Famous Figures- Father Gene Wilson C.PP.S.

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Father Gene Wilson broke barriers as the first African-American priest ordained in the Diocese of Cleveland, leaving a lasting impact through his unwavering faith and dedication to Christ. His journey from Charleston to Cleveland established a legacy of service that paved the way for future generations of priests.

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Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:04):
Thank you so much for joining us.
Hello and welcome back to CCAirwaves.

(00:33):
My name is Paige Mattillo andtoday it's just me, no co-host,
which means that I will besharing another story of an
important figure that has beenlaid to rest in our cemeteries.
Cleveland has been home to manyinfluential African-American
leaders who have shaped ourregion across generations,

(00:53):
organizations and industries.
One such leader was Father GeneWilson, c-p-p-s, a man whose
unwavering faith and dedicationleft a lasting impact on the
Diocese of Cleveland.
As the first African-Americanpriest ordained in the diocese,
his story is one deep devotionto Christ and service to his

(01:14):
community.
Born in Charleston, westVirginia, on May 18, 1928,
Wilson's journey of faith beganearly.
His parents, luther Lee andHilda Wilson, moved their family
to Cleveland, which wouldalways remain his hometown,
despite his travels across thecountry.
At the age of 22, he enteredthe Missionaries of Precious

(01:34):
Blood, beginning a lifelongcommitment to the ministry.
By 30, he had earned hisbachelor degree from St Joseph's
College in Indiana and wasordained a priest on May 28th of
the same year.
Wilson's early ministry began atSt Adalbert Church in Cleveland
, where he faithfully served hisparish.
Seeking to deepen his knowledgeand expand his ministry, he

(01:56):
pursued further education atCatholic University in
Washington DC, earning hismaster's degrees in library
science and spirituality.
His time as a librarian wasbrief, as he soon felt called
back to parish ministry.
His journey took him across thecountry, particularly to
California, where he helpedestablish the province of the

(02:18):
Pacific and played a crucialrole in reaching new cultural
communities.
His missionary work and abilityto connect with people of all
backgrounds made him a respectedand beloved leader.
At 78, wilson returned to Ohio,serving as a senior associate
pastor at St Mark Church inCincinnati.

(02:38):
There he became known for hishealing masses and efforts to
bring the black consciousnessmovement to his parish,
fostering greater awareness andcultural identity among his
congregation.
In 2009, he transitioned to theministry at the Sorrowful
Mother Shrine in Bellevue, ohio,a place of deep spiritual
significance for many.

(02:59):
Reverend Wilson's joyful spirit, unwavering faith and
dedication to Christ defined hislegacy.
He passed away in Cleveland onMarch 30, 2017, at the age of 88
, and was laid to rest atCalvary Cemetery in Section 92,
lot 1301C, grave 2.
As the first African Americanpriest in the Diocese of

(03:23):
Cleveland, reverend Wilson pavedthe way for future generations
of men called to the priesthood.
His life is a testament to theprofound impact one individual
can have on a community throughfaith, perseverance and service.
Thank you so much for joiningme today and stay tuned for
another famous figure soon.