Juniors of STVM joined the 20 Catholic high schools and almost 5,000 people at the Cleveland Public Auditorium on Thursday for their retreat.
Bishop Edward Malesic led the 2025 Diocese of Cleveland Youth Mass and Rally. Alongside him were speakers Father Eric Garris, a diocesan vocations director who has been acting as Master of Ceremonies, Claire Green, a member of the diocesan youth advisory council, who is from Holy Family Parish, and Meg Hunter-Kilmore, the campus minister from Notre Dame.
Students rode in about 90 buses on the cold, rainy morning of October 23rd to the Cleveland Public Auditorium. Those who attended this mass received plenary indulgences, which are spiritual graces that remit the temporal punishments due to sins, given on pilgrimages like students went on Thursday.
Volunteers and Seminarians greeted them as they entered the grand hall. During their retreat, STVM juniors sat down and gave their attention to Father Garris, followed by Claire Green, who shared her witness story.
She told the high schoolers, “God doesn’t need you, but he wants you and that made all the difference,” emphasizing their choice, “Today, take a step toward that love.”
Father Garris added, “How is God alive in you today?” before introducing the keynote speaker, Meg Hunter-Kilmore. She built off Claire’s story, making sure students know they are loved no matter what.
As Mass began, seminarians, deacons, Bishop Malesic, and auxiliary Bishop Michael Woost processed with 16 more priests helping to celebrate Mass. Bishop Malesic began Mass by giving a message of unity, telling schools to put aside rivalries as they worship together. He gave the homily, giving context about the Public Auditorium by listing artists who performed there: The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, and Elvis Presley.
He also told of the Decision Rite of Election, an event that drew thousands of people to declare their intent of joining the Church or to enter full communion with the Catholic faith, which took place there earlier this year.
After Mass, high schools were called to exit one school at a time. Schools like Lake Catholic started chants, but STVM Juniors started a “Wave,” which was small at first but eventually involved the whole upper deck of the Auditorium. When STVM was called to leave the Auditorium, students were able to shake Bishop Malesic’s hand.
A student asked him the question, “What was your favorite part about the Mass and Rally?”
He responded, “The huge youth presence and their participation today were great to see.” And asked the student what his favorite part was.
