Jibes top menu at Southie’s St. Patrick’s breakfast

By Jennifer Smith, Reporter Staff
March 31, 2016
Jennifer Smith, Reporter Staff

The annual St. Patrick’s Day Breakfast at the convention center last Sunday delivered laughs, groans, and an enduring image of Mayor Martin Walsh wearing a dense, pseudo-fur coat that seems destined to grace screensavers across the city.

State Sen. Linda Dorcena Forry, hosting the annual event for the third time, led the way through a chortle-and-cringe-worthy set befitting the breakfast’s hallowed and awkward tradition of top state and city elected officials trying their hands at comedy, but surely relieved that they have less joke-reliant day jobs.

Rev. Bartley MacPháidín, at 79; Built up Stonehill College for 22 years

By BIR News Room
March 31, 2016

The Rev. Bartley MacPháidín, C.S.C., Stonehill College’s eighth and longest serving president, passed away on March 17 at age 79. In recent years, he had been living at Holy Cross House on the grounds of the University of Notre Dame. 

His funeral Mass was said at Stonehill on Wednesday morning, March 30.

Fr. MacPháidín took office in 1978 and led the college for 22 years. Under his leadership, Stonehill’s academic reputation grew dramatically and the college’s facilities and endowment were enhanced considerably.  Fr. MacPháidín affected every facet of Stonehill life, including academics, finances, physical plant, community involvement, student life, and public image. 

“Fr. Bartley was a dynamic president.  The college grew dramatically under his leadership.  He rallied alumni and friends to the Stonehill cause and translated that affection into a powerful instrument in moving the college forward. As a priest of the Congregation of Holy Cross, he was dedicated to the college and that deep commitment was evident in how he transformed the college academically, aesthetically, and financially, ” said Stonehill President (Rev.) John Denning, C.S.C. “Affable and with a natural instinct for making connections and building relationships, Father Bartley always understood the importance of vision and how to secure it, shaping Stonehill into a vibrant community of scholarship and faith,” Fr. Denning added.”

Remembering Stonehill’s Longest Serving President Rev. Bartley MacPháidín, C.S.C. ’59

By Stonehill College
March 18, 2016
Stonehill College

The Rev. Bartley MacPháidín ’59, C.S.C., Stonehill’s eighth and longest serving president passed away on March 17. In recent years, he had been living at Holy Cross House on the grounds of the University of Notre Dame.

Fr. MacPháidín, 79, took office in 1978 and led the College for 22 years. Under his leadership, Stonehill’s academic reputation grew dramatically and the College’s facilities and endowment were enhanced considerably. Fr. MacPháidín affected every facet of Stonehill life, including academics, finances, physical plant, community involvement, student life, and public image.

The passion that is Irish step dancing

By James Hobin
March 17, 2016
James Hobin

Lauren Milord, a resident of Jamaica Plain, performs in Kieran Jordan Dance company’s production of “Little Gifts” with set designs by Vincent Crotty. Maryellen Malloy Photography photoLauren Milord, a resident of Jamaica Plain, performs in Kieran Jordan Dance company’s production of “Little Gifts” with set designs by Vincent Crotty. Maryellen Malloy Photography photoThere are more than a few Dorchester natives who have childhood memories of long hours spent undergoing instruction for Irish step dancing, an art form characterized by the sound of shoes striking the floor as a form of percussion. For some youngsters who have reached a certain age, the refusal to continue with these lessons constituted the first act of defiance against the authority of their well-meaning parents. The parents wanted to preserve an Irish tradition, the children just wanted to be American. During those times when dance crazes like the Twist, or the Funky Chicken were fashionable, Irish dancing seemed hopelessly outdated.

A generation later, Riverdance came along and changed things. The whirlwind success of that Irish dance troupe came as a shock to those who believed that Irish dancing would never make it into the mainstream. Imagine how those same people felt when they saw the fortunes flowing to Michael Flatley and other Irish dancers who were making a splash on the world stage. While this “show” style of Irish dancing seems to have peaked, smaller, more intimate venues are becoming more popular.

Author Colm Tóibín to speak at Boston's Central Library in Copley Square

By Staff
March 11, 2016
Staff

Colm TóibínColm TóibínIrish author Colm Tóibín will speak at Boston's Central Library in Copley Square on March 17 as part of the BPL's Author Talk Series. The 12 p.m. talk in the Abbey Room will be held in collaboration with the Consulate General of Ireland. Tóibín is the author of eight novels, including The Master, Nora Webster, and two collections of stories. His novel Brooklyn was recently made into a film starring Academy Award nominee Saoirse Ronan.

“St. Patrick’s Day in the City of Boston holds a special place in my life,” said Mayor Martin J. Walsh in a statement. “It is a festive celebration of Irish culture, and we are fortunate to have such a talented writer coming to visit the Boston Public Library on this occasion. We welcome Colm Tóibín and I encourage the people of Boston to take a moment to stop by and hear about his work."

Who was St. Patrick?

By BIR News Room
March 1, 2016

When St. Patrick set foot in Ireland in the 5th century AD, he faced an uncertain future in a little-known country. Warring Celts were scattered in tribal groups across the island, ruled with iron might by five provincial kings. Eerie dolmen monuments and ancient ruins dominated the landscape. Even the Roman conquerors of Britain had not ventured this far – apart perhaps from the odd traveler or adventurer.

Against this backdrop, St. Patrick’s phenomenal success as a Christian missionary seems all the more incredible. By the end of the 15th century, Ireland had become a Christian nation.

Perhaps Patrick’s elevation into sainthood was therefore inevitable. But his prominence in the traditions and legends of the country says something of the reverence, awe and affection in which he has been held in the intervening centuries and which are rekindled in the Irish every St. Patrick’s Day.

The Feast of St. Patrick is now celebrated in nearly every country throughout the world where Irish descendants or influence have continued to reinforce is popularity. Among the countries with centuries-old traditions of celebrating St. Patrick’s Day were obviously the United States, Canada and Australia, but less obviously France and Argentina and even the Caribbean island of Montserrat. Nowadays it is also celebrated in countries such as Russia and Japan.

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