The Ancient Order of Hibernians

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

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Irish American Heritage Month: Kathleen McNulty, an Irish American “Hidden Figure”

Irish American Heritage Month: Kathleen McNulty, an Irish American “Hidden Figure”

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Kathleen Rita McNulty was born in the village of Creeslough on February 12, 1921, the third of six children of Anne Nelis and James McNulty.  Her father was Commandant of the Doe Battalion of the Irish Volunteers. On the night of her birth, he was arrested and imprisoned in Derry Gaol for two years for his republican activities. On his release, the family emigrated to the United States and settled in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where James worked as a stonemason and went on to establish a successful construction business, frequently working with Irish American John B Kelly, the father of … [Read more...] about Irish American Heritage Month: Kathleen McNulty, an Irish American “Hidden Figure”

Dr. John B. Murphy, Surgical Genius

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Dr. J.B. Murphy Dr. John B. Murphy (known throughout his life as "J.B.") was a renowned American surgeon and medical pioneer who made significant contributions to the field of medicine during his lifetime. He was born in a log cabin in Appleton, Wisconsin, on December 21, 1857. Murphy was the son of improvised Irish immigrants Michael Murphy and Ann (née Grimes) Murphy, who had emigrated from Ireland during the Great Hunger. Murphy grew up in a large family with six siblings. His parents strongly emphasized education and encouraged their children to pursue academic and professional success. … [Read more...] about Dr. John B. Murphy, Surgical Genius

Irish American Heritage Month: The Parachuting Padre

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As an Army chaplain, Fr. Francis L. Sampson saw combat in two wars and earned the nickname of "the Parachuting Padre." His actions during the D-Day campaign would be adapted as part of two major motion pictures, though in both his actions would be attributed to others. Fr. Sampson was born in Cherokee, Iowa, the descendant of Immigrants from County Cork.  Fr. Sampson graduated from Notre Dame before entering St. Paul's Seminary in Minnesota.  He served briefly as a parish priest.  When the U.S. entered the war, Fr. Sampson sought and was granted permission to join the … [Read more...] about Irish American Heritage Month: The Parachuting Padre

Catholic Calendar – March 2023

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Catholic Action To All Hibernians: The entire month of March falls within Lent this year. The liturgical color for Lent is violet, except that rose may be worn on the Fourth Sunday, Laetare Sunday (March 19). Normally, Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are days of fast and abstinence; all the Fridays of Lent are days of abstinence. Check with your local parish or diocese for Lenten regulations on abstinence and fasting, for greater opportunities for confession, and for Lenten devotions such as Stations of the Cross. MAJOR SAINTS AND FEAST DAYS OF MARCH Mar 3Katherine DrexelMar … [Read more...] about Catholic Calendar – March 2023

Dr. Kathyrn Dwyer Sullivan, from the Depths of the Ocean to the Heights of Space

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Dr. Kathyrn Dwyer Sullivan preparing for a Space Walk When we think of explorers, it is common to think of phrases such as "plumbing new depths" or "scaling new heights," but how many individuals can both expressions be used to literally and accurately describe their achievements?  Such an individual is Irish American  Dr. Kathyrn Dwyer Sullivan. Kathyrn Sullivan was born in Paterson, New Jersey, to Donald Paul Sullivan and his wife Barbara (née Kelly).  Sullivan's grandfather had immigrated from Lauragh on the Beara Peninsula in County Kerry.  She chose her middle … [Read more...] about Dr. Kathyrn Dwyer Sullivan, from the Depths of the Ocean to the Heights of Space

August-September, 2022 – VA Mission Act and the Asset & Infrastructure Review Commission

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Brothers, what a tremendous experience at the 2022 AOH National Convention in Pittsburgh this past July! The work of the Host Committee was first-rate, and I am appreciative for the opportunity to renew the bonds of fellowship with my Brother Hibernians, especially my fellow veterans, from across the nation. It was a particular honor to meet the John F. Kennedy Award recipient, Rocky Bleier, an Army veteran of the Vietnam War, as well as his teammate and Marine Corps veteran John Banaszak.The Convention also afforded me the opportunity to meet Romel Nicholas of the National Flag Foundation, … [Read more...] about August-September, 2022 – VA Mission Act and the Asset & Infrastructure Review Commission

Hibernian 101 – Veterans Affairs Chairman

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National Constitution VETERANS AFFAIRS CHAIRMAN: Section 22. Shall: Serve to provide information and advice for members of the Order who currently serve, or who have served, in the United States military. The chairman shall focus primarily in areas pertaining to Veteran's benefits, advocacy, and the development and maintenance of a historical record of Hibernians that have served. The individual appointed to this position shall be an honorably discharged veteran of the United States Armed Forces or an active duty member of the United States Armed Forces Provide Information & … [Read more...] about Hibernian 101 – Veterans Affairs Chairman

