Archbishop Casey celebrates Ohio Mass for Life

Archbishop Robert Casey of Cincinnati celebrated the annual Ohio Mass for Life at St. Joseph Cathedral in Columbus on October 2, 2026. Bishop Earl Fernandes of Columbus and Bishop Daniel Thomas of Toledo concelebrated the Mass alongside other clergy, deacons, and seminarians.

The cathedral reached standing-room-only capacity with attendees including families, elderly individuals, and students from Catholic schools such as St. Charles Preparatory School, Bishop Watterson, Bishop Hartley, and Bishop Ready. Following the liturgy, participants attended a rally and concert at the Ohio Statehouse featuring lawmakers and pro-life leaders. The event concluded with the fifth annual Ohio March for Life through downtown Columbus despite rainy and cloudy weather.

Mary Kristof, associate director for the Diocese of Columbus Office of Pro-Life Ministries, noted that the gathering provided renewed vigor for the movement amid growing abortion numbers in Ohio.