March 15, 2013 - Bishop Deeley to Celebrate Mass for the Fifth Sunday of Lent and Commemoration

Braintree, MA (March 15, 2013) – On Sunday, March 17th, the Most Reverend Robert P. Deeley, Auxiliary Bishop and Vicar General Moderator of the Curia for the Archdiocese of Boston will commemorate the annual celebration of St. Patrick’s Day within the liturgical context of the Fifth Sunday of Lent and in celebration of the election of Pope Francis. The Mass will take place at Cathedral of the Holy Cross at 11:30am and will include the blessing and distribution of shamrocks.

Cardinal Sean O’Malley remains in Rome with his fellow Cardinals following the election of Pope Francis.  The installation Mass for the Holy Father is Tuesday, March 19th.

Bishop Deeley said, “We enjoy a special relationship with St. Patrick, patron saint of the Archdiocese of Boston.  The joy and spirit of the day shared with all people on this wonderful day allows us to express pride in the heritage of the Irish people who have been great gifts to the Church.  Many Irish, such as Patrick Keely, were instrumental in the construction of many beautiful Churches in the northeast including the Cathedral of the Holy Cross.  They have contributed in so many ways to the Church, to society and for the common good that it is appropriate we celebrate and bless our Irish family and friends on this wonderful day.”

He added, “I know that Cardinal Sean very much wanted to be with us on St. Patrick’s Day, an event he looks forward to each year.  But he is in Rome as the Universal Church celebrates the inauguration of Pope Francis. Please pray for the Holy Father as the successor to Peter and shepherd to more than 1 billion Catholics worldwide including 1.8 million here in the Archdiocese of Boston."

Following the Mass on March 17, a reception will be held in the downstairs church with great food and music for all to enjoy.