Did you know that Ohio stands alone as the only U.S. state with a motto taken directly from the Bible? The phrase, “With God, all things are possible,” is a direct quote from Matthew 19:26!
But how did it come to represent the Buckeye State?
The story begins in 1958 with a ten-year-old boy named James Mastronardo from Cincinnati. While flipping through an encyclopedia for a school project, he realized Ohio didn’t have an official motto. Determined to fix this, he suggested his mother’s favorite saying: “With God, all things are possible.” Little did he know, it came straight from the words of Jesus!
Jimmy’s campaign gained traction. He collected nearly 20,000 signatures and even testified before state lawmakers. His persistence paid off in 1959 when the motto became official, symbolizing hope, perseverance and faith.
The motto hasn’t been without controversy. In 1997, the ACLU challenged it in court, claiming it violated the First Amendment. After years of legal battles, a federal court ruled it constitutional. Today, it’s proudly displayed at the Ohio Statehouse.
For Catholics, Ohio’s motto is a reminder that, no matter the challenge, reliance on God makes all things possible. As we face life’s challenges, we can look to these words and know that no obstacle is too great for God’s infinite power and mercy.
If you want to ask for intercession on behalf of your state, do you know who to pray to?
Here are the patron saints you can pray to for Ohio and the other 49 US states!
Photo credit: Bob Hall, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
