Jenco Celebrates Mass, Gets Standing Ovation

Churchgoers gave Father Lawrence Martin Jenco a standing ovation Sunday as he began to celebrate his first hometown Mass since returning from 19 months of captivity in Lebanon.

Bells chimed, parishioners held up “Welcome Home” signs and two altar boys, one carrying a cross and the other an American flag, led a procession into St. Raymond’s Cathedral.

Bouquets of yellow roses and carnations lined the altar, ribbons dangled from the ceiling and well-wishers packed the cathedral.

Worshipers of all faiths from Joliet and surrounding towns began filling the 1,200-seat church two hours before the service. Miniature U.S. flags lined the walkway outside the cathedral.

The Roman Catholic priest, who was freed July 26, wore a white robe for a “Mass of Thanksgiving.”