This year marks the centenary of the death of Fr. Peter Yorke, a beloved American Irish Catholic priest who served at St. Peter’s Church in San Francisco during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Throughout his life, Fr. Yorke was a staunch defender of the Catholic Church against bigotry, a vocal champion for labor rights, and an advocate for Irish Nationalism. Fr. Yorke’s story is beautifully captured in the book Consecrated Thunderbolt: Father Yorke of San Francisco by Joseph H. Brusher.
To honor his legacy, Division 17 of the Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) will commemorate Fr. Yorke’s remarkable contributions by marching with banners honoring Fr. Yorke during this years St. Patrick’s Day parade on Saturday March 15. Each Palm Sunday, the United Irish Societies of San Francisco including the Division 17 of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, hold a memorial celebration in his honor at Holy Cross Cemetery.