Justice Antonin Scalia Bid Farewell at Mass In Washington, D.C., Sons Delivers Homily

By Julie Brown Patton 20 Feb, 2016 12:54 EST

A funeral Mass for Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia was held Saturday morning (Feb. 20) as people in the nation's capital mourned the passing of a jurist who left indelible effects regarding U.S. laws. Justices, judges, congressional leaders, cabinet secretaries, the vice president and a presidential candidate gathered at the nation's largest Roman Catholic church to pay tribute to Justice Scalia.

Scalia was the longest-serving member of the current Supreme Court, reports The New York Times. He died at age 79 last weekend at a Texas ranch after nearly 30 years on the bench.

See coverage from The Gospel Herald: Antonin Scalia: Supreme Court Justice Found Dead, Called 'Man of God, Patriot'

The justice's coffin was taken to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, and draped by an American flag, which was removed as the coffin was brought into the church.

The homily was delivered by his son the Rev. Paul D. Scalia.

Cardinal Donald Wuerl, the archbishop of Washington, hailed Scalia as an "extraordinary man" according to The New York Times, and offered the family "our heartfelt sympathy at the loss of your husband, your father, your grandfather and friend and pledge once again our prayers that god will grant him eternal rest and you comfort and consolation."

Many believe Justice Scalia, who relished vigorous debates, would be surprised by the fierce battle that has erupted over his now-vacant seat. But the funeral focused on the powerful legacy he left.

U.S. Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr. attended the funeral on behalf of the White House. President Obama and Michelle Obama met privately with some members of Justice Scalia's family while at the court Friday.

Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas, a Republican presidential candidate who vowed to make the election a referendum on the court and block any Obama nominee, rearranged his schedule to attend Saturday's funeral even as voting opens in South Carolina's crucial Republican primary.

Antonin Scalia Friday Supreme Court Reuters

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Justice Antonin Scalia Bid Farewell at Mass In Washington, D.C., Sons Delivers Homily

Survey: Hong Kong teens generally identify with traditional Chinese cultural values

Many American churchgoers expect their pastors’ sermons to help them understand and address modern cultural issues American churchgoers are looking for more than biblical explanation from their pastor each week. Many expect the sermons to help them understand and address modern cultural issues.

Survey: Hong Kong teens generally identify with traditional Chinese cultural values

Global Lutherans celebrate Reformation Day, ‘trusting in the power of grace in a merciless time’.

Many American churchgoers expect their pastors’ sermons to help them understand and address modern cultural issues

2.1M Korean Christians estimated at joint worship service to affirm family, oppose gay marriage, pray for nation

Many American churchgoers expect their pastors’ sermons to help them understand and address modern cultural issues
American churchgoers are looking for more than biblical explanation from their pastor each week. Many expect the sermons to help them understand and address modern cultural issues.