The Friendly Sons of St. Patrick of Morris County hosted the 43rd annual blessing of the tri-color Irish flag at St. Catherine of Siena Church in Mountain Lakes on March 2. This traditional celebration marks its members’ faith and commitment to their religious beliefs and Irish heritage.
The blessing included Scripture readings, songs, and bagpipers. Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney, whose parents were Irish immigrants, led the opening prayer and blessed the large Irish flag that was spread across the church pews.
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Father Paddy O’Donovan, a retired priest of the Paterson Diocese who was born and raised in Ireland, was the guest homilist. Joe McLaughlin and Dennis Butler, co-chairman of the event’s planning committee, were among the participants.
Following the service, bagpipers led the traditional marching of the tri-color flag from the church to the Mansion at Mountain Lakes, where a reception featured traditional Irish foods.
BEACON PHOTOS | JOE GIGLI
