March 21, 2022
Despite overcast skies and spotty rain, a small but spirited group of St. John’s University revelers celebrated St. Patrick’s Day with a full complement of events befitting the global celebration of all things Irish.
The St. John’s contingent began the day with the celebration of the Eucharist at The Church of Our Saviour and the Chapel of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, which serves the Catholic community in the Murray Hill and Kips Bay, NY, neighborhoods.
After gathering for the noon daily Mass, the St. John’s crowd had a special alumni brunch at Stout NYC Restaurant and Bar, where they enjoyed Irish food, music, and good cheer. As brunch concluded, a small group headed over to Fifth Avenue, where they proudly represented the University during the brisk march from West 47th Street north to 79th Street. Enjoying cheers from the spectators along the parade route, many Irish eyes were smiling, and the spirit of St. John’s was apparent to all.
St. Patrick’s Day 2022 marked the first holiday in two years that New Yorkers were able to celebrate without COVID-19 restrictions. The New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade is the oldest and largest in the United States. The tradition began on March 17, 1762—14 years before the Declaration of Independence was adopted. The parade to honor St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland and of the Archdiocese of New York, includes approximately 150,000 marchers and usually draws almost two million spectators.
All St. John’s students are encouraged to participate in the College-Level Research Paper Scholarship Contest sponsored by the New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee. They are eligible to participate in the scholarship contest because the University is an affiliated member of the parade committee. The deadline to participate is April 5, 2022.