The Catholic church was one of 13 reopened in 2012 thanks to a special decree from the Vatican.
On December 24th, Christians globally marked the day before Jesus Christ’s birth. However, for St. Casimir Parish in Cleveland, this celebration carried a more profound significance.
This year marked the 13th Christmas Eve Mass since the church reopened in 2012, after initially being closed by the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland in 2009. The church, with its century-old legacy, was among 50 set to be shuttered after the diocese cited change in demographics, a shortage of priests, and financial constraints.
Parishioners were devastated, but a determined group of faithful members refused to let the closure be the church’s final chapter.
“They started praying,” parishioner John Niedzialek remembered. “Each and every Sunday for 2 1/2 years — rain, snow, heat — the people prayed.”
In March 2012, the Vatican announced the reopening of 13 parishes, including St. Casimir. Niedzialek, deeply connected to his Polish heritage and faith, reflected on the church’s remarkable journey.
“I remember it was a warm March night, on a Thursday, and people heard the news,” he remembered of learning that the church would be getting a second act. “People came down, and they hugged each other, they cried, and they gave thanks, and they prayed some more for the miracle that occurred.”
The church’s rich history is evident in every corner, from intricate artwork to a piece that captures two children carrying water buckets — a work that has been transformed into a depiction of angels now on permanent display. On this Christmas Eve, the congregation gathered again, their voices united in song and celebration.
“People ask, ‘What are you praying for? Why are you praying?’ Because prayers work, that’s why,” Niedzialek shared. “We are very hopeful for the future.”
The church will follow with another Mass on Christmas Day, followed by its Feast of the Holy Family Mass on Sunday.