We Need Irish America Behind Us

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Senator Frances Black, Chairperson of Ireland's Future. Senator Frances Black, the chairperson of Ireland’s Future, described as a driving force for a border vote under the Good Friday Agreement(GFA), told Irish Americans 'we need you behind us' to get and win referendums for a United Ireland. She was joined by fellow Board Members Professor Colin Harvey and Andree Murphy in the live webinar program, IRELAND’S FUTURE-IRISH AMERICA’S ROLE, hosted by the Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH). The event, a follow-up to recent major conferences in Dublin and Belfast, was timed to coincide with the … [Read more...] about We Need Irish America Behind Us

Catholic Calendar – February 2023

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Catholic Action To All Hibernians: After spending most of February in Ordinary Time, we move on Ash Wednesday (Feb. 22) to the Lenten season. The liturgical color changes from green to violet. Lent is a time of penance leading up to the great feast of Easter. Check with your parish or diocesan sources for Lenten regulations on fast and abstinence. MAJOR SAINTS AND FEAST DAYS OF DECEMBER Feb 2The Presentation of the LordFeastFeb 3Nicholas, BishopFeb 6Ambrose, Bishop and DoctorMemorialFeb 10The Immaculate ConceptionMemorialFeb 14Our Lady of GuadalupeMemorial PRAYER FOR THE … [Read more...] about Catholic Calendar – February 2023

AOH Welcomes President’s Northern Ireland Envoy Appointment  

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Per the announcement today that President Biden has appointed former Congressman Joseph P. Kennedy III as the U.S. Special Envoy to Northern Ireland, National President Daniel J. O'Connell has issued the following statement on behalf of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, the largest Irish American organization in the United States. The statement reads: "The Ancient Order of Hibernians, the largest Irish American organization in the United States, welcomes the appointment of Joseph P. Kennedy III to the role of U.S. special envoy to Northern Ireland. In selecting a former U.S. Congressman who … [Read more...] about AOH Welcomes President’s Northern Ireland Envoy Appointment  

AOH Hartford Holds Christmas Toy/Gift Card Drive

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AOH Hartford Brothers John Gallivan, Jim Mulcahy, Mike Enright, Tom Breen, Rick Doran and Kevin Morton join Millie Ramos of Saint Augustine Parish. Hartford Division 2 of the Ancient Order of Hibernians held a successful Christmas Toy/Gift Card Drive on Saturday, December 10, 2022. Four carloads of toys were collected in addition to over $500 worth of gift cards. The collection took place at Christ the King Church in Wethersfield and benefitted The Helping Hands Project at Saint Augustine Parish in the south end of Hartford. The drive marked the third-consecutive holiday season that … [Read more...] about AOH Hartford Holds Christmas Toy/Gift Card Drive

Father Flanagan Division in Omaha – Annual Christmas party at the Madonna School

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On Friday December 9th the Father Flanagan Division in Omaha, Nebraska held the annual Christmas party at the Madonna School.  The Hibernians and the Madonna School have a long tradition dating back to the '60s.  "Madonna is an education organization founded on the Christian principles of the value, worth and dignity of every individual as created by God. Our mission is to serve students and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, so they may become as successful and independent as possible." The Division supplied pizza, snacks, and drinks for 120 students, … [Read more...] about Father Flanagan Division in Omaha – Annual Christmas party at the Madonna School

IOWA – Dubuque Co. #1 Supports Local School and Installs new Chaplain

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Dubuque Co. #1 held their Annual Christmas Party on the 4th of December in Dyersville, Iowa.Prior to the Christmas Party the Division Initiated and Installed Rev. Christopher Podhajsky (Pastorof St. Francis Xavier Basilica and the Spires of Faith Parishes) as the new Division Chaplain. TheDivision former Chaplain, Rev. Dennis J. Quint moved to the Cathedral of St. Raphael, joinedDubuque Co. #2 and remains the AOH Iowa Board Chaplain. During the short meeting thatfollowed the Installation, the Division provided a check for $1,500 to help with many projects atBeckman Catholic High School. To … [Read more...] about IOWA – Dubuque Co. #1 Supports Local School and Installs new Chaplain

Catholic Calendar – December 2022

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Catholic Action To All Hibernians: All of December is taken up with Advent and the Christmas season. 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, celebrated on December 8, is the patronal feast of the United States, and a holy day of obligation. The Christmas season begins with the vigil Mass … [Read more...] about Catholic Calendar – December 2022

AOH Freedom For All Ireland Christmas Appeal (2022-23)

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A chairde, Last April, Hibernians across the country joined a special live webinar broadcast from the Houben Centre, Holy Cross Church, in Belfast, where two weeks earlier an event with the Irish Foreign Minister Simon Coveney had to be cancelled because of loyalist bomb threats. This year’s 15 grant recipients spoke about their work for freedom for all Ireland, and how much they count on Christmas Appeal donations. The Hibernian Grants Presentation is posted and can be viewed on AOH YouTube. https://youtu.be/MIAIyCuwO5w?t=5 Grants were awarded to justice campaigners like Relatives … [Read more...] about AOH Freedom For All Ireland Christmas Appeal (2022-23)