Kidding aside, I give tremendous kudos to the organizers of the New York St. Patrick’s Day Parade, including the NYC chapter of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, for finally entering the 21st century and ensuring that a parade founded to assert the American character of Irish Catholics and their civil rights in the 18th and 19th centuries won’t be used to discriminate against our gay brothers and sisters of Erin (by blood or by spirit!) in the 21st.
Even Cardinal Dolan apparently endorsed this move publicly, maybe we can chalk it up to the Francis effect.
Mr. O’Reilly said the parade was “remaining loyal to church teachings,” and he announced that Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan, the Roman Catholic archbishop of New York, would serve as the grand marshal of the next parade.
On Wednesday, Cardinal Dolan released a statement saying the parade organizers have his “confidence and support.”
So, to that I say, it’s your move Wacko and Southie, please don’t disappoint us again.
