St. Patrick's Day was marked with a celebratory Mass at St. Patrick Church in Washington, D.C., on March 17, drawing parishioners and visitors from the region to honor the patron saint of Ireland, where his feast day is observed as a solemnity.
Father Patrick Lewis, pastor of St. Patrick Church, welcomed Cardinal Robert W. McElroy, the newly installed archbishop of The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington, to the parish for his first St. Patrick's Day Mass in the nation’s capital. Extending a prayer during his greeting, Father Lewis said, "May you know the presence of Christ as Patrick always did."
More than 20 priests from the archdiocese were present, including Auxiliary Bishop Roy E. Campbell Jr. and Msgr. Salvatore A. Criscuolo, pastor emeritus of St. Patrick Church.
Founded in 1794 to minister to the stonemasons building the White House and the U.S. Capitol, St. Patrick Church continues its mission of serving the city’s downtown community.
In his remarks, Cardinal McElroy reflected on the day’s significance and shared a personal anecdote. "It is wonderful to be here today celebrating Catholic history and the Irish people," he said, noting that an Ancestry DNA test revealed that he is "majority Irish."
The celebration of the Eucharist incorporated Irish cultural traditions. Members of the Ancient Order of Hibernians served as ushers, and traditional Irish dancers presented the gifts during the Mass. Outside, bagpipe music played as people paused to watch and capture photos and videos on their cell phones, including some who were not attending the Mass.
Patrick and Rosemary Dente, members of Blessed Sacrament Parish in Washington, shared their annual tradition of attending the Mass.
"We come to celebrate the Solemnity of St. Patrick," Rosemary Dente said. "And we follow it up with a dinner of corned beef and cabbage," Patrick Dente added.
Teresa Gorman, a member of the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians and a parishioner at Holy Redeemer Parish in College Park, Maryland, expressed her long-standing dedication to the annual celebration. "Wouldn’t miss this at all," she said, noting that she has been attending the Mass "for as long as I can remember."
In his homily, Cardinal McElroy reflected on the theme of hope, sharing stories he encountered during his visit to the EPIC Irish Immigration Museum in Dublin, Ireland. He recounted the experiences of 19th-century immigrants who journeyed to the United States, retelling their struggles, resilience, and faith in the face of uncertainty and hardship.
"Christian hope is distinctive. It is not optimism or the belief that everything will work out. Christian hope is the belief that, in all the experiences of our lives, God is present," Cardinal McElroy said. "Each of these immigrants was filled with that hope, trusting that God was with them on their journey. That hope is what we celebrate today, the legacy of St. Patrick and the missionaries who brought faith to Ireland."
He emphasized that the foundation of Christian faith is not the absence of suffering but the assurance that God walks with His people through every challenge. "That is the gift of faith and the legacy we celebrate with St. Patrick," he said.
The Mass concluded with a prayer that the faithful may be strengthened in true faith, following St. Patrick’s example. Cardinal McElroy thanked the parish community for their hospitality and dedication to the tradition.
"Thank you all for gathering here today in this beautiful celebration of faith and heritage," he said.
The annual St. Patrick's Day Mass at St. Patrick Church remains a cherished tradition in Washington, celebrating both Catholic faith and Irish heritage in the heart of the city.
Link to Cardinal McElroy's St. Patrick's Day Mass on March 17, 2025 at St. Patrick's Church in Washington:
