Lindenhurst Honors Grand Marshal Robert J. Brennan, Bishop of Brooklyn, at Green Tie Gala
The Lindenhurst St. Patrick’s Parade Committee hosted a Grand Marshal “Green Tie” Gala fundraiser to honor their Second Parade Grand Marshal Robert J. Brennan, Bishop of Brooklyn, on March 4.
The lively event, held at Chateau La Mer, was attended by elected officials and dignitaries, parade sponsors, and local supporters.
The Lindenhurst St. Patrick’s Parade, to be held this year on March 25, was conceived last year by Parade Committee Co-presidents David Crowe, proprietor of Lindenhurst’s Belfast Gastropub, and RJ Renna, Lindenhurst Village Trustee. Joining them on the Committee are Suffolk County Legislature Presiding Officer Kevin McCaffrey and Committee Secretary Katie Schrader.
The Grand Marshal’s Gala began with an escort for Bishop Brennan into the event by the A.O.H. Division 15 Massapequa Tara Pipes and Drums and a color guard from the Lindenhurst Knights of Columbus Council #794 – OLPH.
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by the Knights’ Chancellor Patrick Corcoran, and a prayer was offered from Our Lady of Perpetual Help R.C.C. Monsignor Joseph DeGrocco. The U.S. National Anthem was performed by Knight George Formes, and the Irish National Anthem was performed by the evening’s band, Gerry Finlay and The Cara Band. The crowd was then treated to a performance of traditional Irish step dancing by the Mise Eire Irish dancers.
Bishop Brennan, who grew up in the Village of Lindenhurst, was honored and recognized for his nearly 34 years of service in the Roman Catholic Church. Over the years, he served many parishes and diocese in a variety of positions including priest, Secretary to the Bishop, Vicar General, Moderator of the Curia, pastor, Auxiliary Bishop, Twelfth Bishop of Columbus, Ohio, and now as the Eighth Bishop of Brooklyn, New York since 2021.
U.S. Congressman Andrew Garbarino, NYS Assemblywoman Kimberly Jean-Pierre, Suffolk County Legislator McCaffrey, Town of Babylon Supervisor Rich Schaffer, and Lindenhurst Mayor Michael Lavorata all presented Bishop Brennan with proclamations of honor and gratitude.
The Parade Committee then presented Bishop Brennan with his official Grand Marshal honors – a traditional Irish Blackthorn walking stick, a Thomand Irish Crystal vase, and his official Grand Marshal sash.
Thanks to the support of sponsors, including Belfast Gastropub, Danaher Wealth Management, Lindenhurst Chamber of Commerce, National Grid, Lindenhurst Business Improvement District, Lindenhurst Youth Center, and Ridgewood Savings Bank, among many others, the Second Annual Lindenhurst St. Patrick’s Parade will see hundreds of Irish pipers, drummers, dancers, local firefighters, scouting troops, fraternal groups, community organizations, businesses, and elected officials march down Wellwood Avenue, through the beautiful, historic Lindenhurst Downtown Business District.
Make sure your calendars are marked for March 25! The parade will have a 12 p.m. start. All parade information can be found at lindenhurststpatricksparade.org.
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