This year has been unlike any that I have known. We keep saying that, but these ARE unprecedented times. Shut down, isolated, urged to be distant and careful, we find little happening in our lives. But in the life of the Diocese of Greensburg, there have been a few significant events and announcements celebrated in the most unusual ways.
Most importantly for our Diocese came the announcement that the Holy Father has named our bishop, Bishop Edward C. Malesic, as the new Bishop of the Diocese of Cleveland. When I read of the pending announcement in "Whispers in the Loggia" the night before the Vatican notification, I did not know whether to cry or rejoice. In that moment I rejoiced that Cleveland would welcome a very good shepherd in Bishop Malesic ... but there was a sadness in my heart that we would be losing a shepherd who is so loved and appreciated in our Diocese, by both the faithful and our priests. Our loss as priests is not only the shepherd but also the friend. We wish him all of the Lord's blessings as he prepares for his installation in Cleveland on Monday, September 14th. A change that brings disappointment and sadness to my heart.
In June we saw the ordination by Bishop Malesic of a new priest, Father Mark Dunmire. This good young from Saint Margaret Mary Church in Lower Burrell was ordained in Blessed Sacrament Cathedral, but with the Covid-19 restrictions we had to watch on streaming. He has been assigned as Parochial Vicar at one of the parishes in which I served as pastor, Saint Paul Parish in Greensburg. I told Mark that he is blessed in this assignment.
A welcome blessing to my heart and to the Diocese.
Bishop Malesic also ordained five men to the Permanent Diaconate during this time. They are: Craig Gilbert, Steven LoCasio, William Wilson, Bob Stauffer and Michael Dargay. Again, the ordination was by invitation only and we watched from a distance (it is not the same). I met all of these men and I know a few of them, and they will bring bring great service to God's people and joy to my heart.
Our Chrism Mass, moved from Holy Thursday, was also celebrated recently at the Cathedral with the Priests' Council and Deans representing the diocesan clergy. This is such a wonderful celebration of the renewal of priesthood that to participate on-line just didn't do it (at least for me). This necessary change brought another disappointment to my heart.
And we rejoiced in the selection of Father Martin de Pores Bartel as the 12th Archabbot of Saint Vincent Benedictine Archabbey in Latrobe within the Diocese. Saint Vincent is a blessing within our Church, and for me the Benedictines of Saint Vincent not only provided me with a great High School education at the former Saint Vincent Prep, but have been friends and fellow co-workers in the parishes. Archabbot Martin is a warm and friendly man who will serve well as Father Abbot. Bishop Malesic installed him as Archabbot in Saint Vincent Basilica last month, with appropriate limitation and social distancing. I was a disappointment to not be present, but a joy to watch.
Our faith in the love of God for his people allows us to not be overcome by our disappointment and restrictions as well as to rejoice in his blessings, in whatever limited way we can celebrate them. This virus is an opportunity to deepen our trust and strengthen our faith in a loving God. Be strong!
