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: The Sheas, Three Generations of Olympians

Irish American Heritage Month: The Sheas, Three Generations of Olympians

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Since the ancient past, societies have honored athletes. Athletic competition may have developed out of pragmatic concerns such as training warriors, but it was soon realized that certain individuals were gifted with exceptional talents. In the Ancient Olympic Games winning competitors were awarded Olive Wreaths and honored as human incarnations of Apollo; in modern times they are honored with some of the highest salaries in the world. These honors are given in recognition of how exceptional athletic prowess is in on one individual; what then would be the likelihood of finding world class … [Read more...] about Irish American Heritage Month: The Sheas, Three Generations of Olympians

As we enter the Season of Lent – What does it mean to be Blessed?

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What does it mean to be blessed? There are some in our society who would try to tell us that one who is blessed by God can demonstrate these blessings materially—through possessions, money, power, or influence. There are even some so called Christians who try to promote a Gospel of affluence. They tell us that the way to measure someone’s blessings is to look at the size of their home, the brand of car they drive, what kind of clothing they wear, and where and what they choose to eat. A few weeks ago, on the 6 th Sunday in Ordinary time, we were confronted with the difficult words of Jesus … [Read more...] about As we enter the Season of Lent – What does it mean to be Blessed?

Irish American Heritage Month: Anne Sullivan, ‘The Miracle Worker’

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Imagine the loneliness and isolation of a person who is both deaf and blind. Even worse, imagine that isolation beginning when you were only 19 months old when the disease took these vital senses away before you comprehended the concept of what the word was, leaving you with limited means to convey your thought and feelings. This is the description of the challenge that newly graduated teacher Anne Sullivan was taking on when she was hired to be the governess and teacher to seven-year-old Hellen Keller. Anne was only twenty years old and was herself seriously visually impaired. Sullivan was … [Read more...] about Irish American Heritage Month: Anne Sullivan, ‘The Miracle Worker’

Congressional and Irish Opposition to British Amnesty Plans

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Fiona O’Hagan and Una Casey, whose husbands were among 19 collusion murder victims named in the Operation Greenwich report, heard Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick announce a new Congressional initiative opposing any British amnesty designed to end or inhibit investigations into Troubles murders. The announcement came during an Ancient Order of Hibernian webinar, highlighted by the heartbreaking personal stories of two victims, and an overview of the Operation Greenwich report by Mark Thompson of Relatives for Justice. The victims then heard wide ranging support from Irish government … [Read more...] about Congressional and Irish Opposition to British Amnesty Plans

How to Contact Your Congressional Representative to Cosponsor the 50th Anniversary Bloody Sunday Sign Resolution

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Please check the current list of Resolution Sponsors on the AOH Website by clicking here If your Congressperson has already signed, contact them to say thank you on behalf of the Hibernians If not, please contact them; below are suggested steps. Please read the suggested script below or determine what you wish to say in your own words before contacting your Congressional Representatives office to ensure that it is crisp and on point when you speak.  You will only have a few minutes and must be focused and on topic. Call your Congressional Representatives Office; the phone … [Read more...] about How to Contact Your Congressional Representative to Cosponsor the 50th Anniversary Bloody Sunday Sign Resolution

Fundraising Complete for Irish Canal Workers Memorial in Windsor Locks, Conn.

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The Ancient Order of Hibernians Hartford Division 2 has successfully completed fundraising to build a monument to remember a forgotten Irish-Catholic cemetery in Windsor Locks, Conn.The memorial will honor the 400 immigrant laborers who left their homeland in Ireland and came to the area between May 1827 and November 1829 to build the canal bypassing the treacherous Enfield Rapids.In particular, the memorial will remember those canal workers and family members that are buried in an unmarked cemetery that is located about 100 yards and across the canal from where the memorial will be … [Read more...] about Fundraising Complete for Irish Canal Workers Memorial in Windsor Locks, Conn.

Catholic Calendar – January 2022

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Catholic Action 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 9), 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). January 22 is a day of prayer for the legal protection of the unborn. MAJOR SAINTS AND FEAST DAYS OF … [Read more...] about Catholic Calendar – January 2022

Hibernians Helping at Christmas

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With typical Irish resolve and spirit, members of AOH Division 3, Pearl River, NY did not let concern over new Covid variants spoil Christmas for those with special needs. For the second year in a row, members of the AOH and LAOH along with OMM Buddyball, and with the support of the Orangeburg Fire and Police Departments and several local community organizations, hosted a “Reverse Christmas Parade.” The Hibernians have for many years hosted a Christmas party for those with special needs, both children and adults. Covid concerns last year made an indoor party untenable, so with a bit of … [Read more...] about Hibernians Helping at Christmas

