Anniversary of First Mass in Ohio and Rosary Procession

The faithful in the Diocese are invited to join for a Rosary Procession and Mass in honor of the 218th Anniversary of the First Mass in Ohio. Bishop Earl K. Fernandes will lead a procession to pray the Holy Rosary, followed by a votive Mass, which will take place on Friday, September 25, 2026, at 5:00 p.m., in conjunction with the National Dominican Rosary Pilgrimage, in Washington, D.C. The event will be held at the Historical First Mass Site & Rosary Garden, located at 4940 Stagecoach Road NW, Somerset, Ohio 43783. Please bring your lawn chairs. Faithful throughout the Diocese are most welcome, including priests, deacons, and religious sisters and brothers. For inquiries about the event, contact Pete Thomas at 614-260-4300.