President Joe Biden marked St. Patrick's Day with a special brunch surrounded by Catholic leaders and familiar faces, showing off the importance of faith and heritage that runs deep in his life. At the White House event, Biden was joined by peers from the Catholic Bishops Conference and the Archdiocese of Washington, among others. Notably present was Joe Kennedy, lauded by the President for his standout efforts as the Special Envoy for Economic Affairs to Northern Ireland. "It doesn't go very much noticed, but Joe is doing one heck of a job — you really are, Joe — pulling things together," Biden expressed gratitude as reported by the White House.
Amid the soft laughter and applause that peppered the event, the President showcased an informal and personable side, mentioning his pride in his daughter in front of guests and joking about age difference in the Biden household. "Valerie used to be three years younger than me. Now, she's 20 years younger than me," Biden joked, according to the same White House release.
Biden, who has regularly voiced his connection to Catholic teachings, touched upon the theme of equality and dignity, values that were instilled in him since childhood. He recalled his father's words, "Joey, a job is about a lot more than a paycheck. It's about your dignity. It's about respect. You're not done until you've seen the face of God. So, keep moving." These words, he noted, have driven generations of Irish immigrants, including his ancestors, to persist even in the harshest of times.
The President also took the opportunity to highlight the work of Catholic organizations in addressing societal ills, acknowledging their service beyond U.S. borders. "The Catholic Church has always stepped in when people were suffering to meet their needs — food, shelter, healthcare, education," Biden underlined, invoking the words of Jesus to support his point, "Whatever you do unto the least of my brothers — these, my brothers and sisters, you do unto me," he said, addressing the participants as he shared with White House correspondents.
The brunch concluded with a request for a blessing from Cardinal Pierre, as guests reveled in the shared heritage and faith that the day symbolized. This celebration at the White House stands as yet another testament to the intertwining of politics, personal identity, and religion, as endorsed by Biden's administration. A festive day marked by intimate stories and a reminder of long-standing values, it's an affirmation of the President's commitment to human dignity and faith-driven public service.
