CHARLESTON–Bishop Robert E. Guglielmone served as grand marshall for the 15th annual Ancient Order of Hibernians St. Patrick’s Day parade on March 17.
Bishop Guglielmone started the day celebrating Mass at St. Patrick Church. It was concelebrated by Fathers Henry Kulah, James Parker andJohn Dux. St. Patrick is celebrating its 175th anniversary. ‘
The bishop spoke to Boy and Girl Scouts on the importance of scouting and St. Patrick, according to James Nettles, president of the South Carolina State AOH and a co-chairman of the parade committee. He estimated that 400 Scouts marched in the parade waving small Irish flags and carrying the 32 Irish county flags. The Scouts also honored the bishop for his service as International Boy Scout Chaplain.
The parade included an estimated 85 units including Catholic students from Bishop England High School and the local Catholic elementary schools. Over 5,000 people saw the King street parade which included the Bishop England band, Na Fidléirí, Glor na Daire Irish Dancers, the Charleston Police Pipes and Drums band, floats, antique cars, and more.
Jimmy Finnegan, the parade director, thanked the Msgr. John L Manning AOH Division for chairing the parade and the co-sponsors which included the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians, Irish Historical Society, Knights of Columbus and the Brian Boru AOH Division.