A solemn High Mass with Pontifical Assistance at the Throne on the External Solemnity of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary was celebrated on Sunday, Feb. 5 at Columbus St. Leo the Great Oratory before a overflow congregation of 650. 

Bishop Earl Fernandes made his first visit to the church in the Merion Village area on the south side of the city since he was ordained and installed as the 13th shepherd of the Diocese of Columbus last May.

The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass in the Extraordinary Form was offered by Canon Matthew Talarico, the principal superior of the United States for the Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest. Canon David Silvey, rector of St. Leo the Great Oratory and a priest of the Institute, assisted at the altar.

The bishop was assisted by an assistant priest, Father Tyron Tomson of Lancaster St. Bernadette Church, and two deacons of honor, Father Daniel Olvera of Westerville St. Paul Church and Father Michael Fulton of Columbus Christ the King Church.

Master of Ceremonies was Abbe Alex Barga, an oblate of the Institute of Christ the King from St. Francis de Sales Oratory in St. Louis and the subdeacon was Abbe Lance Gerbig, who is in residence at St. Leo.

The Columbus St. Joseph Cathedral Choir, under the direction of Dr. Richard K. Fitzgerald, and organist Robert Wisniewski provided the music.

The Institute of Christ the King, which celebrates the Traditional Latin Mass, has served at St. Leo since former diocesan Bishop Robert Brennan welcomed the order to Columbus in October 2020. 

The oratory has seen rapid growth in the two-plus years since the Institute arrived at former diocesan church, as evidence by the large congregation at Sunday's Mass that included many young people and families. 

Bishop Earl Fernandes kneels before entering the church before the rector presents to him a crucifix that he kissed. Photo by Larry Pishitelli
A solemn procession begins into the church.  Photo by Larry Pishitelli
Bishop Fernandes blessed the faithful while making his way to the altar under a canopy. Photo by Larry Pishitelli
The bishop continues to the altar for the start of Mass. Photo by Larry Pishitelli
Altar boys make their way to the altar. Photo by Larry Pishitelli
Bishop Fernandes kneels in front of the tabernacle. Photo by Larry Pishitelli
Bishop Fernandes kneels at the altar while Canon David Silvey, rector of St. Leo the Great Oratory, stands on the altar steps at the Epistle corner and chants versicles and a prayer for the Ordinary.
Bishop Fernandes stands before the Missal in the Epistle corner while the choir sings an antiphon in honor of Pope St. Leo the Great.  CT photo by Ken Snow
Father Daniel Olvera (left) and Father Michael Fulton (right) assist the bishop. CT photo by Ken Snow
Father Daniel Olvera (left) places the miter on the bishop's head. CT photo by Ken Snow
The bishop sits on the throne prepared for him in the nave of the oratory. CT photo by Ken Snow
Bishop Fernandes prays at the altar. 
Bishop Fernandes is assisted by (from left) Father Tyron Tomson, Father Daniel Olvera, Father Michael Fulton, Abbe Alex Barga and altar boys. CT photo by Ken Snow
Canon Matthew Talarico recites prayers on the Epistle side of the altar. 
CT photo by Ken Snow
Canon Matthew Talarico (center) is assisted at the altar by Canon David Silvey. Photo courtesy Larry Pishitelli
Bishop Fernandes sits on his throne during his homily to the faithful. Photo by Larry Pishitelli
Bishop Fernandes sits at the throne at the altar rail.
Canon Matthew Talarico (at the altar) prays during the consecration with Canon David Silvey (center) and Abbe Lance Gerbig behind him. CT photo by Ken Snow
Bishop Fernandes blesses incense. CT photo by Ken Snow
Bishop Fernandes speaks to the congregation from the throne at the altar during his homily. Photo by Larry Pishitelli

Bishop Fernandes stands under the canopy erected for him.
The bishop bows in prayer. 
Father Tyron Tomson incenses the bishop.
From left on gold vestments, Canon Silvey, Canon Talarico and Abbe Gerbig bow in prayer. CT photo by Ken Snow
The St. Joseph Cathedral choir sings during the Mass.
Canon Talarico elevates the host at the consecration.
Canon Talarico (left) and Canon Silvey at the altar
Canon Talarico incenses the altar. CT photo by Ken Snow
Canon Talarico elevates the sacred host. CT photo by Ken Snow
Canon Talarico kneels with the sacred host. CT photo by Ken Snow
Canon Talarico bows during the consecration of the Precious Blood. CT photo by Ken Snow
Canon Talarico elevates the chalice. CT photo by Ken Snow
Canon Talarico offers a blessing. CT photo by Ken Snow
Canon Talarico distributes Holy Communion to an altar boy. CT photo by Ken Snow
Canon Talarico, assisted by Abbe Lance Gerbig, gives Holy Communion to one of the faithful. CT photo by Ken Snow
Bishop Fernandes and Canon Talarico are surrounded by all those who assisted on the altar at Mass. Photo by Larry Pishitelli