2023 Marple Newtown Fourth of July Parade
The decorated floats, marching bands and first responders once again impressed spectators at this past July’s Marple Newtown Fourth of July Parade. The community was also treated to many neighbors, local businesses and community clubs whose groups proudly processed down West Chester Pike. One of those groups marching was the newly formed USA Patroness and Company.
Longtime Broomall residents and close friends Kathleen Berridge and Dee Butera founded the group last Spring. Kathleen has lived in Broomall since 1984 and she raised four children here. Dee moved here from Drexel Hill 24 years ago and also has four children.The two women met decades ago at St. Pius X Parish when their daughters were in school together, and they’ve been friends ever since. They are also longtime St. Pius X members and through their Bible study group they came up with the idea to form the group dedicated to Mary, the mother of Jesus, and Catholic Church designated Patroness of the United States.
Mary, under her title of Immaculate Conception, has been honored by Catholics as Patroness of the United States since the mid-19th century. But Catholic belief in her protection of the nation dates back to its earliest history. John Carroll, the first Catholic bishop in the United States, had a great devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. In 1792, he placed the diocese of Baltimore — which encompassed the thirteen colonies of the young republic — under her protection.
When Christopher Columbus came over, his flagship was named in honor of the Immaculate Conception. Since then, many cathedrals and parish churches, and a large shrine in Washington, DC, have been dedicated in honor of the Immaculate Conception. The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in D.C. stands as our nation’s preeminent Marian shrine and patronal church. Not only does it rival the great sanctuaries of Europe and the world in size and stature, but also in beauty, dignity and sanctity.
Kathleen explained that their group entered USA Patroness and Company into the parade because “Mary always shows us the way back to Jesus. We want to bring love, hope, peace and goodness to our community and our country,” she said. “Mary is our Heavenly Mother, our Queen, and our beacon of hope.” Dee added, “Mary has been patroness of the United States since the mid-19th century and we were proud to bring her to the streets.”
Dee and Kathleen said they were thrilled with the response they got from the crowd at the parade. “There were about 40 of us walking together and the crowd cheered us on,” said Kathleen. “It was very special!” Since marching in this year’s parade, Dee and Kathleen said it’s given them courage to put other events in motion. “October is the Month of the Holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary,” she added. “We would love to put together a procession along with some other parishes in our area.” The group also looks forward to marching in nearby Springfield Delaware County’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
Anyone interested in learning more about the USA Patroness and Company may reach out to Kathleen at klberridge@comcast.net. Kathleen and Dee welcome community members to join them with the intention of prayer for our Catholic community. For more information about the Catholic church here in Broomall, visit St. Pius X’s website at www.StPius.net. They offer a variety of spiritual services such as Sunday School classes, Bible studies, youth groups, and more and are actively involved in our local community.