The Ancient Order of Hibernians

The Oldest and Largest Irish-Catholic Organization in the United States. Established 1836

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Chris Cooke

SC Hibernians Honor our Veterans in Washington, DC

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Shortly after Memorial Day, Brothers from South Carolina and Georgia laid a wreath at Arlington National Cemetery's Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Washington, DC. The ceremony concluded a weekend (June 6-8th) of family fun and sightseeing that included attendance at Dropkick Murphy's Rally for Veterans on the National Mall, visits to several Smithsonian Museums, and a private tour of the the White House and US Capitol building coordinated by SC Senator Lindsay Graham's congressional staff.  To conclude the weekend, the travel party which included State Vice President Greg … [Read more...] about SC Hibernians Honor our Veterans in Washington, DC

Statement from Fr Martin O’Reilly, National Chaplain of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, on the Passing of Pope Francis

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Dear Brothers in the Ancient Order of Hibernians, family, and friends, It is with a sad heart that we learn of the passing of Pope Francis.  Pope Francis’ legacy is one of boundless grace, simplicity, humility, and hope. He demonstrated a gentle spirit, offering solace and guidance to those in need. His words and actions were a testament to the power of faith and the enduring strength of the human spirit.  May he now rest forever in the loving arms of our Savior, Jesus Christ.  Let us quietly pray for the happy repose of his soul: Our Father ... Hail Mary … [Read more...] about Statement from Fr Martin O’Reilly, National Chaplain of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, on the Passing of Pope Francis

Statement from Sean Pender, National President of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, on the Passing of Pope Francis

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It is with profound sorrow that the Ancient Order of Hibernians mourns the passing of His Holiness, Pope Francis. Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis embodied the principles of faith, humility, and service, offering a guiding light to millions around the world. His unwavering commitment to social justice, compassion for the marginalized, and advocacy for peace and reconciliation resonated deeply with the mission and values of the Hibernians. Pope Francis led by example, reminding us all of our shared responsibility to care for one another, especially the most vulnerable among us. His … [Read more...] about Statement from Sean Pender, National President of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, on the Passing of Pope Francis

Wake County, NC Division #1 Celebrates 1st Annual AOH St. Patrick’s Day Mass

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Members of the Wake County, NC AOH Division #1 joined with the Wake County, NC LAOH Div #2 and AOH/LAOH Division Chaplain Father Duggan. LAOH Division President Susan Cooke presenting the first reading This St. Patrick's Day, the Wake County, NC Division #1 of the Ancient Order of Hibernians gathered at St. Luke the Evangelist Catholic Church in Raleigh, NC, for a profound celebration rooted in our Irish heritage and Catholic faith. The Mass, led by Division Chaplain Father Duggan, was a moving tribute to our enduring traditions. LAOH member Debra Foley, from County Kerry, Ireland, … [Read more...] about Wake County, NC Division #1 Celebrates 1st Annual AOH St. Patrick’s Day Mass

Fitzpatrick, Kelly, Neal Introduce Legislation to Establish National Museum Honoring Irish American History

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Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1), along with the Friends of Ireland Caucus Co-Chairs Congressman Richard Neal (MA-1) and Congressman Mike Kelly (PA-16) and bipartisan members of the Caucus, introduced legislation to establish a commission to study the creation of a National Museum of Irish American History. This landmark initiative will lay the groundwork for a permanent institution dedicated to preserving, celebrating, and showcasing the profound contributions of Irish Americans throughout our nation's history. "As a proud Irish American and descendant of … [Read more...] about Fitzpatrick, Kelly, Neal Introduce Legislation to Establish National Museum Honoring Irish American History

Suffolk County, NY St. Patrick’s Division 2 Celebrates the Feast of St. BlaiseBabylon, NY:

