from National Director Bill Sullivan ... As it has annually for the past fifteen years, the James C. Campbell AOH Division 19 of Lowell, Massachusetts participated in the annual Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign on Saturday, December 14, 2019. On Saturday morning, December 14 members of Division 19 greeted shoppers in front of one of the city's largest supermarkets in the area, Market Basket, and happily accepted donations on behalf of the Salvation Army. This nonprofit organization assists more than 4½ million people during the Thanksgiving and Christmas time periods in the United … [Read more...] about The Bell Ringers!!! – James C. Campbell Division 19 AOH, Lowell, MA
Catholic Calendar – January 2020
To All Hibernians: In the early part of January, we are still within the Christmas season. The Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God (Jan. 1) is a holy day of obligation. At the Baptism of the Lord (January 12) , we pass from the Christmas season to a segment of Ordinary Time prior to the Lenten season, from the liturgical color white to green. In the month of January, two American saints are commemorated, Elizabeth Ann Seton (January 4) and John Neumann (January 5). In the United States, January 22 is a day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children, in recognition of the Roe … [Read more...] about Catholic Calendar – January 2020
Prayers for Past National President Joe Roche
We mourn the loss of our Past National President Joe Roche. Joe was a dedicated Hibernian and held a variety of positions within the Order including National President (84-88). Joe was proud of his work as National Organizer, creating many new divisions across the US, including the first in Alaska. He spent much time before congress, testifying on behalf of a variety of Irish causes, a tireless advocate for peace in the North. He was a recipient of the prestigious Sean MacBride Humanitarian Award. You can read his full obituary … [Read more...] about Prayers for Past National President Joe Roche
Wheeling WV AOH Holds Day of Prayer and Fasting for Victims of Sex Abuse
from National Director Dennis Parks ... On December 8, in conjunction with the AOH National Board, the brothers of the Bishop Whelan Division in Wheeling WV, held a day of prayer and fasting for the victims of the sexual abuse crisis in the Catholic Church. The event was held outside of St. Joseph's Cathedral in Wheeling. According to Division President Tom Connelly, over 75 people joined with the AOH to pray the Rosary. The event was also covered by the local media. … [Read more...] about Wheeling WV AOH Holds Day of Prayer and Fasting for Victims of Sex Abuse
New Division in South Philly – Div. 27
from National Director Ed Halligan ... Division 27 in Philadelphia is a new Division that was created on September 5, 2019. They are located in South Philadelphia near 6th and Oregon. It has been a long time since we have had a Division in South Philly. Their members are from the Operating Engineers Local 542. The Division made a substantial donation to the Hibernian Hunger Project in Philadelphia and ran a fundraiser on December 14th for the same. They meet upstairs at the Fireside Pub … [Read more...] about New Division in South Philly – Div. 27
Our Lady of the Way, St. Charles, Missouri
from National Director John Wilson ... In Saint Charles, Missouri, there is a roadside shrine called Our Lady of the Way: it is believed to be the only one in the world dedicated to the Virgin Mary under this title. It is maintained by the AOH of St. Charles County and has the names of their deceased members of the Division on bricks along the pathway to the Shrine. In addition, there are bricks dedicated to Irish Saints and Feast Days of our Blessed Mother. The AOH took over the duties of the Shrine 10 years ago after reading a newspaper article about the Shrine and the original … [Read more...] about Our Lady of the Way, St. Charles, Missouri
Catholic Calendar – December 2019
In December we begin a new liturgical year with the first Sunday of Advent (December 1) and pass through the liturgical season of Advent into that of Christmas. Advent represents the time of preparation for the coming of the Savior. The liturgical color, representative of repentance and humility, is violet, except on the Third Sunday of Advent, traditionally known as Gaudete Sunday, when the color rose represents the joy of approaching the Christmas season. The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, usually celebrated on December 8, is celebrated this year on December 9, since the 8th is a … [Read more...] about Catholic Calendar – December 2019
Rituals and Degrees December Update
from National Chairman Rituals and Degrees, Jack Schneider ... Nollaig Shona Dhuit! I would like to take this opportunity to wish all the members of our Order’s Major Degree Teams very best wishes for a Merry and Blessed Christmas and to also thank you for your most valuable service in bringing the Lessons of the Order to our membership. I believe it was a very successful year for our Major Degree Teams with twenty-one Major Degrees exemplified nationally this calendar year. Upcoming Major Degrees of the Order for early 2020: Sun., Jan 26; 1:00PM – CDIAA, 375 Ontario Street, … [Read more...] about Rituals and Degrees December Update
Connecticut AOH Divisions Play Softball for a Cause!
from National Director Bill Sullivan ... Recently the AOH Connecticut State Board’s 9th Annual Softball Tournament was held at Foote Field in Milford, CT, and was hosted by the JFK Division 1 of Bridgeport, CT. Divisions across the “Constitution State” fielded teams in this annual tournament of goodwill. Each year a particular charity is selected to receive the proceeds from this endeavor. The recipient selected for the proceeds of this year’s game was the Arthur C. Luft Children’s Burn Camp, which is located in Union, CT, which is on the Massachusetts state line near Sturbridge … [Read more...] about Connecticut AOH Divisions Play Softball for a Cause!
