Bishop David Zubik, Roman Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh; Bishop Edward Malesic, Roman Catholic Diocese of Greensburg; Bishop Kurt Kusserow, Southwestern Pennsylvania Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America; and Archbishop William Skurla at “An Evening of Repentance,” which marked the 500th anniversary of the Reformation at St. John the Baptist Cathedral in Munhall, Pa. on April 4.
Commemoration of 500th Anniverary of the Reformation at St. John the Baptist Cathedral
Father Tom Schaefer witnessed many heartwarming sights during “An Evening of Repentance” at St. John the Baptist Cathedral in Munhall, Pa. on April 4.
Schaefer, who helped plan the event with Cindy Corbett, Safe Environment coordinator, was especially thankful for what he saw following the service attended by those of the Byzantine and Roman Catholic and Lutheran faiths.
“The fellowship afterward was amazing. People didn’t sit in their own religious or ethinc group tables, they all mixed together.
“One of the Lutheran pastors ended up inviting two of the Catholic priests to dinner at her home. Things took place on that level that might not editor Father Tom Schaefer witnessed many heartwarming sights during “An Evening of Repentance” at St. John the Baptist Cathedral in Munhall, Pa. on April 4. Schaefer, who helped plan the event with Cindy Corbett, Safe Environment coordinator, was especially thankful for what he saw following the service attended by those of the Byzantine and Roman Catholic and Lutheran faiths.
“The fellowship afterward was amazing. People didn’t sit in their own religious or ethinc group tables, they all mixed together. “One of the Lutheran pastors ended up inviting two of the Catholic priests to dinner at her home. Things took place on that level that might not have happened. It wasn’t about theological differences, it was about the commonality of life in Christ.”
The event, focusing on reconciliation, was to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the Christian schism known as the Reformation. It included Catholic and Lutheran bishops and clergy, representing the Byzantine Archeparchy of Pittsburgh, Dioceses of Greensburg and Pittsburgh and the Southwestern Pennsylvania Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America,
Joining Skurla on the altar were: Bishop David Zubik, Roman Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh; Bishop Edward Malesic, Roman Catholic Diocese of Greensburg; and Bishop Kurt Kusserow, Southwestern Pennsylvania Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America .
The evening included a Moleben prayer service and Lenten meal. Small, wooden crosses were distributed to the faithful. “The attendance was outstanding. The Cathedral was full … We chose opening and closing hymns that were from both Lutheran and Roman Catholic traditions (along with our traditional music),” Schaefer said.
“It opened with one of Martin Luther’s most famous songs, ‘A Mighty Fortress is Our God.’ To hear all of the people sing out with such fervor was amazing.”
Schaefer said the service helped faithful understand there is one Lord, faith and baptism. “It was an opportunity to open the eyes of our heart and to see things differently. For both the Byzantine Catholics and the Roman Catholics, it was the first time they saw so many women pastors dressed in their albs and stoles, coming in procession. It’s a shocker when you aren’t accustomed to that.
“It was really quite beautiful. It was much more dynamic than we could have ever hoped for. People stayed, they ate, there was plenty of food and there was just a lot of sharing that took place that was extremely positive.”
Two other events to be held later this year will also reassess shared histories and divisions and examine the progress of 50 years of ecumenical dialogue.
“An Evening of Witness and Thanksgiving” is June 29, St. Killian Parish in Cranberry, Pa. and “A Day of Commemoration and Hope” is Oct. 29, St. Vincent Basilica in Latrobe, Pa.
