St. Patrick himself, the big-hatted bishop who drove the snakes from Ireland, hasn’t been around to comment on people’s green outfits or the legions of Bass-hoisting drinkers since he died about 461 A.D. But his namesake church, the 150-year-old Old St. Patrick’s downtown, lives on to celebrate his big day every year. Friday’s events: Gregory Peck (yes, Oscar-winning actor Gregory Peck) narrates Irish composer Liam Lawton’s “The Shepherd Boy” at 8 p.m. at Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan Ave.; mass, at 7 a.m. and 12:10 p.m. at the church; and half-hour guided tours, showing off the church’s Celtic art, every hour (save noon) from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Old St. Pat’s is at 711 W. Monroe St. Tickets for “The Shepherd Boy” are $20-$50; 312-294-3000. The church events are free; 312-648-1021.
———-
Send inquiries to hlajewski@tribune.com
