Hibernians from across the country gathered in Washington, DC on January 22nd and 23rd to participate in the Annual March for Life in Washington, DC. Crowd estimates range from tens of thousands to 150,000, including members of the AOH National Board and Pro Life Chairman from Pennsylvania, Illinois, North Carolina, Florida, Maryland, New York, Virginia, and Washington, DC. On Thursday afternoon, the Basilica of the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception hosted the Angelus at 4:45 PM followed by Holy Mass at 5:00 PM. The congregation was several thousand strong and consisted of predominantly high school and college students, as well as hundreds of con-celebrating clergy from across the country, including past AOH National Chaplain Bishop John Keehner. After Mass, Hibernians met at the Dubliner Restaurant and Pub for dinner and refreshments. Also at the Dubliner for dinner was Frank Pavone of Priests for Life, along with his staff.
On Friday, the busy day began with the Annual AOH March for Life Breakfast at the Irish Channel Restaurant and Pub at 500 H Street NW in Washington, DC. The breakfast was expertly planned by the Washington, DC State Board President Charlie Burham, Pro Life Chairman Steve Sullivan, and Past President Don Connolly.
Breakfast was a traditional Irish Breakfast Buffet and included Bacon, Sausage, Potatoes, Eggs, Breads, Rolls, and Fresh Fruit Salad, with Coffee, Tea, Juices, and Water. At 10:00 AM, President Sean Pender was first to speak and called Bishop John Keehner of Sioux City, Iowa for an opening prayer. Following the prayer, President Pender called on Larry Squires, AOH National Pro Life Chair to say a few words and introduce Don Connoly. Past President Connolly called for a moment of silence in honor of Jack O’Brien, who was one of the original organizers and regular attendees of the Breakfast, and has since passed away. Don also introduced some of the youngest Hibernians present, members of the Catholic University of America Rugby Team, who were there to support the Hibernian Pro Life efforts. Don then introduced one of the Guests of Honor, Sister Nancy Downing, CEO of St. Ann’s Center for Youth, Children, and Families. St. Ann’s has been in operation since 1860, and has helped countless women, children, and families from impossibly tragic and desperate situations to become independent, sustainably employed, successful, and faithful members of Society. St. Ann’s has become one of the most popular Hibernian Charities, along with Freedom for All Ireland and Project St. Patrick. Sr. Nancy provided an inspirational and uplifting message emphasizing the importance of the support Hibernians have provided for St. Ann’s. Following Sr. Nancy, President Pender introduced the next Guest of Honor, all the way from West Meath, Ireland, TD Peadar Tóibín. Peadar is one of the leading Pro Life voices in Ireland and spoke in great detail about the progress being made to support Pro Life efforts in Ireland. Following Peadar’s rousing address, President Pender called Sr. Nancy back up to the microphone to present her with a $5,000.00 check for St. Ann’s. The check will secure the AOH as one of the primary sponsors of St. Ann’s Spring Fundraising Event in May. This event raises a main portion of St. Ann’s annual operating budget.
At 11:30 AM, attendees crossed the street to Mary Mother of God Church for Holy Mass and Communion before the March. Mass was celebrated by Bishop Keehner, Fr. Kevin Fields – Washington, DC Chaplain, Fr. Henry Reid – New York State Chaplain, and Deacon Steve Mitchell.
After Mass, Hibernians congregated at the corner of 7th Street NW and Constitution Avenue awaiting step off for the March scheduled for 1:00 PM. It was actually a few minutes after 2:00 PM when the first contingent marched through the intersection and the Hibernians fell in behind them for the March. Upon reaching the Cannon House Office Building, members of the National Board, along with Bishop Keehner and Peadar Tóibín, peeled off to attend a Pro Life reception hosted by U.S. Representatives Mike Kelly of Pennsylvania and Chris Smith of New Jersey. Attendees enjoyed an assortment of snacks and refreshments before the formal presentation by the Representatives. Bishop Keehner was called upon for a Benediction and Blessing, and Peadar Tóibín was personally introduced to the Representatives. Peadar was very pleased to meet Representative Kelly, who serves as the Congressional Friends of Ireland Caucus Co-Chair. After the reception, Hibernians circled up at the Dubliner for refreshments and camaraderie after a very busy and productive day.
The AOH presented a $5,000.00 check to St. Ann’s Center for Children at the AOH March for Life Breakfast.