Below is a collection of moments from the SEEK26 conference held at the Greater Columbus Convention Center from January 1st-5th, 2026. 26,000 young adults, parish leaders, parishioners, and many religious from our diocese attended, all desiring to grow with and receive from the Lord.

Seminarians Quaung Nguyen and Benjamin Arnold enjoying the diocesan room.
Deacon Zachary Goodchild preparing to process in for Opening Mass.
Pope Leo XVI giving his special video message to attendees.
Jeanne and John Swisher enjoying the conference.
Bishop Earl K. Fernandes processing in for Opening Mass.
Bishop Earl K. Fernandes giving his homily during Opening Mass.
Bishop Earl K. Fernandes raising the host during consecration at Opening Mass.
The Little Servant Sisters of the Immaculate Conception speaking with Fr. Michael Donahue O.P.
Seminarians Dominic Ratliff, Brandt Boyden and Miguel de la Torre during the Opening Mass procession.
Seminarians Shane Gerrity and Nicholas Arnold preparing to process in for Opening Mass.
Little Servant Sisters of the Immaculate Conception
Fr. Petros Tesfaye and Fr. Thomas Joseph with the African and Vietnamese communities.
Dr. Richard Fitzgerald conducting the St. Joseph Cathedral Choir during Opening Mass.
Pope Leo XIV delivers a special message to SEEK26 attendees. Credit: Andy Long/The Catholic Times
Pope Leo XVI video message
Bishop Earl K. Fernandes celebrating Mass on opening night of the SEEK26 conference. Credit: Andy Long/The Catholic Times
Seminarians praying during Opening Mass
Thousands attend the opening Mass for SEEK26 on Jan. 1, the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God. Credit: Andy Long/The Catholic Times
Ohio State student recording Pope Leo XVI’s video message.
Bishop Earl K. Fernandes blessing the congregation at the end of Opening Mass.
Bishop Earl K. Fernandes processing in for Opening Mass.
Ohio State University was the host school for SEEK26. Credit: The Catholic Times
Bishop Earl Fernandes elevates the host during the opening Mass at the SEEK26 conference in Columbus on Jan. 1. Credit: Andy Long/The Catholic Times
The SEEK26 conference in Columbus opened with young adults attending Mass. Credit: Andy Long/The Catholic Times

Photos by Sarah Lightle and Andy Long