By Raymond Duffy
Bishop Edward Malesic, who served as the bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Greensburg since 2015, was installed as twelfth Bishop of Cleveland on Sept. 14, replacing Bishop Nelson Perez, who was moved from Cleveland to Philadelphia.
Malesic was a great friend of the Saint Vincent community—he conferred the Sacrament of Confirmation at the Basilica Parish multiple times during his episcopacy, ordained both monks and seminarians of Saint Vincent Seminary, and even gave an exhortation in Mary, Mother of Wisdom Chapel for college students last year at the beginning of Lent. Archabbot Martin Bartel, O.S.B. received Malesic’s blessing in the Basilica on July 10, only 4 days before the announcement was made that he was moving to Ohio.
During his time as Bishop of Greensburg, Malesic led the faithful of the diocese through the troubled times following the Pennsylvania Grand Jury Report’s release on clerical abuse in the state of Pennsylvania. Malesic personally attended 7 listening sessions facilitated by the Safe Environment Advisory Council of the Diocese of Greensburg, at which parishioners and Catholics of the diocese were able to express their emotions about the grand jury report, offer observations and make suggestions.
On July 1, Malesic announced the creation of the Saint Pope John Paul II Tuition Opportunity Partnership, which made available 4.1 million dollars in tuition assistance for Catholic schools in the diocese.
Andrew Hamilton, a seminarian for the Diocese of Greensburg attending Saint Vincent Seminary, had high praise for Malesic.
“From my first meeting with Bishop Malesic, I could tell he had authentic care for my vocation to the Priesthood. He was always approachable and genuinely enjoyed hearing about my experiences in seminary and my inspiration to become a priest. Bishop Malesic will certainly be missed by many, but especially by the seminarians studying for the Diocese of Greensburg,” Hamilton said.
Joseph LaForest, senior political science major and resident of Cleveland, is glad his home diocese is getting a shepherd like Malesic.
“I'm excited for Bishop Malesic,” he said. “I have met him multiple times, and he shows a strong enthusiasm for engagement with the youth in the church, while still holding on to orthodox teaching. I believe he will do very well for Cleveland.”
Sophomore communication major Genevieve LaFosse is from Latrobe, in the Greensburg diocese. She also praised Malesic, and is sad to see him go.
“[The bishop is] very pastoral and friendly, and always wanted to be involved in activities and events happening around our diocese. Even though I didn’t know him super well, he will be missed.”