborhood indigent.
Saint Rita Solon's music director, Bob McMurray, came to play organ and pianoWednesday, August 15, 2012
Homecoming St. Mary Akron
detail of the Assumption
The second Roman rite parish in Akron had an Homecoming Mass, this evening. The parish was the next to last parish evicted by Lennon on 27 June 2010; the last was St. Emeric, which although reprieved by order of Rome, has still is not opened, nor set to open. St. Mary was open for its school children to attend a weekly Mass, and one outdoor Mass was held for the parish.
St. Mary was merged into St. Bernard. They are now both independent, while sharing the same pastor, Daniel Reed. Since it is a Marian parish, Fr. Reed chose the Feast of the Assumption for the Homecoming. He pointed out the scene painted on the apse is that of Mary's bodily Assumption into heaven.
one of two herald angels before the apse
As great an occasion it was, no fanfare was attendant. More than six hundred people almost reached seating capacity of the church. People were happy to enjoy their patrimony again. Before Mass, a rosary was said. The mood was subdued throughout. One of the hymns sung was , 'We Remember'. The Agnus Dei was sung in Latin.
Masses are always said with an intention. Such a Mass would have been proper for pro populo (for the people), instead it was said for Richard Lennon. During the Mass's Eucharistic Prayers, the celebrant went further and added to the formula ['Benedict, our Pope, and N., our bishop'], 'and his intentions'. His intentions were to eliminate these parishes, and sell their properties. The new pastor is noticeably less than fully enthusiastic about his second parish.
congregation and plastic slip covered organ
congregation and plastic slip covered organ
The church never closed, but some maintenance and care fell into neglect. Landscaping was limited to grass cutting. The wallpaper around the clerestory windows was streaked throughout by water stains.
Asperges, the sprinkling rite very early in the Mass
minimal recessional procession: crucifer, two other altar boys, deacon, and priest
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