BRIDEPORT—“St. Patrick knew his strengths, knew the talents that God had given him, knew he could preach fearlessly and do what the Lord had asked, and he achieved greatness,” said Bishop Frank J. Caggiano at St. Patrick Day Mass this morning at St. Augustine Cathedral.
The bishop said that in a world that looks for answers in the wrong places and falls short of true greatness, St. Patrick
“He is the father of Ireland and one of the greatest saints in the life of the church because everything he did was done in humility, in truth,” the Bishop said to hundreds who turned out for the 8am that began St. Patrick’s Day festivities in Bridgeport.
During his homily, the bishop reflected on humility and also the strength that comes from people placing their trust in God.
“You and I who honor Patrick must follow in his footsteps, not be afraid to be bold and humble. We must know the truth of who we are, ask that our sins be forgiven, and use our talents for the good of others, so that we may become great in Christ.”
The Mass was celebrated in memory of the late Robert O’Keefe and Regina “Ginger” O’Sullivan, the husband and wife team known for their generosity, community spirit and support of the Greater Bridgeport St. Patrick’s Day celebration over the years.
The Mass also honored this year’s Grand Marshal David and Ann Marie Curtin of Fairfield. Connie Beagan of Fairfield served as chairman.
Fr. Sam Kachuba, Pastor of St. Pius X Parish in Fairfield, concelebrated the Mass with Bishop Caggiano.
The Lauralton Hall Choir provided the music with beautiful versions of “Our Lady of Knock,” and “Ave Maria,” and the Recessional Hyman, “St. Patrick’s Breastplate.” Art Beagan played the bagpipes.
Maggie Buckley and Tim Forde, the 2018 Miss and Mr. Shamrock runners-up, read the Prayer of the Faithful. Maddie Mitchell, 2018 Miss Shamrock and Drew Newcomb, 2018 Mr. Shamrock, served as Flag Bearers and delivered the First Reading and Responsorial Psalm.
