St. Patrick's Mass Draws Crowds in Washington, D.C.

Annual celebration blends Irish faith, culture, and tradition at historic church

Mar. 19, 2026 at 10:18am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

On St. Patrick's Day 2026, St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Washington, D.C. was filled to capacity as the parish celebrated its annual Mass honoring the patron saint of Ireland. Outside, a bagpiper accompanied traditional Irish step dancers, drawing a crowd. Inside, Cardinal Robert W. McElroy, archbishop of Washington, led the service, reflecting on the life of St. Patrick and the enduring faith of the Irish people.

Why it matters

St. Patrick's Catholic Church has served as a spiritual home for generations of Irish Americans in the nation's capital since its founding in 1794. The annual St. Patrick's Day Mass celebrates the community's rich heritage and the important role the Catholic Church has played in sustaining Irish faith and culture, even through periods of hardship and oppression.

The details

Cardinal McElroy, in his homily, described St. Patrick as a 'mammoth figure' who bravely returned to Ireland as a missionary and brought the Gospel to all levels of society. The cardinal also highlighted the resilience of the Irish people, noting that 'in times of joy and celebration, but also of struggle, hardship, oppression, and terrible suffering, men and women of Ireland in each succeeding generation kept God alive in their midst.' He challenged the congregation to grow in their own faith during Lent, urging them to 'put out into deep waters' and go beyond their normal spiritual practices.

  • The St. Patrick's Day Mass took place on March 17, 2026.
  • St. Patrick's Catholic Church was founded in 1794.

The players

Cardinal Robert W. McElroy

The archbishop of the Roman Catholic archdiocese of Washington, who served as the principal celebrant for the St. Patrick's Day Mass.

Father Patrick S. Lewis

The pastor of St. Patrick's Catholic Church, who welcomed Cardinal McElroy to the parish.

Kaylee Drake

A 29-year-old dancer who has been performing in the annual St. Patrick's Day celebration outside the church since she was a child.

Kathryn Robertson

An assistant with the O'Neill James School of Irish Dance, who has participated in the St. Patrick's Day Mass for more than a decade with her daughters.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Your Eminence, Cardinal McElroy, on behalf of the parish of St. Patrick, welcome, and happy St. Patrick's Day. As we celebrate the apostle and shepherd to Ireland, we are so pleased to welcome you, our apostle and shepherd here in Washington.”

— Father Patrick S. Lewis, Pastor, St. Patrick's Catholic Church

“It is a great joy to be with you on this glorious day. Now, I am not in purple today, I am in white. And that is because this is the feast of the Church, the patron of this church. But I do not get to wear any green with it. So instead, I wore my Book of Kells miter, and I hope that will make up for it.”

— Cardinal Robert W. McElroy

“I've been coming since I was a kid, and now I'm 29. It's a yearly tradition.”

— Kaylee Drake, Dancer

“My daughter saw a performance in kindergarten and immediately wanted to try it. I later joined my daughters, turning it into a shared family tradition.”

— Kathryn Robertson, Assistant, O'Neill James School of Irish Dance

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This annual St. Patrick's Day celebration at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Washington, D.C. highlights the enduring faith and cultural traditions of the Irish community, even as the city and the world around it have changed over the centuries. The event brings together parishioners, dancers, and clergy to honor the legacy of St. Patrick and the resilience of the Irish people.