Heavy rainfall cancels Somerset 218th anniversary Mass and rosary

Heavy rainfall canceled the 218th anniversary Mass and rosary procession scheduled for Friday, September 25, at the Historical First Mass Site and Rosary Garden in Somerset. The Diocese of Columbus reported that recent heavy rains softened the church grounds where the event was to take place.

The canceled program included a votive Mass with Bishop Earl Fernandes and a rosary procession. The annual tradition commemorates the first Mass celebrated in Ohio in September 1808. While the formal celebration was called off, the site remains open to the public as a year-round prayer garden.