A "multidisciplinary approach to urban, ethnic, and religious studies in America. Leading scholars in the field of Irish-American studies examine the history of Saint Patrick's Day celebrations in the "mother parish" of the Chicago Irish; the daunting task of creating sacred space in an urban neighborhood; Chicago's "walking nuns" who set the pace for social reform in the city in 1846; the Chicago Irish and the Civil War; the genius of Finley Peter Dunne and "Mr. Dooley"; the transformation of Old Saint Patrick's into the best-known example of Celtic Revival art in America; the influence of Irish-American women on Chicago's public schools; and the rebirth of Saint Patrick's parish at the crossroads of urban life. Features fifty archival photographs and documents, many never published before."--Jacket flap.