Encouraging the Culture of Encounter with Jesus Christ, His Church, and All People

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Feast Days
At the time of this writing I am celebrating my Patronal Feast Day!  September 21 is the feast day of St. Matthew, who was an Apostle, Evangelist, and a Martyr.  Everyone knows and often celebrates their birthdays, but as Catholics we remember too that we are connected with the saints of the past because those saints are present to us now through our being united in Christ.  Also they are part of our future because we want to be saints sharing with them the Beatific Vision in Heaven when our time on earth is over.  This is one part of believing in the Communion of Saints, which we pray every time we say the Creed.  Do you know your feast day?  Do you celebrate your special day in a particular way?  What about your children?  Do they know and celebrate their name days?

Sad News - Requiescat in Pace Bishop Pilla
The following is a message from Bishop Malesic:
It is with deep sadness that I share with the Catholic community of the Diocese of Cleveland the news of the passing … of Bishop Anthony M. Pilla.  Bishop Pilla died peacefully at his personal residence.  In my short time as the bishop of Cleveland I came to know Bishop Pilla as a very warm, kind-hearted and deeply faithful shepherd, always dedicated to the people of the diocese.  He was generous with his time and sharing his knowledge and concern for the diocese with me.  As a leader in the national Church, Bishop Pilla was an inspiration and example to me throughout my priesthood and in my years as a bishop.  I felt so welcomed by him when I came to the Diocese of Cleveland, a Church that he loved so much.   As a leader in the community and a friend to so many, he will be greatly missed. Please join me in offering prayers for Bishop Pilla and his family.  May Bishop Pilla rest in the peace of Christ.


Sincerely in Christ,

Fr. Pfr