Bishop Earl Fernandes celebrated a Mass in Spanish on Thursday, Aug. 8 at the Basilica & National Shrine of Our Lady of Consolation in Carey, Ohio.

The bishop is leading a nine-day Assumption novena that started Aug. 6 and also celebrating several Masses at the shrine church as part of a devotion that will culminate with a rosary procession and Mass on Wednesday evening, Aug. 14, for the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

The Spanish Mass celebrated by Bishop Fernandes on Aug. 8, the feast of St. Dominic, drew more than 200 individuals from Hispanic communities, including many children.

The bishop was joined for the celebration of the Mass by diocesan priests Father Antonio Carvalho, pastor of Columbus Our Lady of Guadalupe, Star of the New Evangelization parish, and Father David Arroyo-Alonso, C.R. (Clerics Regular, Theatines), the vicar for Hispanic Ministries.

The faithful present for the Mass represented several parishes in the diocese, including Columbus Christ the King; Our Lady of Guadalupe, Star of the New Evangelization and St. Agnes churches and Marion St. Mary Church. A student from Cristo Rey Columbus High School also attended.

“It was a beautiful experience, and many Hispanic parishioners of our diocese had never had the opportunity to visit the shrine,” Father Arroyo said. “At the beginning of this novena, the Hispanic community prayed at the feet of Our Lady and asked for her intercession.”

After Mass, Bishop Fernandes welcomed all young people present for a conversation on vocations. A group congregated in the crypt underneath of the basilica to hear the bishop speak.

Bishop Fernandes shared his vocation story with the youth and asked them to be open to God’s call in their lives.

“The encounter with Bishop Fernandes and youth resonated in the hearts of the young people as he shared his vocation story and his own family migration story to the U.S.,” Father Arroyo said.

Ohio’s Catholic bishops invite all faithful to make a pilgrimage to the Basilica & National Shrine of Our Lady of Consolation on Wednesday, Aug. 14 to celebrate the vigil of the Solemnity of the Assumption. A candlelight rosary procession will begin at 9 p.m. that evening followed by Mass in the Shrine Park.

Bishop Earl Fernandes celebrates Mass in Spanish on Aug. 8 at the Basilica of Our Lady of Consolation in Carey.
Pilgrims attending the Mass on Aug. 8 at the Basilica of Our Lady of Consolation came from four diocesan parishes.
Bishop Earl Fernandes shares his vocation story with young people in the crypt of the Basilica of Our Lady of Consolation.