September 13th is Commodore Barry Day, a National Holiday of the Order. John Barry is symbolic of both the fact that the Irish have contributed to America since its earliest days and sadly how little known those contributions are. Please like and share the following article by National Historian Mike McCormack, especially with the younger people in your life. Did you know that the first flag officer and founder of the United States Navy was an Irishman? His name was John Barry and Dr. Benjamin Rush, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, said in his eulogy at … [Read more...] about Commodore John Barry Day, a National Holiday of the Order
SEPTEMBER FFAI 2019 BULLETIN
from Martin Galvin,Esq., National FFAI Chairman ... A chairde: FFAI ISSUES UPDATE A-Boris Johnson suspends Parliament brings on Brexit crisis- In a move called a "constitutional outrage" by Speaker of the House John Bercow, and compared to Oliver Cromwell's Parliamentary purge by Irish Minister Michael D'Arcy, Boris Johnson will prorogue or suspend Parliament for 5 weeks until October 14th, hoping to bulldoze Brexit through, by the Halloween, October 31st deadline. His plan backfired as Brexit opponents, including 21 members of his own party, banded together with opposition parties to … [Read more...] about SEPTEMBER FFAI 2019 BULLETIN
Rituals and Degrees Update
from Jack Schnieder, National Chairman Rituals and Degrees... As the season turns into autumn, our National Major Degree Schedule will see a significant increase in activity with several opportunities for prospective candidates to take their Major Degree in the next few months up and down the length of our eastern seaboard. Major Degree Ceremonies are currently planned as noted that I have been informed of to date: Sun. - Sept. 22nd - Iona College, New Rochelle, NY Sat. - Sept. 28th – Irish Cultural Center of Utica, Utica, NY Sun. - Sept 29th – Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, Patchogue, … [Read more...] about Rituals and Degrees Update
Iowa State Board Meeting Held in Waterloo
from John Wilson, National Director... The Iowa State Board Meeting and Election was held August 2, 2019 in Waterloo, Iowa in conjunction with the Iowa Irish Fest. Elected to the Iowa State Board were, State President Rob McCullough (Dubuque Div. #2), State Vice President Terry McGrane (5 Sullivan Brothers Div.), State Recording Secretary Jerry McGrane (Dubuque Div. #1), State Treasurer Mike Martin (Dubuque Div. #1) and State Chaplain is Rev. Dennis Quint (Dubuque Div. #1). The Cedar Valley Irish Cultural Association, founder of the Iowa Irish Fest, is an organization intended to foster … [Read more...] about Iowa State Board Meeting Held in Waterloo
The Western Cemetery Project
from Bill Sullivan, National Director... The Ancient Order of Hibernians has always been there to lend a hand to the people of Ireland, Irish Americans and Irish Immigrants who come to America in search of a better life. The Daniel O’Connell O’Donoughue Division 1 A.O.H. of Portland Maine has been following this precept since its founding in 1876 – 143 years ago! Western Cemetery was established by the Portland City Council in the late 1820’s and was Portland’s main burying ground from 1829 until 1852. Many of those buried there were Irish, since Calvary Cemetery, Portland’s first … [Read more...] about The Western Cemetery Project
Utica AOH Organizes Mass to Support Local Food Pantries
from Liam McNabb, National Director ... The John C. Devereux AOH Division in Utica, NY organized the annual Mass held in conjunction with the Great American Irish Festival in July. Father Sean O’Brien, local Hibernian, celebrated Mass for hundreds of festival attendees and local Sister and Brother Hibernians. The Devereux AOH Division set up the altar and coordinated the music and all details related to the successful event. AOH leadership and members served as lectors, eucharistic ministers and ushers. This year, the AOH Division collected $2,700 from the Mass donations and distributed … [Read more...] about Utica AOH Organizes Mass to Support Local Food Pantries