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Pictured with Monsignor Brian is Division 2’s Past President (and Division 2’s 2025 Hibernian of the Year), Matt Buckley. On February 3 rd , after Suffolk County, NY Division 2’s men’s monthly meeting was completed, Division 2’s chaplain Monsignor Brian McNamara offered to all men in attendance to have their throats blessed, to celebrate this Feast Day.Saint Blaise is the patron saint of throat illness. He is also the patron saint of doctors who treat throat ailments. According to the Acts, while Bishop Blaise was being taken into custody, a distraught mother, whose only child was choking … [Read more...] about Suffolk County, NY St. Patrick’s Division 2 Celebrates the Feast of St. BlaiseBabylon, NY:

Prayer for Pope Francis: A Call for Healing

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In these challenging times, our thoughts turn to Pope Francis. As a community united in faith and compassion, we invite all members and friends of the Ancient Order of Hibernians to join together in a prayer for his healing. Prayer for Healing O God, shepherd and ruler of all the faithful,look favorably on your servant Francis,whom you have set at the head of your Church as her shepherd;Grant, we pray, that by word and examplehe may be of service to those over whom he presidesso that, together with the flock entrusted to his care,he may come to everlasting life.Through our Lord … [Read more...] about Prayer for Pope Francis: A Call for Healing

AOH Members Visit the Dowling Library

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The February meeting of AOH Division 17 took place on Tuesday, February 18th, at the United Irish Cultural Center. Following the meeting, several members took the opportunity to visit the Patrick J. Dowling Library at the Irish Center to view a recent painting of Fr. Peter Yorke by AOH Division 17 member and artist Jim Gleeson. The artwork, a tribute to Fr. Yorke’s enduring legacy, was a highlight of the visit, offering a meaningful way for members to honor the priest’s contributions to both the Irish community and the Church. The library continues to serve as an important space for … [Read more...] about AOH Members Visit the Dowling Library

AOH San Francisco Division 17 to Honor the Centenary of Fr. Peter Yorke’s Death

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A painting of Fr. Yorke proudly hanging in the Patrick J Dowling Library at the United Irish Cultural Center. This year marks the centenary of the death of Fr. Peter Yorke, a beloved American Irish Catholic priest who served at St. Peter’s Church in San Francisco during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Throughout his life, Fr. Yorke was a staunch defender of the Catholic Church against bigotry, a vocal champion for labor rights, and an advocate for Irish Nationalism. Fr. Yorke's story is beautifully captured in the book Consecrated Thunderbolt: Father Yorke of San … [Read more...] about AOH San Francisco Division 17 to Honor the Centenary of Fr. Peter Yorke’s Death

AOH St. Patrick’s Division 2 (Suffolk County, NY) Raises$3,800 for “BACK THE BLUE” BBQ Fundraiser

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Babylon, N.Y. – On Saturday, August 24th, the Ancient Order of Hibernians, St. Patrick’s Division 2 hosted a “Back the Blue” fundraiser to raise funds for the Brotherhood forthe Fallen, Suffolk County Chapter. AOH St. Patrick’s Division 2, here in Babylon, NY held a fundraiser to help the “Brotherhood for the Fallen”, Suffolk County chapter. The event was held at the AOH / Irish Cultural Center at 27 Locust Avenue, Babylon, NY. AOH St. Patrick’s Division 2 president, Jim McGrath said: “it’s our honor to assist in raising funds for such a worthy cause for the men and women in law … [Read more...] about AOH St. Patrick’s Division 2 (Suffolk County, NY) Raises$3,800 for “BACK THE BLUE” BBQ Fundraiser

Ramsey County Division 4 Christmas Party Included Reading for Member and local Author

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The Archbishop John Ireland Division 4 Christmas celebration included a reading by Division4 member Mark Connor from his book, “It’s About Time (Millions of Copies Sold for Dad),”winner of Irish Network Minnesota’s 2024 Bloomsday Literary award. Described as a “sagawrapped around a package of poems guarded by angels,” the autobiography that reads like anovel, honors his deceased father, Division 4 member Robert J. Connor. It is available athttps://boxersandwritersmagazine.com/books/ and includes local Irish-American historyincluding stories from Division members. Mark Connor signing a copy … [Read more...] about Ramsey County Division 4 Christmas Party Included Reading for Member and local Author

