If students at St. Mary of the Assumption School in Mentor thought April 9 was just another Monday, they quickly learned from a special guest that it was indeed a distinctive day: Feast of the Annunciation.
Typically, the day is observed on March 25, nine months before the birth of Jesus, according to the Christian faith.
This year, however, the Annunciation of the Lord, in which the angel Gabriel appeared to the Virgin Mary announcing she had been chosen to be the “Blessed Mother of Our Lord,” the day was transferred to the Monday after Easter, as the 25th fell on Palm Sunday during Holy Week this year.
That news was delivered by Bishop Nelson J. Perez, who celebrated Mass and met with students during lunch at the conclusion of the service.
Perez was appointed as the bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland last July, and officially installed as the diocese’s 11th bishop in September.
Engaging students of all grades, Perez told them one of the favorite parts of his job is meeting great people like them.
“I want you to tell me what the best thing is about your school,” he said. “Introduce me to your school. What are some of the best things about St. Mary’s?”
Answers ranged from lunch — Mexican pizza, in particular — to teachers and staff, which Perez lauded. When a voice identified “the church” as a favorite, Perez spoke of unity.
“The church,” he said, smiling, gesturing toward the congregation, “I’m impressed. There is this church, the building, and then there is us. We make up the church. You are the church.
“And your teachers, they’re very special people, they do so much, and they keep working after you go home. They choose to be here with you. They serve you, with great love for you, through the Lord. Make sure you thank them for all that they do.”
Another student named Catholic education as a favorite thing.
Perez said that was a key element as well, one that distinguishes St. Mary’s from other schools.
“This is not just a school that teaches math and English, because lying at the center of this school is our Catholic faith,” he added. “That we’re able to come together around this altar and celebrate God’s love for us.
“At the same time, we’re in the middle of just coming out of Easter Sunday and continuing to celebrate the Easter season, in which, just about a week ago, we remember the story of Jesus dying and then rising from the dead. The early apostles and followers of Jesus, they all asked the same question: How could this be? The Blessed Mother also asked how is it she could be expecting a child.”
Pointing to both, Perez told the congregation the stories remind everyone that with God all things are possible.
“When we’re called, we imitate the trust of these early disciples and followers of Christ who experienced his resurrection, and their (collective) experience in God’s graciousness and God’s power,” he said. “The Feast today calls on us to confront that God takes care of us, one way or another. You see how God cares for you, every day. And you see God’s care for you even in impossible situations.
“In the care of your parents, they take care of you. They make sure you come to school. Their love, care and support, along with the parishioners, make this school happen. God uses us, other people, to make things possible, along with his grace.”
Through lunch, Perez continued to meet students and staff. He praised the school and the community for its support and its recognition of learning as being a boon for common good.
“It’s obvious that this is a wonderful school, its plant, its people and its teachers,” he said. “It teaches not just the essentials of the academic world, but a values-driven education rooted in our faith, which is a wonderful gift for these kids and for society at large.
“Any time the school possesses a sense of community and family, it appeals to one of our most basic human needs, that is the need to belong. As they say, a place where everybody knows your name. It’s a joy to be here.”
St. Mary Principal Mary Benns believes Perez to be genuine and inviting, and, encouraged by his message of unity, said it felt like the prelate, indeed, “belonged with the school.”
“It’s so nice to share the story of our school with him because (as the bishop of Cleveland) he is our spiritual leader,” she said. “It’s exciting to have him here. He’s such a people person, so down to earth. Anyone would be comfortable to have him at their table.”