SEASIDE HEIGHTS, N.J. — A priest found two people having sex beneath a statue of the Virgin Mary at a Roman Catholic church in New Jersey, authorities said.

Noelle Smart, 48, of Jersey City, and Anthony Getchius, 43, of Newark, face lewdness charges.

Authorities said the pair was found around 12:30 p.m. Tuesday in ‘‘a sacred area’’ on the grounds of Our Lady of Perpetual Help.

associated press