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St. Joseph’s Church on the Brandywine in Wilmington has played an important role in Joe Biden’s life.
It was no surprise then that, even as the transition from private citizen to most powerful man on the planet begins, sought spiritual comfort within its 19th century walls.
What was perhaps surprising was that the small gathering of the media and members of the public at the doors of the church was given such a clear view of the former vice president, now under greater protection from the Secret Service, as he headed towards the inside.
It was to the delight of the locals who are getting used to the novelty of being the home of the first Delaware president of the United States.
He was accompanied by his daughter Ashley and grandson Hunter, and it wasn’t just the 10:30 a.m. Mass that brought the president-elect to St. Joseph.
Leaving the service, he made a short walk to the church cemetery. There are buried his first wife Neilia and his daughter Naomi, killed in a car accident in 1972, and his son Beau, who died of cancer in 2015.
As they paid their respects, Mr biden he was seen putting his arm around Beau’s son Hunter’s shoulder.
It was a very personal moment for a man whose private life has become part of his political history. That story will now be America’s guiding light for the next four years.
Karen Peterson and Victoria Bandy also regularly pay their respects at Beau Biden’s grave. Like most people in the neighborhood, they know the Biden family and have many stories of their encounters over the years.
They say that Biden’s Catholic faith is fundamental to who he is and who he will be.
“I think it means everything to him. I think it gives him the strength to do this,” Victoria said. “I don’t think his heart was really in this to begin with because of the loss of Beau, but he knows that Beau would have wanted him to do this.”
Karen added: “Joe’s faith is fundamental to his life and the person he is.”
While Biden was at Mass, the team managing the transition from the Trump administration was unveiling a website outlining their plans. More announcements are coming, a sign that Biden isn’t holding his breath waiting Donald trump grant.
There was a wave for supporters who had gathered in the sun to offer their good wishes before Biden retreated into the protective bubble that will be his life from now on.
They were moments of peace and reflection for a man who will soon face the maelstrom of what has so often been called the loneliest job in the world.