Catholic Calendar – September 2019
The month of September is still part of Ordinary Time, with green being the liturgical vestment color. MAJOR SAINTS AND FEAST DAYS OF SEPTEMBER September 3 Gregory the Great, Pope and Doctor Memorial September 13 John Chrysostom, Bishop and Doctor Memorial September 14 Exaltation of the Holy Cross Feast September 16 Cornelius, Pope and Martyr; Cyprian, Bishop and Martyr Memorial September 21 Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist Feast September 27 Vincent De Paul, Priest Memorial September 30 Jerome, Priest and Doctor Memorial IRISH SAINTS OF … [Read more...] about Catholic Calendar – September 2019
Michael Dougherty Division of Bucks County, PA
from Ed Halligan, National Director... The Michael Dougherty Division of Bucks County, PA was formed in 1883. The hall was built and occupied in 1892 making it one of the oldest Hibernian Halls if not the oldest. The Division is very active on social media and currently has over 360 members. … [Read more...] about Michael Dougherty Division of Bucks County, PA
Make a Donation to Project Saint Patrick
Donate to Project Saint Patrick Donate to Project Saint Patrick … [Read more...] about Make a Donation to Project Saint Patrick
Johnson’s Election Signals Brexit Climax Is Near
from Neil Cosgrove, National P.E.C. Chairman ... Brothers; the election of Boris Johnson as Prime Minister signals that we are nearing the climax of the Brexit saga. Mr. Johnson has made clear that he intends to take the United Kingdom out of the E.U. by October 31st even if it means a hard Brexit of leaving the E.U. without a deal. The key issue is the “Irish Backstop” which would mean that the U.K. would maintain regulatory alignment with the E.U. until another means was found to maintain the currently notional border between Northern Ireland and Ireland. Mr. Johnson and fellow … [Read more...] about Johnson’s Election Signals Brexit Climax Is Near
The AOH National Board recognizes the accomplishments of Brother Bill Halpin, Virginia State President 2017 – 2019
President Halpin selected “Commit to the Future” as the Virginia state slogan for the 2017-2019 term. This phrase is easy to remember, and he believed it would inspire some of the Hibernian Zeal we pledge to maintain while preserving our traditions and beliefs. His goals were simple: Assure the long-term welfare of AOH in Virginia by retaining current bothers and focusing recruitment on men who can carry us forward. On retention, President Halpin echoed (former) National Rituals & Degrees Chairman J.J. Kelly’s view that Hibernians who receive our Order’s Major Degrees are statistically … [Read more...] about The AOH National Board recognizes the accomplishments of Brother Bill Halpin, Virginia State President 2017 – 2019
Catholic Calendar – August 2019
The month of August falls entirely within the cycle of Ordinary Time. The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, August 15, is a holy day of obligation. MAJOR SAINTS AND FEAST DAYS OF AUGUST August 1 Alphonsus Ligouri Memorial August 6 Transfiguration of the Lord Feast August 8 Dominic Memorial August 9 Teresa Benedicta of the Cross August 13 Our Lady of Knock August 14 Maximilian Kolbe Memorial August 15 Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Solemnity August 20 Bernard Memorial August 21 Pius X Memorial August 24 Bartholomew, Apostle … [Read more...] about Catholic Calendar – August 2019
Dollars for Scholars!
from Bill Sullivan, National Director ... As we all know the cost of a college education today can be very expensive. Realizing that many of their members had children of college age, President Charlie Sinclair of the Major John “Mike” Tivnan USMC Division 18 AOH in Salem, Massachusetts along with the Division Officers and members came up with the idea of an activity to raise funds for college scholarships for members children and grandchildren, while at the same time providing an enjoyable activity for its members their families and friends – a golf tournament! The first golf tournament … [Read more...] about Dollars for Scholars!
