Instillation Mass at the Basilica of the Assumption

Blessing of the sashes worn during
the St. Patrick's Day Parade

My family loves to embrace our Irish heritage so every year when March rolls around, my parents take part in as many Irish traditions and experiences that they can to fully embrace the culture. My parents go to the Installation Mass at the Basilica of the Assumption each year when they bless the sashes for the Grand Marshal, Honorary Grand Marshal, and Deputy Marshals of the Baltimore St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The Catholic Church is located at 409 Cathedral Street, surrounded by many of Baltimore’s historic and cultural sites. This year, I accompanied my parents to the mass with my roommate Liv from school.

We arrived early to the mass so we could explore the historic catacombs of the Basilica. When we walked down into the crypt beneath the church’s main altar, we got to look at many different artifacts dating back to 1815. We saw sculptures and painting of many notable figures including Archbishop John Caroll and James Cardinal Gibbons. We learned that the crypt serves as the final resting place for nine of Baltimore’s fourteen deceased archbishops, honoring their legacy and contribution to the city’s history.

The Instillation Mass honors the parade’s “Marshals” and their roles in strengthening Baltimore’s connection to Irish heritage and Catholic faith. The ceremony was really cool to be a part of because I did not previously know the dedication, leadership, and connection that goes into preserving and celebrating the Irish culture in Baltimore. My favorite part was listening to the bag pipes as the “pipe band” walked up the isle, out of the church once the mass had ended. Bag pipes are a traditional Irish instrument that have a unique sound with the ability to gather a community together, fostering unity. Bag pipes evoke a deep sense of Irish pride and cultural identity through entertaining with music and song. Today, there are not many people that still play the bag pipes, especially in Baltimore, with such a small population of people with Irish heritage. Although, its important that we preserve this tradition and “keep it alive” so younger generations can continue to learn the instrument and be able to play the bag pipes. In Baltimore, the sound and playing of the bag pipes honor Irish immigrants and their contributions to the city despite having to overcome many hardships migrating to America in the 1800s.

I look forward to attending the Mass next year and can hopefully make this a tradition with my roommate as well!