U.S. Catholic Congress of Bishops, USCCB, Life Issues Forum: Helping Men Be Fathers By recognizing the unique role of fathers, we more effectively highlight the humanity of the unborn child. We also affirm marriage—what St. John Paul II called the "sanctuary of life" —that more effectively welcomes children into the world. And we bear witness to the crucial role of a father in raising children. Consideration of the father's role is important to pro-life efforts. Click her for the full article! … [Read more...] about Helping Men Be Fathers
Helping Men Be Fathers
Call to Action
Last Friday, Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann, Chairman of the Committee on Pro-Life Activities issued a statement expressing deep concerns, saying: “I call on all government leaders to work toward a budget that truly builds up the common good of all. This should include the many proposals in the President’s budget submission that seek to protect vulnerable people. And it must also preserve the Hyde Amendment and related provisions which have protected millions of unborn babies, and mothers in difficult circumstances, from the tragedy of abortion.”Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann Click here for … [Read more...] about Call to Action
St. Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians Chapter 6: 25 – 33
Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ loved the church and handed himself over for her to sanctify her, cleansing her by the bath of water with the word,that he might present to himself the church in splendor,without spot or wrinkle or any such thing,that she might be holy and without blemish.So [also] husbands should love their wives as their own bodies.He who loves his wife loves himself.For no one hates his own flesh but rather nourishes and cherishes it,even as Christ does the church, because we are members of his body.“For this reason a man shall leave [his] father and [his] motherand … [Read more...] about St. Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians Chapter 6: 25 – 33
In Rememberance of Memorial Day
In observance of Memorial Day, we remember in a special way the thousands of Irish immigrants, who though new to their adopted country, were willing to serve and made the ultimate sacrifice to their adopted country. Having left family in Ireland and having not had a chance to establish themselves in America, their sacrifices are often overlooked. May we never forget them. https://youtu.be/nhPXOCy6OcY … [Read more...] about In Rememberance of Memorial Day
Commemoration of the 1981 Hunger Strikers
Brothers from around the state of Connecticut gathered in Hartford on Saturday, May 8, for the 40th Anniversary Commemoration of the 1981 Hunger Strikers. The event was sponsored by Irish Northern Aid of Connecticut and held at Bobby Sand Circle. The memorial, which was dedicated in 1997, is the only one of its kind in the United States. The keynote speaker for the ceremony was Brother Martin Galvin, the chairman of FFAI for AOH. He gave a passionate talk on Sands and all the Hunger Strikers, and also the state of affairs in Ireland at the present time. Brothers from Divisions in … [Read more...] about Commemoration of the 1981 Hunger Strikers
Statement By AOH National President on Today’s Verdict Vindicating the Ballymurphy Massacre Victims
(Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images) Daniel O'Connell, National President of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, the largest Irish American organization in the U.S., has released the following statement: After 18,171 days, almost half a century, today's verdict by Mrs. Justice Keegan not only confirmed that the ten victims of Britain's Ballymurphy Massacre were totally innocent but indicts the British who branded them guilty. The verdict clearly demonstrates Britain's real reason for announcing plans for a soldiers' amnesty or cut-off of historical investigations because the crown … [Read more...] about Statement By AOH National President on Today’s Verdict Vindicating the Ballymurphy Massacre Victims
Catholic Calendar – May 2021
To All Hibernians: The month of May is traditionally a month dedicated to Mary. This year May falls within the Easter season, the liturgical color being white, except on Pentecost Sunday, when it is red. The Ascension of the Lord, a solemnity and holy day of obligation, falls this year on May 13. Many dioceses of the United States transfer the Ascension to the following Sunday. The Monday following Pentecost Sunday is a memorial of Mary, the Mother of the Church, added to the calendar by Pope Francis in 2018. Though this is a new memorial, actual devotion to Mary as Mother of the Church is … [Read more...] about Catholic Calendar – May 2021
Hibernians Call on House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee to Reaffirm U.S. Commitment to the Good Friday Agreement
