Fr. Kevin Abels, Pastor of Our Lady of Angels, Saint Andrew the Apostle, and our own Saint Anselm was honored as Grand Marshal of the 2026 Bay Ridge Saint Patrick’s Day Parade.
The celebration began with a wonderful dinner dance on February 28th at the El Caribe Country Club attended by hundreds of guests. Along with Fr. Kevin being honored as Grand Marshal for 2026, numerous other individuals and families were recognized for their contributions to Irish culture in Brooklyn.
The celebration continued on Sunday, March 22nd, with a wonderful parade (the 31st Annual), which proceeded along 3rd Avenue from Marine Avenue to 67th Street. As Grand Marshal, Fr. Kevin led the parade in a sporty convertible, doffing a top hat! Accompanying Fr. Kevin was a large contingent of Bay Ridge Catholic students, parents and staff who marched along the avenue, joining in the celebration.
Then, Saint Anselm Parish celebrated Irish heritage and the parade, holding the “Party After the Bay Ridge St. Patrick’s Parade” in Bay Ridge Catholic’s Meletia Hall, where good food, good music, and great conversation were the order of the day. Diners enjoyed shepherd’s pie, corned beef and other traditional St. Patrick’s Day foods (including – of course – pizza!). “Band of Rogues”, played both popular and traditional Irish songs, providing music for both dancing and listening. There was a wonderful display of Irish step dancing with colleens ranging in age from munchkin to teens – dazzling with their footwork and grace, and there were pipers and drummers!
During the afternoon, partygoers had the opportunity to try their luck at a fantastic selection of raffle gifts, a 50/50 Raffle and the chance to guess the number of chocolates in a large jug – who was that lucky winner?
Meletia Hall was decked out for the occasion with shamrocks, leprechauns and a giant screen featuring shamrocks and horseshoes for partygoers to take photos against.
“Thank You” to Kristen Gallagher, Chair of the Party, and a wonderful team of donors: the Casamento Family, the Cassidy Family, the Fadel family, the Hamden family, the Herron family, the La Ferlita family, and volunteers: the Gallagher family, the Loughlin family, the Soto family, the Thomas family, and Dawn Torpey who put together a great day for Saint Anselm Parish, for Bay Ridge, and for Irish heritage!
Congratulations Fr. Kevin and to everyone who celebrated Saint Patrick!
All the best,
The St. Anselm Publicity Committee