BY SARAH ROSE McEACHERN

Attendees of the 12:05 daily Mass on Monday were pleasantly surprised when Fr. Terrence Henry, TOR, President, and celebrant took a moment to announce that Senator Rick Santorum was among them. Santorum had spoken earlier that day at Froehlich's Classic Corner in downtown Steubenville. The University was informed of the Republican Presidential candidate's attendance only early the same morning and had planned to keep it as unadvertised as possible.

However, with the arrival of security in and around the chapel, rumors began to fly. By the end of the Mass, a sizeable crowd had gathered in excited anticipation outside. When Santorum exited, he was greeted with a round of applause and several hands eager to shake his.

Bradley Stalder, a junior and resident assistant in Louis and Elizabeth halls was impressed that the Senator had "taken the time to visit campus and to stand right along with us at Mass."

"He's a great hope for the country" and this shows that he is "really serious about his faith" said Josh Mazrin after celebrating Mass with the Senator. Santorum will continue his campaign tour with stops in Michigan later on Monday followed by appearance in Phoenix, Ariz. on Tuesday.