May 4, 2021 The Honorable William Keating2351 Rayburn HOBWashington, DC 20515 Re: May 5, 2021 Hearing on "Reaffirming the Good Friday Agreement. Dear Congressman Keating: We write to you as members of the National Board of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, with membership in all fifty states the largest Irish American organization in the United States, concerning your May 5, 2021 hearing on "Reaffirming the Good Friday Agreement." Given the currents taking place in the north of Ireland, we do not believe that your hearing could be more timely or more needed, and we commend you for … [Read more...] about Hibernians Call on House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee to Reaffirm U.S. Commitment to the Good Friday Agreement
St. Patrick’s Division 2 of Babylon, NY Installs Jr. Boys Officers
St. Patrick’s Division 2 of Suffolk County, NY installation of officers took place on Sunday, April 18 th at their Hibernian Hall in Babylon, NY. The installation was initially set for this past January but due to COVID-19 precautions the installation was postponed to a safer date. The installation was attended by St. Patrick’s Division 2 President, Jim Killen and Vice President, Dennis Harty (who is the Junior Boys coordinator). Also in attendance was Suffolk County, NY President, Chris Thompson; Suffolk County. NY immediate past President, Jerry Belmont; Suffolk County, NY Recording … [Read more...] about St. Patrick’s Division 2 of Babylon, NY Installs Jr. Boys Officers
Michael Edmiston honored in PA for his many years of dedicated service
A Charter member since 2000, Michael Edmiston, was honored by the Michael Collins Division 1 of Cumberland County, PA for his many years of service to the AOH as he plans to move to another part of Pennsylvania. The Division honored Michael at their regular April meeting. Michael has been instrumental in coordinating our semi-annual Gettysburg trips to keep Irish Brigade monuments in pristine shape. Additionally, Michael has been our historian for the past 10+ years, always providing valuable insight at every meeting regarding past events in Irish - American history. Michael was honored … [Read more...] about Michael Edmiston honored in PA for his many years of dedicated service
Hartford AOH Calendar Raffle Benefits Parade, Hole in the Wall Gang Camp and Local Charities
Hartford AOH Division recently completed its March Calendar Raffle, which is annually one of its major fundraisers. Despite COVD-19, the Division was able to raise $2,500 from the raffle, which features a daily cash prize each day during March. The Division donated $1,000 to the Central Connecticut Celtic Cultural Committee for the 2022 Hartford Saint Patrick’s Day parade. Like most parades, the Hartford event has not taken place the past two years, but we will march again in 2022! A $500 gift was presented to help rebuild the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, a center serving children and … [Read more...] about Hartford AOH Calendar Raffle Benefits Parade, Hole in the Wall Gang Camp and Local Charities
As Violence Escalates in Northern Ireland, Hibernians Call on President to Fill Special Envoy Position
On the 23rd Anniversary of the historic Good Friday Agreement, the Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH), America's largest Irish American Organization, have written President Biden asking for the appointment of a U.S. Special Envoy to Northern Ireland. The Hibernians expressed their concern that increasing violence and inflammatory rhetoric by senior leaders of the Unionist community are a threat to the over two decades of peace the Good Friday Agreement has delivered. The letter states: BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND - APRIL 07: Nationalists and Loyalists riot against one another at the Peace … [Read more...] about As Violence Escalates in Northern Ireland, Hibernians Call on President to Fill Special Envoy Position
Catholic Calendar – April 2021
We begin the month of April with the culminating observances of Holy Week and the Easter Triduum. The Lenten liturgical color of violet gives way to white for Holy Thursday, red for Good Friday, and white for Easter and the Easter season. It is hoped that many Hibernians will be able to participate really, not just virtually, in the liturgies of Holy Week and Easter. The Sunday following Easter is Divine Mercy Sunday, so designated by Pope Saint John Paul II, building upon the mystical experiences of the Polish contemplative nun, Faustina Kowalska (d. 1938). MAJOR SAINTS AND FEAST DAYS OF … [Read more...] about Catholic Calendar – April 2021
Easter Sunday of the Resurrection of the Lord