AOH National Board to Present $10,000 in Awards for Hibernian Hunger Projects

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The AOH National Board will present a total of $10,000 in Awards to Divisions who have developed Hibernian Hunger Projects that help to eliminate hunger in their communities. The award for First Prize is $1,000, and there will also be additional Second Prizes of $500 each. Every Division must fill out and submit an Official Hibernian Hunger Report and Awards Application to the AOH National Board Hibernian Hunger Project Committee. To be considered for these Hibernian Hunger Awards, all projects must have taken place between January 1 – December 31, 2021, and reports must be filled by … [Read more...] about AOH National Board to Present $10,000 in Awards for Hibernian Hunger Projects

Hartford Division 2 Holds Christmas Toy/Gift Card Drive

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AOH Hartford collected over four carloads of 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 11. Four carloads of toys were collected in addition to over $500 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

Catholic Calendar – December 2021

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Catholic Action To All Hibernians: In December we 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, celebrated on December 8, is the patronal feast of the United States, and a holy day of obligation. The Christmas season begins … [Read more...] about Catholic Calendar – December 2021

Chaplain’s Corner – Advent 2021

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St. John the BaptistOrthodox icon of the Byzantine style. Being named John, I have many saints to call upon to intercede for me as I struggle to navigate my way through life in this world. When I was younger, I would often focus my efforts on asking St. John the Evangelist, the Beloved Disciple, to intercede for me. And while I knew that St. John the Baptist was just as important, in fact, the very one of whom Jesus said that “no greater man born of woman” has ever lived, I so often kept him at arm’s length. I’m not sure why I shied away from John the Baptist. Maybe it was his reputation … [Read more...] about Chaplain’s Corner – Advent 2021

Suffolk County, NY – St. Patrick’s Division 2 Celebrates 75th Anniversary

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On October 6, 1946, St. Patrick’s Division 2 of Suffolk County, NY was organized by Michael Rice, who hailed originally from County Mayo.  Twenty-four members were initiated at the first meeting.  75-years later, St. Patrick’s Division 2 has become the largest Division in Suffolk County (with approximately 450 members.  Mike Rice’s vision of a Division dedicated to our Catholic Faith, Irish heritage and culture; a Division that aids the hungry and less fortunate, and a Division that lives our motto of Friendship, Unity & Christian Charity every day! The Division held a … [Read more...] about Suffolk County, NY – St. Patrick’s Division 2 Celebrates 75th Anniversary

On the 246th Birthday of the U.S. Marines, remembering Sergeant Major Daniel Daly, Recipient of Two Medals of Honor

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In the history of the Medal of Honor, the United States Highest award for "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty", only 19 men have been awarded the medal twice. Among them is Marine Sergeant Major Daniel Daly, one of only two marines to receive the Medal of Honor Twice for separate acts of heroism; Daly was also nominated for a third Medal of Honor. Daly was born in Glen Cove, Long Island, New York, on 11 November 1873. He was slight of stature, only 5’ 6" in height and weighing 132 lbs., yet enjoyed an early reputation as a fighter, … [Read more...] about On the 246th Birthday of the U.S. Marines, remembering Sergeant Major Daniel Daly, Recipient of Two Medals of Honor

AMERICAN AOH MEETING BELFAST VICTIMS’ FAMILIES

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Ancient Order of Hibernians National President Danny O'Connell gets briefing on Springhill Massacre at site of the Massacre. Last Wednesday British Secretary Brandon Lewis pledged that he was “absolutely committed” to legislate an amnesty for all Troubles killings. Danny O'Connell, National President of the Ancient Order of Hibernians traveled to Belfast to meet the Springhill Massacre families, New Lodge Six families and Sean Graham’s Bookmakers Massacre Families in meetings arranged by Relatives for Justice. He pledged that the powerful Irish American organization is “absolutely … [Read more...] about AMERICAN AOH MEETING BELFAST VICTIMS’ FAMILIES

President’s Testimonial Dinner & Sean MacBride Award Presentation

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The National Board and Hibernian Charity board convened in Youngstown Ohio for the President's testimonial dinner and the presentation of the 2021 Sean MacBride Award to Geraldine Finucane. https://youtu.be/Op1efN77rzk More Videos: Past Sean MacBride Award Recipients Congratulate Geraldine Finucane The gathering started with a meal and team building event at a great local restaurant the MVR whose bocce courts allowed for good fun and intense competition amongst the members.  Two full days of meetings commenced early Friday morning where every chair, director and board member … [Read more...] about President’s Testimonial Dinner & Sean MacBride Award Presentation

Proud of our Heritage

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The St. Brendan the Navigator Parade & Festival, a celebration of Irish Heritage, was sponsored by Division 17, Long Beach, Nassau County, New York on Oct. 2. Nassau County Hibernians gathered for the parade and festival on Oct. 2. Long Beach (NY) Hibernian officers, parade committee members and the Division Color Guard — as well as New York AOH State President John Manning — gathered for a photo before the Parade & Festival. … [Read more...] about Proud of our Heritage