The Rev. Tom McCarthy, who serves as director of community relations and Shrine Chapel director at St. Rita High School, has been named grand marshal for Chicago’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade scheduled for March 14.
McCarthy, a native of Marquette Park and graduate of St. Rita High School’s class of 1983, was recently elected prior provincial of the Midwest Augustinian Province of Our Mother of Good Council. He has longstanding connections to both the school and Chicago’s South Side.
This year’s parade will focus on the theme “faith, peace and unity.” According to the Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee, this message is especially significant because Pope Leo XIV—who was born in Chicago—has promoted similar values since his election as pope on May 8, 2025.
“When Pope Leo XIV was first elected during a papal conclave on May 8, 2025, he addressed thousands from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica with the words: ‘Peace be with you all.’ He vowed to work for peace and unity,” the committee said in a statement.
Pope Leo XIV, whose birth name is Robert Francis Prevost, became the first pope from the United States, the first from the Order of Augustine, and the first from Chicago.
McCarthy described Pope Leo XIV as a close friend; in 2002, Prevost appointed McCarthy president of St. Rita High School. McCarthy visited Pope Leo at the Vatican last fall during the Catholic Jubilee Year. After being selected as Grand Marshal, McCarthy referenced Pope Leo XIV’s motto: “In Illo Uno Unum.”
“They mean, ‘In the One, we are one.’ We are all different, but as Christians, we are all one in Christ,” McCarthy said. “The theme of our 2026 St. Patrick’s Parade is Faith, Peace and Unity. What better way to celebrate this great saint?”
The upcoming event marks the parade’s 71st year and will include traditional elements such as dyeing the Chicago River green at 10 a.m., followed by the parade at noon on March 14. The Shannon Rovers Irish Bagpipe Band—celebrating its centennial in 2026—will be guest of honor at this year’s parade.
For additional details about parade activities or schedule information visit https://www.chicagostpatricksdayparade.org/.