Christians, praise the paschal victim!Offer thankful sacrifice!Christ the Lamb has saved the sheep,Christ the just one paid the price,Reconciling sinners to the Father.Death and life fought bitterlyFor this wondrous victory;The Lord of Life who died reigns glorified!Easter SequenceRoman Rite, Eleventh Century “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad, alleluia!” This the day which follows the night of nights, the mother of all vigils. This is the day of our salvation, in which we celebrate the triumph of light over darkness, of love over hatred, of life over death. … [Read more...] about Easter Sunday of the Resurrection of the Lord
Time Magazine Article on Hibernians on History
The following article appeared in Time Magazine in their Education Section In the U. S., the Ancient Order of Hibernians is an association of Irish-born zealots, sensitive to the slightest slight to their kind. In a world preoccupied by other matters, for instance, it frequently appears to good Hibernians that the impact of the Irish on U. S. history is belittled or neglected. In Rochester last week, where the Hibernians of New York State were holding convention, fiery charges were heard that U. S. schoolbooks are unfair to the Irish. "We need a real American history!" shouted … [Read more...] about Time Magazine Article on Hibernians on History
Irish American Heritage Month: The Angel of Andersonville
Did you know that an Irish Catholic Priest Rev. Thomas O’Reilly threatened General Sherman with a mutiny by the Irish Catholics in his army if he torched the church district of Atlanta at the start of his infamous march to the sea and that General Sherman backed down and the entire church district was saved, including the City Hall which stood therein? However, Rev. Peter Whelan was just as courageous in another way. Rev. Whelan distinguished himself as a chaplain for the Montgomery Guards, an Irish company established in Savannah for the First Georgia Volunteer Regiment named for America’s … [Read more...] about Irish American Heritage Month: The Angel of Andersonville
Call To Action: Support the Senate Resolution Supporting the Good Friday Agreement!
Loyalist graffiti in Carrickfergus, Co Antrim Brother Hibernians and Friends, Currently before the Senate is a bipartisan resolution sponsored by Senators Mendez of New Jersey and Collins of Maine reaffirming U.S. support for the Good Friday Agreement. Twenty years on, many of the provisions of the agreement designed to cement a lasting peace in the north of Ireland have not been implemented. Now, once again, the peace wrought by this historic agreement is under threat. Several loyalist paramilitaries have recently withdrawn their support for the Good Friday Agreement, one prominent … [Read more...] about Call To Action: Support the Senate Resolution Supporting the Good Friday Agreement!
Irish American Heritage Month: The Most Dangerous Woman in America
Did You Know that a 72-year-old Irish woman, beloved by millions, was once called the most dangerous woman in America? Her name was Mary Harris Jones, and this feisty little Irish lady was also called the Mother of All Agitators. Born in Cork City, Ireland on 1 May 1837, her family fled the Great Hunger to Canada where she trained as a teacher and dressmaker. In 1861, she married George Jones, an iron molder and union organizer in Memphis, Tennessee. They had four children, but she lost all four and her husband in the 1867 yellow fever epidemic. Determined to survive, Mrs. Jones moved to … [Read more...] about Irish American Heritage Month: The Most Dangerous Woman in America
Ballymurphy Verdict will test British justice
AOH National President Danny O'Connell and Secretary Jere Cole in Ballymurphy The Ancient Order of Hibernians, has issued the following statement by National Freedom for All Ireland Chairman Martin Galvin: “The Ancient Order of Hibernians, America’s oldest and largest Irish American organization, welcomes the announcement by Justice Keegan that she will publish her findings of the Ballymurphy Massacre Inquests on May 11th 2021. “The Ballymurphy Massacre is a fundamental test of Britain's ability to give legacy justice. If victims cannot get justice where 11 people, including a … [Read more...] about Ballymurphy Verdict will test British justice
Irish American Heritage Month: Patrick Gallagher, USMC
Patrick Gallagher was born in Derrintogher, County Mayo, Ireland, on February 2, 1944. At the age of eighteen, like so many you Irish men and women before him, Patrick immigrated to the United States and the promise of a new life filled with opportunity. He quickly started on the immigrant dream: studying law while working in real estate, even getting involved in local politics as a campaign worker for Senator Robert Kennedy. In 1966, Patrick was drafted for service in Viet Nam. Despite pleas from a heartsick sister living in the states to avoid the horrors of war by merely returning to … [Read more...] about Irish American Heritage Month: Patrick Gallagher, USMC