Sean Pender, National President of the Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH), America’s oldest and largest Irish Catholic organization, issued a statement today offering congratulations and best wishes to newly inaugurated Irish President Catherine Connolly" Dear President Connolly, On behalf of the Ancient Order of Hibernians in America, I extend our warmest congratulations on your inauguration as the 10th President of Ireland. Your resounding victory, winning 63.4% of first-preference votes, the highest share ever in a contested Irish presidential election, speaks to the deep confidence … [Read more...] about Congratulations and Best Wishes to Newly Inaugurated Irish President Catherine Connolly.
News
Standing for Life and True Choice
The National President of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, has issued a statement regarding a proposed facility in Hudson County capable of performing abortions through all stages of pregnancy. It's morally indefensible that abortions of viable children could occur while nearby, infants of identical gestational age embrace life in NICUs. Our laws and conscience cannot remain divided on whether the value of a child's life, or any life, depends solely on whether he or she is wanted or is convenient to others. Any society that adopts such a standard places itself on a slippery slope, … [Read more...] about Standing for Life and True Choice
Celebrating the Month of the Holy Rosary
Dear Brothers, The month of October is dedicated to the Most Holy Rosary. On October 7th, we celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary in honor of the Blessed Mother. October was also the month in which Mary appeared for the last time to shepherd children in Fatima, Portugal, urging them to "say the rosary every day to obtain peace for the world. Say a rosary to Our Lady today! Your prayers will not go unanswered! May Our Lady, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary pray for us now and forever! In our motto, James Russell Catholic Action … [Read more...] about Celebrating the Month of the Holy Rosary
Feast Day of St. Francis Reflection – 2025
Dear Brothers, Peace and all good! This is how St. Francis would greet his brothers. On Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, we celebrate the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi. Blessed with vast spiritual insight, Francis’ love for Christ permeated every aspect of his life and showed through in everything he said and did. What better time than his feast day to reflect on this beautiful expression of St. Francis’ guide for living and to think about how each of us can show our love of Christ through everything we say and do each day. Are we understanding of others? Do we strive to forgive … [Read more...] about Feast Day of St. Francis Reflection – 2025
AOH America 250
Honoring Irish America’s Role in Building the United States In 2026, the United States marks 250 years of independence.From the very beginning, Irish Americans were there—soldiers in Washington’s army, leaders in politics, builders of cities, and servants of community. The Ancient Order of Hibernians carries that legacy forward in faith, culture, and charity. Our Story For generations, Irish immigrants and their descendants helped shape America. They dug canals and built railroads, raised churches and schools, and filled the ranks of the military, police, and fire services. … [Read more...] about AOH America 250
LAOH President Testimonial Dinner Held in Harrisburg, Pa
National vice president Liam McNabb and president Sean Pender present flowers to national LAOH President Mary Ann Lubinsky to recognize her at her testimonial dinner held in Harrisburg Pennsylvania. … [Read more...] about LAOH President Testimonial Dinner Held in Harrisburg, Pa
Our Lady of Knock
Feast Day: Sunday, August 17 th , 2025 The apparition in County Mayo in Ireland of Our Lady of Knock is reported to have occurred on the evening of August 21, 1879, the vigil of the octave of the feast of the Assumption. Those who witnessed the miracle ranged in age from five years old to seventy-five. The apparition was described as follows: “Our Lady was wearing a large, brilliant crown and clothed in white garments. On her right was Saint Joseph, his head inclined toward her and on her left Saint John the Evangelist. To the left of Saint John was an altar on which stood a cross and a … [Read more...] about Our Lady of Knock
THE ASSUMPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY
Friday, August 15, 2025 Celebrated every year on August 15th, the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is important to many Catholics and Orthodox Christians as the day that Mary was received into Heaven at the end of her earthly life. This is not a Holy Day of Obligation this year; please stop into a Church to pray during the day to honor our Blessed Mother on this special day. Can you imagine what a moment the Assumption must have been for Mary! In describing the scene, some Church Fathers spoke of Jesus Himself coming back to Earth to take His mother and bring … [Read more...] about THE ASSUMPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY
SC Hibernians Honor our Veterans in Washington, DC
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
Justice Not Sympathy for Sean Brown
“We don’t need sympathy we need justice” said a visibly angry Clare Brown Loughran, as she described how British Secretary Hilary Benn, who feigns sympathy for her mother Bridie Brown, lodged papers to take the case to the London Supreme Court without even notifying the family or its lawyers. She spoke in a live webinar broadcast, hosted by the Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) on Saturday May 31 st . Other panelists included another victim’s relative Roisin Read, Ciaran Madden representing the Irish government, and Daniel Holder of the Committee for the Administration of Justice. DAIL … [Read more...] about Justice Not Sympathy for Sean Brown
FEAST OF THE ASCENSION OF OUR LORD: THURSDAY, MAY 29, 2025