Hartford Division 2 Holds Christmas Toy/Gift Card Drive

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AOH Hartford collected toys for Saint Augustine’s in Hartford. Hartford Division 2 of the Ancient Order of Hibernians held a successful Toy/Gift Card Drive on Saturday, December 14. Three carloads of toys were collected in addition to over $300 worth of gift cards. The collection took place at Christ the King Parish in Wethersfield and benefitted The Helping Hands Project at Saint Augustine Parish in the south end of Hartford. The generosity of those that donated will make Christmas brighter for many families in Connecticut’s capital city. Hartford AOH has been … [Read more...] about Hartford Division 2 Holds Christmas Toy/Gift Card Drive

Michael Collin Cumberland Co, PA Div #1 Makes Donation to Central Pennsylvania Food Bank

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At the December meeting of the Michael Collins, Cumberland Co Div 1,  a donation of $1,000 was presented to a representative of the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank.  We were informed that our $1,000 would create a meal for 4,000 individuals in need in the local Harrisburg, PA area.    Cumberland Co PA Div 1 donates $1,000 to the Central PA Food Bank … [Read more...] about Michael Collin Cumberland Co, PA Div #1 Makes Donation to Central Pennsylvania Food Bank

AOH Members Gather to Honor First Irish Born U.S. Medal of Honor Recipient

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Members of the Michael Collins, Cumberland Co Div. 1, gathered with our Chaplain on Veterans Day to honor the gravesite of Michael J Madden. Madden was the first Irish born recipient of the US Medal of Honor for his bravery during the Civil War. Madden is buried in Harrisburg, PA. Cumberland County PA Division 1 honors first Irish born U.S. Medal of Honor recipient … [Read more...] about AOH Members Gather to Honor First Irish Born U.S. Medal of Honor Recipient

HIBERNIANS BACK FINUCANE FAMILYDEMAND

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BRITISH ENQUIRY MUST BE CREDIBLE AND CAPABLE https://www.youtube.com/live/YyO5Cl4y_XQ?si=e02kLafTk-SrjcCO National President Sean Pender has issued the following statement on behalf of the Ancient Order of Hibernians:  finucane hearing -press releaseDownload Widow, children of Patrick Finucane share expectations for long-overdue public inquiry into British collusion in brutal murder of Northern Ireland human rights lawyer  WASHINGTON—At a congressional hearing (click to watch) chaired by Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) today, the widow and three adult children … [Read more...] about HIBERNIANS BACK FINUCANE FAMILYDEMAND

City Approval For United Irish Cultural Center in SunsetDistrict, San Francisco – AOH San Francisco Division 17Headquarters

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Home to the AOH San Francisco Division 17 for more than 50 years, the denselypacked facility will create new community space, including a two-level Saint Patrick’sRoom banquet hall, offices, and a public gallery. San Francisco-based StudioBANAA is responsible for the design. The firm writes that the massing has “a solidmassing of blue Kilkenny limestone from Ireland houses the more intimate, member-focused programs. The rooftop is the crowning glory, with four quadrants representingthe four provinces of Ireland.” A design narrative shared by the studio shows how thearchitects carved … [Read more...] about City Approval For United Irish Cultural Center in SunsetDistrict, San Francisco – AOH San Francisco Division 17Headquarters

Nashville AOH Event Celebrates Irish Heritage and Uncovers FamilyConnections

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Nashville, TN – [September 2024 – The Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) hosted a remarkable event in September, celebrating Irish heritage in Nashville and attracting both AOH members and community members with an interest in local Irish history. The gathering at Calvary Catholic cemetery was led by Deacon Mike Wilkins and Division Historian; Conor Doolan. The event was not only well-attended but also filled with unexpected moments of connection and discovery. One of the most touching highlights occurred when Patrick Nolan, a non-member, was astonished to find a relative’s grave during the … [Read more...] about Nashville AOH Event Celebrates Irish Heritage and Uncovers FamilyConnections