from Bill Sullivan AOH National Director …
A celebration to honor the Rt. Rev. John Delaney V.F, on the occasion of the 25th Anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood in late May had been in the planning stages for months by his friends, the parishioners of Sacred Hearts Parish in Bradford, MA and the parishioners of Saint Patrick Parish in Groveland, MA. Father Delaney also serves as Chaplain to Division 8 AOH and LAOH in Lawrence, Massachusetts, as well as, to a host of other organizations in the Merrimack Valley area of Massachusetts.
However, his year with the Covid 19 epidemic and social distancing rules in effect in the Bay State, the large-scale celebration that was being planned was not possible Not wanting to just let this special anniversary pass like just any other Sunday, Father John’s parishioners and friends adopted the new innovative means of celebrating an event via social distancing, whether it be a birthday, anniversary or other significant event – A Drive By Car Parade!
On Sunday, May 17 at noon, a two-plus mile parade of cars drove by Sacred Hearts Church on South Main Street in Bradford, MA and greeted Father John as he stood outside the church. It was very apparent from the gathering, that Father John is beloved, respected, and well-liked by his parishioners and the other ten plus groups from the Merrimack Valley who took part.
Division 8 is indeed fortunate to have a dedicated priest like Father John as their Chaplain and it is well known that his parishioners and the citizens of Bradford, Haverhill and Groveland Massachusetts feel the same way for their pastor and good friend. It is hoped this fall, that the Covid 19 conditions will improve, so that the celebration that was originally planned, will take place to honor this dedicated priest.
Congratulations to the parishioners, friends, and members of Division 8 for their diligence, efforts, and creativity to honor a great priest and friend during these challenging and uncertain times. It is just another example of Friendship, Unity and Christian Charity at its best, and makes us all proud to be members of the oldest, largest, and greatest Irish Catholic organization in the United States, the AOH!
