Newark, N.J., Jan 19, 2010 / 16:12 pm
The morning of his inauguration as governor of New Jersey, Chris Christie (R-N.J.) attended Mass in Newark, New Jersey, “looking at it as an opportunity to begin the day in prayer.”
Spokesman for the Archdiocese of Newark Jim Goodness told CNA that there were “close to a thousand people” in the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart, and that the atmosphere was filled with “reverence” and “happiness.” This is the first inauguration Mass that has taken place at the Cathedral Basilica in Newark.
Entering the sanctuary to a standing ovation, Mr. Christie sat with his family near the front. Later in the Mass his 16 year-old son Andrew ascended the pulpit to give the first reading, said Goodness.
Archbishop John Joseph Myers of the Newark Archdiocese “was his usual charming self,” according to Goodness, who said the prelate “gave an excellent homily” drawing from the Tuesday's Scripture readings regarding King Solomon and the Beatitudes.