The 52nd anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision will be marked on Monday, Jan. 27 in Columbus by the annual Respect Life Mass at St. Joseph Cathedral and the Roe Remembrance event at the Ohio Statehouse.
Bishop Earl Fernandes will celebrate the 10 a.m. Mass at the Cathedral, 212 E. Broad St. The Roe Remembrance will follow at noon at the Statehouse.
Attendees should note that the Mass time is earlier than in previous years.
The Respect Life Mass brings focus to the dignity of life and the ongoing mission to protect the unborn.
The Roe Remembrance event at the Statehouse will include speeches, prayer and a call to action for pro-life supporters across Ohio.
“We may have overturned Roe, but our work is far from over. We stand united in defense of life and remain undeterred by these setbacks in Ohio,” said Beth Vanderkooi, president of Greater Columbus Right to Life.
Though Roe v. Wade was overturned in 2022, the pro-life community remains committed to prayer, education and advocacy. Vanderkooi said this year’s remembrance takes on heightened urgency after the passage of Ohio’s radical abortion amendment, which eliminated significant protections for unborn children in the state. She added that it is now more necessary than ever to gather in solidarity, renew the mission and stand for life in the face of growing challenges.
Additional information can be found on Greater Columbus Right to Life’s website at gcrtl.org/roe or through the diocese at columbuscatholic.org/respect-life.
Man of the Year nomination deadline is Jan. 15
The Catholic Men’s Luncheon Club is accepting nominations for its annual Catholic Man of the Year award until Wednesday, Jan. 15. The award will be presented by Bishop Earl Fernandes at the club’s meeting on Friday, March 7 at Columbus St. Patrick Church, 280 N. Grant Ave.
The club has presented the award annually since 1957 to one layman who, through his daily actions, words, and prayers, exemplifies the “good and faithful servant.”
Nomination instructions and the required online nomination form are at https://www.catholicmensministry.com/catholicmanoftheyear.
No reservations are necessary for the meeting, which will occur after the church’s 11:45 a.m. Mass. A $12 donation is suggested to cover the cost of the event.