WILMINGTON, Del. – As President Joe Biden took the oath of office on Wednesday, many Americans watching at home all had a similar thought: What a massive Bible.
Hefted up by Dr. Jill Biden as the president was sworn in, the Bible is five inches thick and adorned with a Celtic cross on the cover. It also has a long history with Biden's family, and has made appearances throughout his political career.
The book has been in the Biden family since 1893 and first started following Joe when he was sworn in as Delaware's U.S. Senator in 1973.
The Biden family Bible then re-emerged each time Biden was sworn in as a senator, and was also used during his swearing in as vice president in 2009 and 2013.
Powerful moment at Beau Biden's grave:As Joe Biden is inaugurated, a uniformed man kneels silently at the grave of his son Beau
"Every important date is in there," Biden told Stephen Colbert in a recent interview, calling the book a "family heirloom."
Biden said the Bible gets a new date inscription every time a member of the family gets sworn into office.
The President's late son Beau also used the Bible for his own swearing-in ceremony as Delaware attorney general and he helped carry the Bible to his father's 2013 ceremony.
The first Catholic to be elected president since John F. Kennedy, Biden has repeatedly referenced his faith throughout his time in office and 2020 campaign, citing hymns and scripture that resonate with him. He regularly attends Mass in Wilmington, Delaware.
While addressing the nation following his swearing-in, he asked Americans watching to join him in silent prayer for the future of the country.
Follow reporter Natalia Alamdari on Twitter: @nataliaalamdari
Day 1 agenda:Joe Biden plans to swiftly reverse Trump's 'most egregious moves' on first day in White House
Donald Trump spends final minutes in office at Mar-a-Lago:First president to skip inauguration in more than 150 years
