On his recent trip to Europe, Bishop Milan Lach, SJ met with His Eminence, Leonardo Cardinal Sandri, Prefect of the Congregation of Eastern Churches, to discuss the present situation of the Eparchy of Parma and its challenges for the future. The meeting was held on Friday, 19 November 2021, during which Bishop Lach thanked Cardinal Sandri for the Visitation of Bishop Kicanas to the Eparchy in August and discussed with Cardinal Sandri the pastoral care of the faithful of the Eparchy of Parma. Bishop Lach also met with His Excellency, Archbishop George Gallaro, Secretary of the Congregation of Eastern Churches. Bishop Lach returned from his trip with ever-greater fervor and pastoral zeal for the care of souls in the Eparchy of Parma and our Ruthenian Byzantine Catholic Church in the United States.
The 185 guests gathered on Saturday, October 23, 2021 in the beautifully-adorned Holiday Inn South events center in Independence, Ohio to celebrate the love of God and to support the Eparchy of Parma’s mission. The “Evening of Hope” featured a scrumptious meal, singing by students from St. Mary’s Byzantine Catholic School, piano music by Caroline Visnovsky and Margaret Burik, a captivating story by the charismatic speaker, Father Mitchell Pacwa, S.J., a stellar video presentation, and the highly successful Fund-A-Need.
The event grossed $93,000 in support of the four established eparchial funds for 1) development of parishes; 2) promotion of vocations and seminary education; 3) the eparchial pension fund for priests; and 4) works of the apostolate. The Fund-A-Need was orchestrated by Auctioneer Chris Fornadel and exceeded its goal of $10,000, by raising nearly $29,000. The Fund-A-Need directly supported the monthly health care premium costs for the retired bishop and 12 retired clergy of the Eparchy of Parma.
A heartfelt thank you is extended by Bishop Milan Lach, S. J. to our sponsors, donors and guests for supporting the “Evening of Hope.” May God richly bless all our donors and guests who helped create a memorable and successful evening.
Mark your calendar for Saturday, October 22, 2022 for the Eparchy of Parma’s “Evening of Hope” to be held at the Holiday Inn South, Independence, Ohio.
Please click on the title above to view pictures from the Evening of Hope.