There will be a concelebrated Mass, presided over by the Apostolic Nuncio, Mgr Santos Abril y Castello, who will deliver a special message from the Pope. Irish Minister Dermot Ahern will be attending. After the Mass we'll all enjoy a community lunch. Mayor Martin O'Malley will start the day celebrating the ninth birthday of his daughter Tara, a St. Paddy's Day baby. The gig is an annual event for the band.
Admission is free.
Chicago's downtown parade will march down Dearborn Street on March 17, with all-day celebrations at Chicago's Gaelic Park in Oak Forest. The 73rd annual SouthSide Irish parade will march down Chicago's South Western Avenue on Sunday, March 11, followed by more celebrations at Gaelic Park in Oak Park. Visit Chicago Gaelic Park's website for more information on all these Chicago events. Fado Irish pub will host Declan and Siobhan O'Malley playing the traditional Irish harp and whistle. See their website for more information.