Trenton parish joins Alito's mother in celebrating his nomination

Published: 2005-11-01

TRENTON, N.J. (CNS) -- The nomination of Judge Samuel Alito Jr. to the U.S. Supreme Court Oct. 31 was big news around Our Lady of Sorrows Parish in the Trenton suburb of Hamilton, the parish where Alito grew up, received the sacraments of first Communion, confirmation and marriage, and served as a lector. If Alito is confirmed, he will become the second native son of Trenton to serve on the highest judicial bench in the land. The other is Associate Justice Antonin Scalia, who is also a Catholic. The 55-year-old Alito was baptized at Sacred Heart Parish in Trenton. Alito's mother, Rose, who will turn 91 later this year, remains an active member of the parish, now known as Our Lady of Sorrows-St. Anthony. Early Oct. 31, the atmosphere around Fenwood Avenue, where Alito and his sister, Rosemary, grew up and his mother still lives, began to hum with excitement. Rose Alito said she had learned the news earlier from her son, and found out that President George W. Bush had made the announcement when the first of countless telephone calls came in.

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