Cleveland Mass celebrates order to reopen churches

CLEVELAND (AP) — A priest spoke of oppression, hurt and forgiveness during a Mass that celebrated the Vatican’s recent reversal of the closure of 13 Cleveland-area Roman Catholic churches.

The Rev. Bob Begin told those gathered Sunday at St. Colman Church in Cleveland that, “When hurt happens, there is anger and resentment, hatred and love …. But on top of the hurt … we can commit ourselves to a process of forgiveness.”

The 13 churches were closed by Bishop Richard Lennon in 2009. The Vatican earlier this month ordered them reopened.

A spokesman for the Diocese of Cleveland tells The Plain Dealer  the bishop was unable to attend the service and is pleased people took time to worship.

One woman who attended says the Vatican order has kept her from leaving the Catholic church.