“Today is my very first Saint Patrick’s Day here in the Archdiocese of New York, it is good for us to begin here, rooted in prayer, rooted in faith, and rooted in gratitude to God,” Archbishop Ronald A. Hicks said during his homily at St. Patrick’s Cathedral on March 17. 

The cathedral was filled to standing room only for the annual Saint Patrick’s Day Parade Mass, the traditional spiritual beginning of New York City’s Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations. The liturgy marked Archbishop Hicks’ first time celebrating the Mass as Archbishop of New York. 

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani was in attendance, along with Grand Marshal of the 2026 Saint Patrick’s Day Parade Robert “Bob” J. McCann, members of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, and Irish organizations from across the country and abroad. Ahead of the celebration, the mayor met privately with Archbishop Hicks on Monday at the archbishop’s residence and joined him for a reception on Tuesday at the archbishop’s residence. The two leaders also embraced outside St. Patrick’s Cathedral ahead of the parade. 

Before marchers stepped off along Fifth Avenue, the faithful gathered to honor Saint Patrick, the patron saint of the Archdiocese of New York. The cathedral bears his name, reflecting the deep devotion of Irish immigrants whose faith helped build the Church in New York during the 19th century. 

That legacy is now reflected inside the cathedral, including a new mural at the rear of the church depicting Irish immigrants arriving in New York and entrusting their journey to the Blessed Mother under the title of Our Lady of Knock. 

In his homily, Archbishop Hicks reflected on the perseverance of Irish immigrants who helped shape both the cathedral and the city. 

“They persevered. Through their faith, their hard work, and their devotion to family and Church, they helped build parishes, schools, neighborhoods, and communities,” he said. “They helped shape the Catholic Church in the United States. They also contributed greatly to the life and strength of this country.” 

“The only way to start” 

For many in attendance, the Mass remains the most meaningful part of the day. 

“It’s a day of joy, but more importantly, it’s a day in which we remember our faith and how generation to generation, we have the responsibility of spreading that faith, like Saint Patrick did with Ireland,” one attendee said. 

Others traveled from Ireland to take part in the celebration in New York. 

“We were really excited to come over, the community really helped us to get here, it meant a lot,” said one visitor. 

Another attendee reflected on the importance of beginning the day in prayer. 

“Being in this cathedral is sacred, you feel it as soon as you walk in,” the attendee said. “Celebrating here at church first is the only way to start.” 

As the Mass concluded, the sound of bagpipes began to echo along Fifth Avenue as parade participants made their way into the streets. 

From St. Patrick’s Cathedral to the parade route, the celebration of Saint Patrick’s Day once again brought together faith, heritage, and the enduring legacy of those who helped build the Church in New York.