On January 22nd and 23rd, many schools, seminarians and organizations from the Diocese of Columbus attended the National March for Life in Washington D.C.
The day before the March, Bishop Earl K. Fernandes celebrated Mass at the National St. John Paul II shrine for those from the diocese. The morning of, he celebrated Mass in the Lower Church of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception for the Diocese of Toledo and Diocese of Columbus attendees. Below are a series of moments from the events.
Students from St. Charles Preparatory School before Mass at the Saint John Paul II National Shrine.Staff from St. Francis de Sales High School and Sister John Paul Maher, O.P. observing the Saint John Paul II National Shrine.Priests from the diocese and Bishop Earl Fernandes prepare for the start of Mass at the Saint John Paul II National Shrine.Students and staff from diocesan schools attend a Mass at the Saint John Paul II National Shrine.Bishop Earl K. Fernandes smiling during the Eucharistic prayer at Mass.Group photo of all staff, teachers, and students from our diocese that attended the March for Life.Students from St. Francis de Sales High School getting ready to march.Fisher Catholic student observing the crowds.Brother Anthony Essien, OFM, CAP, chaplain at Columbus Bishop Hartley High School participating.Bishop Earl K. Fernandes enjoying the March alongside Brother Anthony Essien, OFM, CAP and Sister John Paul Maher, O.P. The Diocese of Columbus banners waving high with the Capitol building falling in between them during the March.Students from St. Charles Preparatory High School looking on with the Capitol building standing in the background.Thousands of attendees climbing up the hill toward the Supreme Court building.Bishop Earl K. Fernandes giving a final blessing to students after the March for Life conclusion.Bishop Earl K. Fernandes giving his homily in the Lower Crypt Church of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.Bishop Earl K. Fernandes and multiple concelebrating priests during the Eucharistic prayer at the Lower Crypt Church of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.Seminarians from the Dioceses of Toledo and Columbus looking towards the altar. Students from Bishop Hartley High School preparing to march.Students from Bishop Ready High School spending time together before the march.The 2026 March for Life drew over 150,000 from all of the country to support life.A student from St. Charles Preparatory School waving the Diocese of Columbus banner high.Shawn Caslow, current seminarian, gives a thumbs up in support of the March for Life, while seminarians Colin Lee and Jacob Pagulayan looks on.Bishop Earl K. Fernandes interacting with students from Bishop Watterson High School.Bishop Earl K. Fernandes posing with students from Bishop Watterson.A banner depicting Our Lady of Guadalupe raised high during the March.Thousands moving with banners waving high at the start of the March.Seminarians John Paul Gan and Hans Zehnder and friends enjoying each other’s company.Seminarian Kevin Negaga observing the crowds.Bishop Earl K. Fernandes, Fr. Bob Penhallurick and Mary Kristof taking in the March for Life.Students from Cristo Rey High School talking about their experience.
