It has been a fantastic week starting last Saturday, March 14, with Msgr. Edward O’Connor presiding at Mass at the Church of St. Patrick in Pottsville.  Even though our parade was rained out, we never forget the real reason for our celebration, St. Patrick and what he stands for.  Congratulations, again to Grand Marshal, LAOH Schuylkill County President Lydia Laughlin.

Tuesday March 17 was a day I will remember forever starting with Timothy Cardinal Dolan presiding at Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City.  The Most Reverend John J. O’Hara, Auxiliary Bishop of New York, gave a wonderful Homily that included information on the Penal Chalice which Cardinal Dolan used in the celebration of the  Mass. (http://www.aoh.com/2009/10/01/a-priceless-relic-of-faith-and-determination/). Bonnie Collins told me that when I made the turn onto 5th Avenue, it would take my breath away – it did and it brought tears to my eyes.  What an experience!

Saturday, March 21st, we started with a pre-parade Mass with Very Rev. Thomas J. Rozman, Pastor of the Cathedral Parish of St. Patrick presiding.