Dozens of people gathered at the Cathedral of Saint Joseph in Hartford to watch the installation of Pope Francis in Rome.
They gathered inside the cathedral's chapel just before 4 a.m. EDT to watch the installation mass live on television as it unfolded.
"It was exciting," said Rosa Jara, of Wethersfield.
"It's emotional just knowing that throughout the country, and all the cathedrals, everyone was getting together for this moment," said Marilyn Viera, of East Hartford.
It's the first time the Archdiocese of Hartford has held such an event at the cathedral.
"He's just charmed and endeared himself so much already in a few short days that a celebration like this just made perfect sense," said Father Christopher Tiano, who organized the viewing party.
During the mass, parishioners sat in pews, prayed, and watched the ceremony on a big screen. Archbishop Henry Mansell served communion to the group at the same time it was offered by hundreds of priests in St. Peter's Square.
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"It shows the connection between the mother church of the Archdiocese of Hartford, The Cathedral of Saint Joseph, and the mother church in Rome," said Archbishop Mansell.
Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro, (D- CT 3rd District), attended the installation mass as part of a U.S. congressional delegation.
"I was honored to be a part of today's historic ceremony, which was a beautiful and moving occasion," said DeLauro in a statement. "I was personally inspired as Pope Francis, like his namesake Saint Francis of Assisi, expressed his commitment to renewing the Church's emphasis on helping the least fortunate in society."