AUGUST FFAI 2019 BULLETIN
from Martin Galvin,Esq., National FFAI Chairman ... A chairde: FFAI ISSUES UPDATE A -Boris Johnson threatens Ireland and European Union with "no deal Brexit" unless new deal concessions- After becoming British Prime Minister without any general election, popular mandate or Westminster majority , Boris Johnson began by threatening a no deal Brexit disaster on October 31st, unless the EU renegotiates the Withdrawal Agreement to his liking. He is gambling that the EU will bow to threats and offer major concessions to stop Britain from crashing out of Europe and forcing a hard border across … [Read more...] about AUGUST FFAI 2019 BULLETIN
First Cousins Become 3rd Generation Hibernians in a Division named after their Grandad
from Dan Dennehy, National Director ... I was honored to participate in the Annual New York County Francis P. Beirne Division 9 Golf Outing was held in Van Cortlandt Golf Club, the oldest public course in America in late June. The Francis P Beirne / Frank McGreal Memorial Golf Outing remembers two late great Officers of the Division and is a family affair for the Beirne and McGreal families along with many friends. The Division is named for the former Chairman of the New York St Patricks Parade. This year, the golf attendees were introduced to three of its newest members, all … [Read more...] about First Cousins Become 3rd Generation Hibernians in a Division named after their Grandad
Rituals and Degrees Report
from Jack Schneider, Ritual & Degrees Chairman Major Degree Ceremonies were held at two State Conventions in the Northeast during the month of July with a total of forty-seven candidates receiving their Major Degree. Congratulations are extended to all newly Degreed Brothers and welcome to the Inner Chamber of Hibernian Brotherhood! Seventeen candidates were brought into the ranks of full Brotherhood within the Order at the Major Degree held at the New York State Convention in Albany, NY on Sat. July 13. This Degree was exemplified by the Schenectady NY Major Degree Team. The newly … [Read more...] about Rituals and Degrees Report
Irish Culture is alive and well in West Virginia!
from Dennis Parks, National Liaison... The largest Irish Road Bowling tournament in the World will take place on September 21st, 2019 in Wheeling, West Virginia. The event is sponsored and ran by the brothers of the AOH Bishop Whelan Division in Wheeling. Division President Tom Connelly and the brothers of the Bishop Whelan Division invite any and all to participate. For more information go to: https://aohwheeling.shutterfly.com/. … [Read more...] about Irish Culture is alive and well in West Virginia!
DC Divisions Mix Baseball and Heritage
from John Patrick Walsh, National Liaison... As summer heats up most of the DC divisions take a small break from official business and instead focus on fellowship. Baseball presents a wonderful occasion for Hibernian families to gather and enjoy the national pastime in our nation’s capital. Some divisions even use the opportunity to promote Irish culture amongst the Tri-State’s baseball fandom. PND Keith Carney and Commodore John Barry Division 1 have spearheaded “Irish Night @ Nats Park” in conjunction with the Washington Nationals for the past few years. Originally conceived as a … [Read more...] about DC Divisions Mix Baseball and Heritage
Irish Thunder of AOH Division #1 in Montgomery County performs at the Fourth of July Parade in Oreland, PA.
from Ed Halligan, National Director ... It’s great to have a Pipe Band. It brings great attention to Notre Dame Division #1. Division 1 uses local newspapers and social media to show their events and charitable endeavors. This also has just as big an impact on their recruitment. They are the largest Division in Montgomery County and one of the top Divsiions in Pennsylvania District One. … [Read more...] about Irish Thunder of AOH Division #1 in Montgomery County performs at the Fourth of July Parade in Oreland, PA.
Catholic Action Update for July
from John D. Fitzmorris III, Ph.D., National Catholic Action Chairman ... As Chair of Catholic Action, I have been careful not to stray too far into the realm of the great work Project St. Patrick has been doing on behalf of all current seminarians, but I want to bring to light the current numbers on our priests from the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate. The statistics are comprehensive, and I shall go over only a few of them; but they are currently not very good. Back in 1970, there were 59,192 total priests in the United States. There are currently 36,580, which means … [Read more...] about Catholic Action Update for July