With the approval of Cleveland Bishop Edward Malesic and Capuchin Provincial Minister Br. Tom Betz, OFM Cap, Br. Phil Bernier, OFM Cap, has been assigned as Parochial Vicar of St. Malachi Parish, 2459 Washington Ave. in Cleveland.
The parish was founded in 1865 to care for the spiritual needs of the then predominantly Irish “Old Angle” neighborhood around Detroit Ave. and West 25th St. Br. Phil will assist parish administrator Fr. Michael Gurnick with regular parish responsibilities and explore possibilities to expand and invigorate the parish’s proud history to social outreach to Cleveland’s near westside.
This assignment is effective immediately and is the Capuchin’s first ministerial assignment on Cleveland’s westside since their arrival in the diocese in 1978.