St Louis AOH Honors One of their Favorite Veterans
from National Director John Wilson On October 1st, the ninety-first Greater St Louis Honor Flight took 58 Korean War Veterans along with Greater St Louis Honor Flight Staff, Guardians and Volunteers that made this one day trip go so smooth to Washington DC. On board this flight was our Past National AOH President George Clough who served in the USAF and rose to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. The Greater St. Louis Honor Flight honors St. Louis area Veterans’ service to our country by providing an all-inclusive trip to Washington, DC to visit the memorials built in their honor. The St … [Read more...] about St Louis AOH Honors One of their Favorite Veterans
AOH Division 6 Officer Jack Duffy Raises Scholarship Money
from National Director Ed Halligan The Officer Jack Duffy Division is named after a Philadelphia Police Officer killed in the line of duty on December 10, 1983. His patrol wagon was struck by a patrol car as the vehicles responded to an officer needs assistance call. Officer Duffy was on the force for 1 year and 9 months. He was 22 years old.The Division keeps his memory alive by running grade school basketball tournaments and essay contests. The money raised is used for Catholic high school scholarships … [Read more...] about AOH Division 6 Officer Jack Duffy Raises Scholarship Money
125 Years Strong! – Division 14 Watertown, MA.
from National Director Bill Sullivan On Saturday, November 26, 2019 Division 14 in Watertown, Massachusetts celebrated the 125th Anniversary of their founding in November 1894. Members of the Division, their families and friends filled their Division Hall from wall to wall and proudly celebrated this great milestone. Richard Thompson, Past Division, Past Middlesex County and Past Mass State President and Division 14’s present Treasurer, served as Chairmen of the event. In the members lounge, scrapbooks of newspaper clippings and photos along with a DVD of the Division’s history were on … [Read more...] about 125 Years Strong! – Division 14 Watertown, MA.
To Those Who Have Borne the Battle, We Owe Honor.
from Veteran's Affairs Chairman Jim Green ... Brothers, much of the following message was pulled from an article authored by Hibernian Digest Editor, John O’Connell. John shared it with me to get my opinion on it before it’s published in New York. I have slightly modified a few sections to make it relevant to all Hibernians, but I was so impressed with it that I thought I’d share parts of it – with his permission - with all of you in recognition of our veterans – both men and women – who have served and sacrificed for our country. God bless all of you on this day of honor. To those who … [Read more...] about To Those Who Have Borne the Battle, We Owe Honor.
Catholic Calendar – November 2019
In November, we conclude Ordinary time for the liturgical year with the Feast of Christ the King on the last Sunday of the month (Nov. 24). November is a month to remember the departed, especially on All Souls' Day (Nov. 2). The Solemnity of All Saints (Nov. 1) is a holy day of obligation. Thanksgiving Day falls on November 28. NOTABLE SAINTS, SOLEMNITIES, AND FEAST DAYS November 1All SaintsSolemnity November 4Charles BorromeoMemorial November 9Dedication of Saint John LateranFeast November 13Frances Xavier CabriniMemorial November 15Albert the Great, Bishop and … [Read more...] about Catholic Calendar – November 2019
Catholic Calendar – October 2019
The month of October still remains within Ordinary Time. October is a month dedicated to Mary, the Mother of God. MAJOR SAINTS AND FEAST DAYS Oct. 1 Theresa of the Child Jesus, Virgin, Memorial Oct. 2 Guardian Angels, Memorial Oct. 4 Francis of Assisi, Memorial Oct. 7 Our Lady of the Rosary, Memorial Oct. 11 Pope St. John XXIII Oct. 15 Teresa of Avila, Virgin and Doctor, Memorial Oct. 17 Ignatius of Antioch, Bishop and Martyr, Memorial Oct. 18 Luke the Evangelist, Feast Oct. 19 John de Brebeuf, Isaac Jogues, and Companions, Martyrs, … [Read more...] about Catholic Calendar – October 2019
Newport Division 1 Hosts Rhode Island AOH State Convention
from National Director Bill Sullivan The Dennis E. Collins Division 1 AOH of Newport Rhode Island hosted the 2019 Rhode Island State Convention on Saturday, September 21 at their Division Home. AOH RI State President Wick Rudd opened the State Convention and welcomed the delegates who were in attendance. In his report President Rudd spoke on what had been accomplished over the past two years and the boards efforts to support all the Divisions in their state. He thanked his officers for their time, talent and efforts while he served as President. Following the President’s remarks, each of … [Read more...] about Newport Division 1 Hosts Rhode Island AOH State Convention
Commodore John Barry Day, a National Holiday of the Order
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