The Ascension of Our Lord, which occurred 40 days after Jesus Christ rose from the dead on Easter, is the final act of our redemption that began on Good Friday. The Feast takes place ten days before Pentecost; thus taking on a special anticipation of the gift of the Holy Spirit. It does not commemorate a departure. Oh, no! It celebrates a presence and a promise:I am with you always, even to the end of time. Jesus is with us at all times and in all places. This sentence is the core of our faith. During the 40 days before the Ascension, Jesus continues to fortify our faith. He appears … [Read more...] about FEAST OF THE ASCENSION OF OUR LORD: THURSDAY, MAY 29, 2025
Experiencing the Places of History
Members of the National Board at the site of the Michael Collins ambush near Béal na Bláth. The late Professor Marshall McLuhan presciently noted, long before the advent of the World Wide Web, that we “live today in an age of information and communication [in which] electric media instantly and constantly create a total field of interacting events in which all men participate.” The contents of entire libraries now reside online, making history accessible from any place, at any time, without the need for even local travel. Even so, there has been a renewed interest in recent years, across … [Read more...] about Experiencing the Places of History
Ancient Order of Hibernians Congratulates Pope Leo XIV, First American Pope, on His Election as the 267th Successor of St. Peter
New York — May 8, 2025 — The Ancient Order of Hibernians in America (AOH) extends heartfelt congratulations and prayerful best wishes to His Holiness, Pope Leo XIV, on his election as the 267th successor of St. Peter. His election marks a special moment for American Catholics as the first pope born in the United States. “We offer our prayers and support to Pope Leo XIV as he begins his ministry as Bishop of Rome and Pastor of the Universal Church,” said Sean Pender, National President of the Ancient Order of Hibernians. Ad Multos Annos, Pope Leo XIV. … [Read more...] about Ancient Order of Hibernians Congratulates Pope Leo XIV, First American Pope, on His Election as the 267th Successor of St. Peter
The Month of May—Dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary
Mary has a unique place in salvation history and in the Church. Because she responded yes to becoming the Mother of God, she is our first model of discipleship and our model of grace and trust in God. Among Catholics, May is most well known as “Mary’s Month,” a specific month of the year when special devotions are performed in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Ancient Greek and Western cultures view May as a month of life and motherhood. This was long before “Mother’s Day” was ever conceived, though the modern celebration is closely related to honor mothers during the spring … [Read more...] about The Month of May—Dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary
Ancient Order of Hibernians in America Congratulate Bishop-Elect Father John E.Keehner on being installed as the Bishop of Sioux City, Iowa
New York— 04/29/25 — The Ancient Order of Hibernians in America (AOH) congratulate and offer our prayerful best wishes to our brother Hibernian, Bishop Elect Father John E. Keehner on being installed as the Bishop of Sioux City, Iowa on Thursday, May 1 st , 2025. “We look forward to working with Bishop Elect Keehner as he assumes the office of Bishop for the Diocese of Sioux City, Iowa”, said Sean Pender, National President of the Ancient Order of Hibernians President. As our immediate past National Chaplain, I have worked with Bishop Elect Keehner on a number of different projects. Our … [Read more...] about Ancient Order of Hibernians in America Congratulate Bishop-Elect Father John E.Keehner on being installed as the Bishop of Sioux City, Iowa
Statement from Fr Martin O’Reilly, National Chaplain of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, on the Passing of Pope Francis
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
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
John L Sullivan: a Celtic Warrior and American Superstar
John Lawrence Sullivan, born to Irish immigrants on October 15, 1858, in Roxbury, Massachusetts, grew into an embodiment of the American Dream for many Irish Americans. His parents, survivors of the Great Hunger in Ireland, instilled in him a profound sense of identity and resilience. Though he was an excellent student and his parents aspired for him to attend Boston College and become a priest, destiny had a different plan for Sullivan. Lured by the raw appeal of professional sports, Sullivan found his true calling in boxing, a sport then shadowed by legal ambiguities and often relegated to … [Read more...] about John L Sullivan: a Celtic Warrior and American Superstar
AOH Statement on U.S.–Ireland Trade and Tariff Concerns
The Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) has long stood as a voice for Irish American families, workers, and small businesses. In light of recent discussions surrounding tariffs on Irish imports and public comments about Ireland’s tax policies, we feel compelled to speak out. We acknowledge that there is a trade imbalance between the United States and Ireland, and that many U.S. companies have relocated operations to Ireland in pursuit of more competitive tax treatment. However, during his March 12, 2025, meeting with Irish Taoiseach Micheál Martin, President Trump stated: “They … [Read more...] about AOH Statement on U.S.–Ireland Trade and Tariff Concerns
From Donegal to Duffy’s Cut: The Forgotten Massacre of Irish Immigrants
On April 24, 1832, 57 Irish immigrants from the counties of Derry, Donegal and Tyrone boarded the barque John Stamp at the port of Derry to begin their voyage to Philadelphia. They had all taken different roads to arrive at this literal and emotional departure. John Ruddy was just 18 when he hugged his parents goodbye, knowing it was unlikely that he would see them again in this life. Catherine Burns was 29 and had already experienced a lifetime of sadness; she was a widow and traveling with her Father-in-Law, hoping for a better life in America. What united them all was their … [Read more...] about From Donegal to Duffy’s Cut: The Forgotten Massacre of Irish Immigrants