Columbus Christ the King parish welcomed approximately 800 faithful from across the diocese for Mass on Friday, June 5 in anticipation of the U.S. consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The Mass was the third in a Sacred Heart Novena of Masses taking place in the diocese.
For the first time in history, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops will consecrate the country to Christ’s Sacred Heart. The consecration is set for Thursday, June 11, the vigil of the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, which falls on Friday, June 12 this year. The event anticipates the 250th anniversary of the nation’s signing of the Declaration of Independence in July.
Bishop Earl Fernandes celebrated Mass at Christ the King as part of the diocesan novena. Eight priests concelebrated, including Father David Arroyo, the diocese’s vicar for Hispanic Ministry. Assisting was Deacon Shane Gerrity, a seminarian ordained to the transitional diaconate earlier this year.
The Mass was celebrated in Spanish, and the congregation reflected the diversity of the local Church. The celebration gathered families, parishioners, visitors, clergy and seminarians of various ethnic backgrounds. Their presence witnessed to the diverse yet unified Body of Christ.
The evening began with a Holy Hour attended by more than 200 people. Faithful spent time in Eucharistic Adoration and venerated relics of Ss. Francis of Assisi, Pio of Pietrelcina (Padre Pio) and Maria Goretti.
Music for the Holy Hour and Mass was provided by the Christ the King Spanish Choir. The sacred music fostered a prayerful atmosphere throughout the evening.
Following the liturgy, a celebration continued outside with live music, dancing, fellowship and traditional food.
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Participants had an opportunity to obtain a plenary indulgence (removal of temporal punishment due for sin) by making a pilgrimage to the church and fulfilling the customary conditions: detachment from all sin, including venial sins (pertaining to a less serious matter); sacramental confession and reception of Holy Communion; and prayer for the intentions of the Holy Father. Christ the King and Columbus St. Thomas the Apostle are designated Franciscan pilgrimage sites because they are served by the Capuchin Franciscan Friars.
The Church is celebrating the Year of St. Francis from January 10, 2026 to January 10, 2027 to mark the 800th anniversary of St. Francis of Assisi’s death. Faithful can receive a plenary indulgence by making pilgrimages to Franciscan churches and shrines.
The diocesan novena of Masses continued during the June 6-7 weekend at Cardington Sacred Hearts and New Philadelphia Sacred Heart churches. Masses throughout the week include Monday, June 8, Columbus St. Christopher; Tuesday, June 9, Chillicothe Our Lady, Queen of the Apostles Parish at St. Peter Church; Wednesday, June 10, Lancaster Basilica of St. Mary of the Assumption, and Thursday, June 11, Columbus St. Aloysius Church.
The final Mass of the novena is set for 7 p.m. Friday, June 12, the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, at Westerville St. Paul the Apostle Church. The liturgy will be celebrated by Bishop Emeritus James Griffin.
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