Bishop Moskal celebrates liturgy at correctional institution

MANSFIELD, Ohio - The Catholic community of the Mansfield Correctional Institution (MANCI) celebrated the Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom with Bishop Robert Moskal of the St. Josaphat Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy, Parma, on May 6. This was the first visit and liturgical celebration at the Ohio state close-security prison by a bishop of an Eastern Church.

The Byzantine-rite liturgy was entirely sung, except for the recitation of the Nicene Creed. Msgr. Peter Waslo, vicar general, concelebrated the liturgy, and Msgr. Thomas Sayuk, chancellor, assisted. The Apostolic reading was canted by Oles Cheren.

In his homily Bishop Moskal talked of the "great gift of the Easter Resurrection." He said, "Jesus transforms our lives no matter where we are. The Holy Spirit is conscious of every human being and is prompting motive. We must learn to love each other: to feed the hungry, visit the prisoner and care for the sick. And how do we know we have eternal life? If we have loved the brethren."

Bishop Moskal told the community that "the first canonized saint is Dismas, the good thief. Hanging on a cross beside Jesus, he was told 'Today you will be with me in paradise.' This is our great joy," said Bishop Moskal, "Christ is risen!"

The prisoners and visitors comprising the community received Holy Communion under both species of bread and wine for this special liturgy.

Along with the Ukrainian clergy and prisoners, visitors celebrating the divine liturgy were the Rev. Lawrence Scharf, Sisters of Notre Dame and parishioners of St. Joseph Parish in Monroeville; Deacon Russell Shoemaker of St. Mary of the Snows Parish in Mansfield; and parishioners of Resurrection Parish in Lexington.

Following the liturgy, the community enjoyed a reception hosted by the prisoners. Bishop Moskal remained to field questions about the Byzantine tradition and differences between rites.

Copyright © The Ukrainian Weekly, June 4, 2000, No. 23, Vol. LXVIII

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