The Irish Pastoral Centre (IPC) held its annual St. Patrick’s Day Mass and luncheon last Friday (March 14) at Florian Hall, raising funds for a time when the centre has never been busier with services and immigration issues for its community.

Hundreds packed the hall for the traditional corned beef boiled dinner, followed by live music by Erin’s Melody, dancing, and a special step dance presentation from the Petrocelli School of Irish Dance. Attendance was up from last year’s event – and up steeply from two years ago – all to the detriment of space on the dance floor, which was cheerfully filled up by guests after dinner.

IPC director Mary Swanton welcomed all to the gathering and introduced Mayor Wu with her newborn, Mira, and District 3 Councillor John FitzGerald.
Swanton praised the mayor for her defense of immigrants at her session in Congress, noting a famous saying from a female Irish politician: “Women don’t just rock the cradle, they rock the system. And that’s what you’ve done.”

Swanton also said the centre has had a record number of requests for immigration assistance like passports, work permits, and other such documents. She noted that requests jumped from an average of 20 a month to 187 requests in January.

“Things are very, very, very busy and we need support more than ever,” she said.

Pastoral Centre stalwart Rev. Dan Finn said the Mass in Florian prior to the luncheon and entertainment.

Bevan, Killian, and Neil Doherty entertained with a musical interlude to start off the entertainment on Friday.

Joe and Mary Ann Cloherty.

Ann (Madden) Fancelli, Mary Murphy, and Kate McDonough, all from the St. Brendan’s community.

Leaders and elected officials celebrated the IPC luncheon. Seated, from left: Mary Swanton, John Connolly, Mayor Wu with Mira, Father Dan Finn, and Mike Carey. Standing, from left: Councillor John FitzGerald, AgeStrong Director Emily Shea, Della Costello, Neil Hurley, and Angela Bergin. Seth Daniel photos

Taking a swing on the dance floor to one of the old Irish folk songs were Richard and Maureen Penta.

Margaret Nellany, Mary Coffey, and Kevin Doherty.

A lively group of ladies held court at one of the tables, enjoying lunch and socializing. Seated: Mary Sheehan and Mary Kiernan. Standing: Ellen Kennedy, Mary Fahy, Kathleen Durham, and Margaret Fahy.