NEWARK, N.J. (RNS) — Cardinal Joseph Tobin, the archbishop of Newark, New Jersey, entered the Delaney Hall Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention facility Wednesday morning (Feb. 18) to celebrate an Ash Wednesday Mass for detainees.
Newark Auxiliary Bishops Pedro Bismarck Chau, Manuel Cruz and Gregory Studerus, who is retired, are also expected to celebrate Ash Wednesday Masses at Delaney Hall later Wednesday.
Tobin, who will celebrate Ash Wednesday Mass again later at St. Patrick’s, Newark’s historic “old cathedral,” said starting the day with detainees was his priority.
“It’s important for the church to be part of this place, of the respect for the dignity of those women and men,” he said as he exited the facility escorted in the Newark sheriff’s blacked-out GMC.
The cardinal celebrated two Masses with the women detained inside and said that despite their detention, they showed strength.
“It was sad and yet there was a serenity among them, because they’re women of great courage,” he said.
Providing spiritual support in this moment is important, said the cardinal, adding that faith is “a way of looking at life that sees more than meets the eye, and faith is part of who they are.”
Cardinal Joseph Tobin leaves the Delaney Hall Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention facility after celebrating Ash Wednesday Masses with detainees, Feb. 18, 2026, in Newark, N.J. (RNS photo/Fiona André)
The Newark bishops are the only confirmed U.S. bishops who plan to celebrat …