The Cleveland District celebrated St. Anne’s Day on Friday July 26th at Our Lady of Lourdes Shrine, Euclid, Ohio. St. Anne blessed us with a gorgeous day, which led to a turnout of 200 members celebrating St. Anne’s Day!
Not only was it St. Anne’s day, it was also St Joachim’s Day, who was the husband of St Anne. Anne & Joachim were the parents of Mary and the grandparents of our Lord.
We honored Sts. Anne & Joachim with the celebration of a beautiful mass in the chapel. Bishop Roger Gries, OSB was the celebrant and was assisted by Cleveland District Chaplain Fr. Gerard Gonda, OSB, and guest clergy Frs. Jerome Lajack, Richard Burchell, Anthony Stebja, Robert Marva, OFM, Joachim Pastirik, OSB and Brothers Gabriel Balazovic, OSB, and Thomas Sanders, OSB. The Offertory Gifts were presented by FCSLA National President Cynthia Maleski, Past President Mary Ann Johanek and Cleveland District President Joyce Lechman. Ruth Novak and the choir from St. Wendelin church provided the music for the Mass and Benediction.
Lunch was served in the dining hall followed by the recognition of the FCSLA 2013 scholarship winners from the Cleveland District. Those scholarship winners in attendance were honored: Sara Stedrosky, Rene Kraft, Brynne Naughton, John Lally, and Jozef Sekerak. We did not make them sing for their supper; however, we did put them to work assisting with the very popular raffle. Thank you to all the branches that generously donated all the wonderful gifts! Congratulations to all the winners!
The celebration ended with Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, recitation of the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary and Benediction led by Fr. Gerard Gonda, OSB.
A big Thank You to all the District Branch Officers and members who worked so hard to make the St. Anne’s Day celebration so enjoyable.
To view photos from this event, check out the Cleveland Distirct Photo Gallery!
