Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament inside the Ohio Statehouse on Thursday, Jan. 22, the Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of the Unborn, drew the largest number of Adorers to date.
More than 80 people visited Ohio’s capitol building in downtown Columbus that day to pray before the Eucharistic Lord. Adoration was held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Statehouse’s Governor Thomas Worthington Center.
“It was encouraging to have so many Catholics from across Ohio commemorate the National Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of the Unborn by praying in the Ohio Statehouse before the Blessed Sacrament,” said Brian Hickey, executive director at the Catholic Conference of Ohio. “Many traveled hours to pray with us.
“A continued presence in the Statehouse allows us to encounter and dialogue on the counter-cultural social doctrine of the Catholic Church, which can transform hearts and minds.”
The event was organized by the conference, which lobbies on behalf of Ohio’s Catholic bishops on matters of public policy. The organization hosts Adoration in the Governor Thomas Worthington Center at the Statehouse about once a quarter.
The first Adoration of 2026 hosted by the conference enabled faithful unable to travel to Washington for the National March for Life, held Friday, Jan. 23, to unite spiritually from Columbus.
Catholics across the country were encouraged to observe a nationwide prayer vigil from Jan. 22 to 23 to pray for an end to abortion and respect for all human life in post-Roe America.
“We are thankful for the Catholic Conference hosting Adoration at the Statehouse for the legal protection of unborn children,” said Mary Kristof, associate director for the Columbus diocese’s Office of Pro-Life Activities.
“Adoration especially reminds us that our life is a gift to be given back to God. We hope that our prayerful witness will remind legislators of their duty to establish a just society that protects children and helps families flourish.”
The Catholic Conference of Ohio advocates for state laws that uphold the dignity of life in all stages and circumstances. The conference is currently advocating for the passage of Ohio House Bill 72, prohibiting state-funded death.
Ohio’s Catholic bishops sent state legislators a letter in March 2025 urging them to prohibit all funding of intentional termination of human life: abortion, euthanasia and the death penalty.
“I encourage all to engage as faithful citizens and advocate for laws that abide by Church teachings,” Hickey added.
The conference’s next Adoration at the Ohio Statehouse is scheduled for Tuesday, June 2 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Governor Thomas Worthington Center, 1 Capitol Square, Columbus.
To learn more or get involved, visit www.OhioCathConf.org.