Posted March 13, 2018

Irish traditions and heritage were celebrated almost a week early on Sunday, March 11 as thousands celebrated St. Patrick’s Day with a Mass at St. Patrick Church and a parade that followed on the streets of center city Philadelphia. Read full coverage of the events here. (Photos by Sarah Webb)

  • The Emerald Society Band files into St. Patrick Church for Mass on Sunday, March 11.

  • The Emerald Society Band performs a hymn before a statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary during Mass March 11 at St. Patrick Church preceding the parade.

  • Sister Mary Scullion, R.S.M., grand marshal of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, processes into St. Patrick Church.

  • Archbishop Charles Chaput celebrates Mass at St. Patrick Church, as Father Kevin Gallagher, chaplain of the St. Patrick’s Day Observance Committee, assists.

  • Archbishop Charles Chaput preaches the homily under the shadow of a statue of St. Patrick.

  • As Archbishop Chaput and concelebrants preside at the Liturgy of the Eucharist, the congregation and the St. James Alumni Choir join in prayer.

  • Leaving the church after Mass are, from left, Father Kevin Gallagher, pastor of St. Denis Parish, Havertown; Bishop Donal McKeown of Derry, Ireland and Msgr. Paul Kennedy, pastor of St. Katharine of Siena Parish, Philadelphia.

  • Bishop Donal McKeown of Derry, Ireland, greets Philadelphians after Mass.

  • The Avalon String Band plays for the crowd.

  • The Sisters of Mercy, proud of their grand marshal, Sister Mary Scullion, walk with their banner.

  • Many groups of Irish step dancers graced the streets with their moves and their smiles.

  • A delegation from Little Flower Catholic High School for Girls marches in the parade.

  • Joan Whorski, from Our Lady of Calvary Church, bundled up with family members Shannon Smith, Olivia Visco, Grace DuMond, Avery Visco and Ryan Hack to enjoy the parade.

  • Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia fill a float in the parade.

  • A float touts the memorial to the 19th century Irish famine victims along the parade route on Market Street in Philadelphia.

  • St. Patrick’s likeness enjoys the day with a dance troupe.

  • John Dooley was all smiles as he marched in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

  • Dancers from the Celtic Flame troupe enjoy marching in the parade.

  • Worshipers young and old start the day in a prayerful way at Mass.

  • William P. Ivers (center), president of the St. Patrick’s Day Observance, and Sister Mary Scullion, grand marshal, pray during Mass at St. Patrick Church.

  • Kathy Orr, meteorologist with Fox 29 TV, proclaims a reading during Mass at St. Patrick Church.

  • The stained glass windows of St. Patrick Church offer inspiration to the faithful.

  • Consecrating the Eucharist are, from left, Father Kevin Gallagher, Bishop Donal McKeown and Archbishop Charles Chaput.

  • Union members of IBEW Local 98 wave the American and Irish flags during the parade.

  • Christ the King parishioner Nick Madison carries his daughter Madison, who commands a good view of the parade, as they march with IBEW Local 98 during the St. Patrick’s Day festivities in Philadelphia March 11.

  • Emma Kochersperger, crowned Miss Mayo 2018, rides in an antique fire truck in the parade.

  • Members of the Hugh School of Irish Dance seem to float on the air as they march in the parade.

  • The saintly figure of the day cheers members of the Ancient Order of Hibernians marching in the parade.

  • The South Philly String Band performs for the parade revelers.

  • Philadelphia’s finest on horseback keep a watchful eye on the festivities.