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Father Popovich’s words and presence inspired students
By LINDA M. LINONIS
YOUNGSTOWN
Reflection remains a mainstay of Lent, a time of prayer, penance and fasting to prepare for Holy Week and Easter.
The 40-day period, excluding Sundays, began Ash Wednesday.
The guest homilist for Mass at Ursuline High School, 750 Wick Ave., gave students plenty to ponder.
The Rev. Richard Murphy, UHS president, invited the Rev. Steve Popovich to participate in Mass and deliver the sermon. Father Popovich was seriously injured in a car accident Nov. 12, 2013; he continues rehabilitation at Liberty Healthcare
and Rehabilitation Center, a Windsor House facility, 1355 Church Hill-Hubbard Road, Liberty.
Father Murphy told the students, “There are opportunities in faith to go in new directions in our lives and out of the darkness of the world. God gives us the new vision we need.”
Father Popovich, who uses a wheelchair, moved among students, faculty and guests seated on the gym floor while other students were in the bleachers.
He recalled a major fire when he was a youth; a business was there one day and reduced to ashes the next. “It was a phenomenal change,” he said. “The ashes we use today are from burned palm branches. They’re used to mark a change in us. No one is promised tomorrow. Ash Wednesday is about living in the present and taking advantage of each day God gives us,” Father Popovich said.
The priest said he appreciated the invitation to visit the North Side school because he “enjoys young people because of their energy and enthusiasm.”
Father Popovich used his accident and its aftermath as a learning experience for the nearly 480 students who attend Ursuline. “We do risky things and push the envelope,” he said.
The day of his accident, the priest recalled he was on a “tight schedule.” After saying Mass at St. Paul the Apostle Church in New Middletown, where he was then pastor, he headed out to the Ohio State Penitentiary to minister to inmates. His car slid on black ice on Struthers Road, and he hit a pickup truck and then a tree.
He asked students to be careful in their lives by “leaving early, wearing seat belts, not texting and paying attention.”
Father Popovich shared that other patients he met while hospitalized demonstrated incredible “patience and perseverance.” He admires that example and tries to follow it.
“Leave yourself open to a relationship with Christ,” the priest said. “But you also need a support system of family and friends.” He noted that has been invaluable in his life.
“Have a blessed day” was the parting comment one patient who was being discharged once told the priest. He asked the Mass participants to wish one another a “blessed day.”
Father Murphy added that “Jesus offers comfort and God stands with us” whether our lives are “steady” or “a wild ride.”
After the Mass, four UHS students reflected on Father Popovich’s presence.
Junior Kali Kerpelis, 17: “Live for today, and keep a positive outlook. We should be grateful in our lives and give back.”
Frank Sobnosky, 17-year-old junior: “His words made me appreciate what I have and what I can do. You never know what will happen in life ... so appreciate the time you have and take advantage of it.”
Marie Bond, 16-year-old junior: “It’s important to trust in God. Father Popovich shows that because he has the strength to continue his ministry.”
Junior Aaron Coates, 17: “He’s inspiring. He continues living his ministry. He’s using his situation to teach.”
The liturgical choir of singers and musicians, El Fuego, directed by Linda Miller, led hymns.