THE BLESSING OF THE CROSS COMMUNITY Spotlight
by Ed Bansek
The Elyria Catholic Panther community gathered together on September 3, 2025 to celebrate with a Blessing of the Cross ceremony on Panther Plaza. The occasion marked the dedication of the new cross atop the clock tower in memory of Steve and Bertha Komives whose son Steven graduated from EC in 1965. Following a school Mass in the Coliseum, EC President Annie Heidersbach invited everyone outside to Panther Plaza where the participants received a blessing from Father Deo. Amari Lind, a current Elyria Catholic Senior, gave a short gospel reading from the Book of John, while the Responsorial Psalm was led by Jessica Strauser ’26, and the Intercessions by Allyson Hopiard ’29. Father Deo led everyone in reciting the Lord’s Prayer and the blessing of the new cross. Fr. Deo dismissed everyone with the hope that the cross will inspire all who see it and be a sign of peace, unity, and hope throughout our daily lives. The opportunity to replace the original cross arose after an inspection revealed the need to repair or replace the brickwork on the clock tower due to age and weather related wear and tear. The renovation began in the summer of 2024 and necessitated the removal of the cross in the process. As the original cross was also showing its age, a decision was made to replace it with a new larger cross that would be more prominent and inspiring. The new cross is 12' tall, 7' wide and 10" thick and consists of an inner core of steel and an outer covering of PVC. The cross was made by Mr. Nicholi of Architectural Fiberglass in Cleveland with the engineering assistance of Mark Enos of Danmark Engineering from Akron. The new cross was raised to its place of honor on June 16, 2025 by Dalad Construction of Independence, Ohio. To complete the renovation, the time worn clocks on both sides of the clock tower needed to be restored. The clock face markings on both clocks had faded over the years and the glass covering on one of the clocks had a hole in it. Wagner Electric Sign Company of Elyria was contracted to detail and repaint the facings on both clocks and install new glass coverings on each one. HMH Restoration of Cleveland placed the metal hour markers around the outside edges of the clock and completed the brickwork. The original cross has been refurbished and the administration is discussing how and where to display this important piece of Elyria Catholic history. Our thanks to Steven Komives from the Elyria District Catholic High School class of 1965 who gifted the new cross in memory of his parents, Steve & Bertha Komives. May all who gaze on this new addition to our campus be inspired and reminded of Christ’s presence in our lives and find peace and happiness.
10 Elyria Catholic High School Magazine
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