Green-clad revelers sipping green suds watched from Lafayette Square as Savannah’s faithful filed into the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist for the annual St. Patrick’s Day mass ― further evidence of the juxtaposition between the solemn Irish underpinnings of the holiday and its transformation in this former debtor’s colony (where Catholics and alcohol both were once illegal) into a raucous celebration.
Beneath the soaring ornate ceiling of the Basilica, hundreds of worshippers dipped fingertips into the font of holy water while the Cathedral choir sang Celtic hymns. Many of the city's prominent Irish families ― Sheehans, McCarthys, and Fogartys ― shook hands and hugged as members of the the St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee and local dignitaries such as Savannah Mayor Van Johnson, State Rep. Edna Jackson, and Chatham County Commission Chair Chester Ellis lined up for the processional led by 2023 Grand Marshal George Schwartz and his wife, Patricia Hodges Schwarz.
Credit: Will Peebles
Credit: Will Peebles
The Most Reverend Stephen D. Parkes, Bishop of Savannah, reminded parishioners of Saint Patrick's discipleship, a theme further reinforced during the homily delivered by Monsignor James Costigan, pastor of St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church, and a native of Ireland.
Recounting Patrick's 1432 return to the Emerald Isle, where he had been enslaved during his youth, Costigan spoke of his devotion to the Holy Trinity and evangelism.
"Remember him best in his pilgrimage of faith," said Costigan. "That faith we celebrate today... The mission was to spread the sacred power far and beyond."
Credit: Will Peebles
Credit: Will Peebles
Following the sacrament of communion, the Grand Marshal led the recessional out of the cathedral for a blessing and the beginning of the 199th anniversary of Savannah's St. Patrick's Day and parade.
This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Monsignor: Savannah St. Patrick's Day mission was, and still is, to spread the gospel
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