Hibernian Digest Article

I hope that everyone had a Merry Christmas and that you all have a happy and safe New Year. I hope that we all checked on family members and others to make sure they were ok. The holidays are a notorious time for depression and the only way to help someone is to go and ask. It can be a hard thing to do, especially if they are close to you, but these things need to be done to protect not only that person, but the families involved as well. This is something that we often overlook as we talk about depression and suicide, the “others,” the family of the victim, their friends and acquaintances. … [Read more...] about Veterans Affairs Report – Jan/Feb/Mar 2025

Is one of your children or grandchildren thinking of studying abroad in Ireland within the next year? If so, now is the time to apply to the school that they are interested in. The AOH National Board offers scholarships for high school or college students who plan to study in Ireland. Last spring the AOH National Board awarded four college students $1,500 scholarships for a semester of study, and one college student a $3,000 scholarship for a full year of study in Ireland. If you have a member of your family who wants to study at the graduate or undergraduate college level in Ireland, we … [Read more...] about Irish Way & Study Abroad Scholarships Report – Jan/Feb/Mar 2025

2024 Major Degrees of the Order There were 15 exemplifications of the Major Degrees of the Order held during 2024. In these ceremonies, a total of 340 Brothers received their Major Degree. 2024 also saw a most successful Major Degree at the National Convention in Orlando where, for possibly the first time, a consolidated Major Degree team featuring volunteers from five of our nine MDTs performed the ceremony. Seven of our nine National Major Degree Teams saw action exemplifying Major Degree Ceremonies in 2024. 2025 Major Degree Program We look forward to another successful year with … [Read more...] about Rituals and Degrees Report – Jan/Feb/Mar 2025

I want to thank all the Brothers who supported Project St. Patrick in 2024. The support was shown in many ways such as a donation for a prayer card, a completed Project St. Patrick donation form, or contact information for a Bishop or Vocations Director provided on the Division Diocese Form. All were a great contribution to our 2024 Appeal. We received 73 applications for a Project St. Patrick grant from across the country. I'm happy to report that all of the applicants will receive a Project St. Patrick grant in the amount of $500. Project St. Patrick is a joint effort between the AOH and … [Read more...] about Project Saint Patrick Report – Jan/Feb/Mar 2025

Dear beloved Brothers in Christ Jesus and St. Patrick, As we start a New Year, we ask God that our Pro-Life Committee continues to be productive and a source of encouragement, enthusiasm and excitement for 2025 and beyond. As many of you know, the Pro-Life Committee meets on Zoom every month, on the Monday or Tuesday ahead of the monthly Pro-Life newsletter. If you would like to join the committee, or you’re not receiving the Newsletter or Meeting Invites, please send me an email at lspittcmf@gmail.com and I’ll add you to the list. We did have a few disappointments last year, as I learned … [Read more...] about Pro Life Report Jan/Feb/Mar 2025

Brothers, the work of Political Education is not just the responsibility of the PEC chairs — it’s a duty shared by every member of the AOH. Advocacy and political engagement are fundamental to fulfilling our mission as Hibernians. Our faith, heritage, and the causes we champion depend on all of us actively making our voices heard. As Hibernians, we are called to defend our Irish heritage, promote Catholic values, and advocate for justice. Political decisions at all levels of government affect these priorities. Generations of Irish Americans have fought tirelessly for freedom, justice and … [Read more...] about Political Education – Jan/Feb/Mar 2025

President Sean Pender encourages nationally elected and appointed officers to engage with State, County and Division leadership. We will create opportunities for remote and in-person meetings with Immigration Chairs and members on key topics, including: USA and Ireland/ UK Travel requirements, Obtaining Irish Citizenship and Passports, Reciprocal Immigration and Driver’s License Legislation, Hiring/ assisting Irish immigrants, Accessing Irish Immigrant Centers & Irish Consulates, Addressing Visa Denial for U.S. Visa Applicants in Ireland, particularly North of Ireland … [Read more...] about Immigration Report – Jan/Feb/Mar 2025

President Sean Pender has requested all AOH National Chairmen to meet quarterly with their counterparts on the AOH State Boards. The State and National Hibernian Hunger Project (HHP) Committee Chairmen met on December 9, and had an informative and productive meeting, exchanging ideas on various activities that have been used in their jurisdictions to combat hunger. Following the meeting, a survey was sent out to the State Chairmen to decide what night would be best night for the HHP Committee to meet for their quarterly meetings. As this Digest goes to press, we are still tallying the results … [Read more...] about Hibernian Hunger Project Report – Jan/Feb/Mar 2025

The Making of Bodenstown The mortal remains of Theobald Wolfe Tone were discreetly committed to the earth in the family plot at Bodenstown, County Kildare, on Wednesday, June 21, 1798. As few as two and no more than a dozen or so individuals were present at the burial, reflecting the order of Lord Castlereagh, Chief Secretary for Ireland, who had released the body on the “express condition that no assemblage of people shall be permitted and that it (the body) be interred in the most private manner.” Castlereagh went to his own grave two decades later, presumably thinking he had succeeded in … [Read more...] about National Historians Report – Jan/Feb/Mar 2025

Resources Organizations are stronger when information flows in all directions as each of us benefits and learns from one another. I noted this in my most recent column as this Board, your National leaders, are interested in hearing from you about how we can best meet your needs. An important resource that is now available to State Chairs are meetings with National Chairs. Consistently held meetings, via Zoom, with National Chairs have been underway and these are opportunities for others to learn about specific subjects or issues. We hope any information or presentation is then shared … [Read more...] about National Vice President’s Report – Jan/Feb/March 2025

It is that time of year again. A time that can be a confusing time for new members and recently elected new leadership. A time when Divisions are collecting this year's dues and paying last year's assessments. It's all very simple if you remember to keep the money collected in the right pot. Thank you to the many Divisions that submitted their forms and assessments early. Per Capita assessments are critical to our Order. These funds along with our charitable efforts support the ongoing operations and humanitarian efforts of our Order. Just a few suggestions about dues collection. Set a … [Read more...] about National Treasurer Report – Jan/Feb/Mar 2025

I wish you a safe and healthy New Year. In January 2025, we changed how we approve suspensions and resignations. Taken from the Constitution, Article XVIII, Section 13. Members: The Division President may suspend a member of any Division who fails to pay his dues, fines, or assessments for three months, and he shall be duly notified by the Financial Secretary of his indebtedness in writing and asked to appear at the next regular meeting to pay the same. On his failure to appear, the President of the Division shall appoint a committee of at least two members to personally contact the … [Read more...] about National Secretary Report – Jan/Feb/Mar 2025

May 2025 be a year of health, hope and happiness for all our members and their families. Each new year presents both opportunities and challenges for individuals and organizations. The year 2025 promises to be an exciting period for members of the AOH. We are pleased to announce that we will be sending our third class of St. Patrick’s Centre ambassadors to Ireland in June; further details will be provided in this Digest. We aim to implement a new roster and application system by the second quarter. The initial phase of the project will enhance our technological capabilities, facilitating … [Read more...] about National President’s Report – Jan/Feb/March 2025

Brothers, I want to wish all our Hibernians a happy and joyous New Year. In the last quarter, we accomplished our goal set by President Sean Pender and the National Board of meeting with all the State Presidents assigned to my area. The State President Zoom meeting and training that we had on November 25 was a tremendous success. A grateful thanks to National Chief of Staff Tim McSweeney and National Oversight Committee Chairman Denny Parks for running the training. Another State Presidents training Zoom call will be scheduled in January after I can determine the best date for all … [Read more...] about National Directors Report: Jan/Feb/Mar 2025