In the month of March, we are entirely within the Lenten season, a season of penance leading up to Our Lord's Passion, Death, and Resurrection. Traditionally, Lenten penance has comprised fasting, prayer, and almsgiving. The liturgical color for Lent is violet, except that rose may be worn on the Fourth Sunday, Laetare Sunday (March 14). March 28 is Palm Sunday. Good Friday is a day 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 … [Read more...] about Catholic Calendar – March 2021
Catholic Calendar – March 2021
March is Irish American Heritage Month
Since 1991, American Presidents of both parties have declared March to be Irish American Heritage Month, calling upon "all Americans to observe this month by celebrating the contributions of Irish Americans to our Nation." While safety concerns regarding the current COVID-19 pandemic have for many communities forced the cancellation of traditional St. Patrick's Day Activities, we should not let this opportunity to acknowledge the contributions that thousands of Irish American men and women have made to our nation go by unrecognized. Let us use this time to focus on the true meaning of … [Read more...] about March is Irish American Heritage Month
Irish American Heritage Month: The Foley Brothers “No greater love than to lay down your life for another”
At the young age of 32, Thomas Foley was already an 11-year decorated veteran firefighter of the FDNY and a legend. He was a larger than life individual who embraced life to the fullest and seemed to excel at everything he tried from powerlifting to skydiving. Having learned to ride horses on visits to his grandfather's farm, he even excelled as a competitor on the rodeo circuit. With boyish good looks, Thomas Foley was featured twice by People Magazine and appeared in the FDNY's "2003 Calendar of Heroes." However, being a firefighter was Thomas Foley's first passion; it was all he wanted to … [Read more...] about Irish American Heritage Month: The Foley Brothers “No greater love than to lay down your life for another”
In a Year of Parade Cancellations, Amazon Continues to Drop the F-Bomb on St. Patrick’s Day
Link to Item The Ancient Order of Hibernians, America's Largest Irish Organization, once again note, that Amazon continues to peddle prejudice for profit in selling merchandise that demeans and denigrates the Irish and Irish American. In a year when the Irish American community is again being asked to to forego their traditional St. Patrick's Day celebrations out of respect for the health and welfare of the broader population amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, we find the sale by Amazon of items with the phrase "F(expletive) St. Patrick's Day" inexcusably tone-deaf and … [Read more...] about In a Year of Parade Cancellations, Amazon Continues to Drop the F-Bomb on St. Patrick’s Day
Year of Saint Joseph – Cloak of Saint Joseph Novena for the Protection of the Unborn
Pope Francis has announced the Year of Saint Joseph, in honor of the 150th anniversary of the saint’s proclamation as patron of the Universal Church. The Year of St Joseph began on December 8, 2020 and concludes on December 8, 2021 Pope Francis also reminds us, God told Saint Joseph. “Get up, take the child and his mother” (Mt 2:13). As Saint Joseph is the Protector of the Church and Holy Family, we are urging Hibernians to pray the Cloak of Saint Joseph Novena for the Protection of the Unborn. Begin the prayer on February 18th and conclude on March 19th, the Solemnity of Saint … [Read more...] about Year of Saint Joseph – Cloak of Saint Joseph Novena for the Protection of the Unborn
As We Prepare to Enter the Season of Lent
The season of Lent begins tomorrow, February 17 with the observance of Ash Wednesday, a day of abstinence from meat for all Catholics and a day of fasting for all Catholics between the ages of 18 and 59 except for those who are exempt for reasons of health. But do we really understand what it means to fast and to abstain? While the letter of the law is very clear, the spirit of the law is often misconstrued. For example, eating lobster on a Friday during Lent certainly fulfills the letter of the law. But I would suggest that it violates the spirit of the law. Rather, we can learn from the … [Read more...] about As We Prepare to Enter the Season of Lent
Call To Action: Irish American Heritage Month
Brothers: As we approach March 2021, the fact that our communities are still battling the COVID-19 pandemic will make many of our traditional celebrations of our Irish heritage through parades and public events untenable for a second consecutive year. While it may not be noted in the mainstream media, we know that this pandemic has hit our community hard. Many of our brothers and sisters in the hospitality industry have lost family businesses that kept the Irish tradition alive across generations. Many of our cultural institutions, schools of Irish dance, and music will be … [Read more...] about Call To Action: Irish American Heritage Month
Hibernians Helping College Women Choose Life
MiraVia (“Miraculous Way”) is a Charlotte NC ProLife organization that supports women in crisis pregnancies. Our Brother, Very Reverend Christopher Roux, Rector of the Cathedral of St. Patrick in Charlotte, serves on the MiraVia Board of Directors. Recently, MiraVia entered into a collaboration with Belmont Abbey College, North Carolina’s only Catholic College founded by Benedictine Monks in 1876, to create a unique residency program specifically designed for pregnant college students. Belmont Abbey College , “ is honored to be the home of “MiraVia,” a residence for pregnant … [Read more...] about Hibernians Helping College Women Choose Life
Catholic Calendar – February 2021
February this year is a transitional month as far as the Church year is concerned. After two Sundays of Ordinary Time, the season of Lent begins with Ash Wednesday on Feb. 17. The liturgical color transitions from green to the penitential violet. As the season of Lent in preparation for Easter approaches, check with your diocese or parish for fast and abstinence regulations, as well as other opportunities for penance. MAJOR SAINTS AND FEAST DAYS OF JANUARY February 2The Presentation of the LordFeastFebruary 3Blaise, Bishop and MartyrOptionalFebruary 5Agatha, Virgin and … [Read more...] about Catholic Calendar – February 2021
Hibernian Talks: Irish Author Kevin Barry
The AOH hosted the first in a new series called Hibernian Talks on January 30th. This new series will feature talks around Irish Culture and Arts hosted by AOH Brother Timothy Noonan. The first episode features an interview with Irish Author Kevin Barry about his new book "That Old Country Music" a collection of short stories. Watch the Interview: https://youtu.be/Py2oTjogl7I?t=49 About the Author – Kevin Barry – from Penguin Random House: Purchase “That Old Country Music” by Kevin Barry Purchase audible version of “That Old Country Music” Narrated by Kevin Barry: … [Read more...] about Hibernian Talks: Irish Author Kevin Barry
Hibernian Hunger Project Awards
AOH National Board to Present $4,000 Awards for Hibernian Hunger Projects The AOH National Board will present a total of $4,000 in Awards to Divisions who have developed Hibernian Hunger Projects that help to eliminate hunger in their communities. This $4,000 will be spread out over 7 Awards. The award for First Prize is $1,000, and there will also be six (6) 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 … [Read more...] about Hibernian Hunger Project Awards
Hibernians Backing Legacy Justice Appeal
Hundreds of victims' families, fighting new British plans to cut off chances for legacy justice, will make a special live appeal for American support on a webinar hosted by Hibernians on Saturday, January 23rd. This special appeal to Irish Americans will climax a series of events, including a published open letter signed by hundreds of families, and political initiatives both north and south. Relatives for Justice Director Mark Thompson and selected victims' representatives will speak from Ireland, while America's oldest and largest Irish organization, the Ancient Order of Hibernians and … [Read more...] about Hibernians Backing Legacy Justice Appeal
Catholic Calendar – January 2021
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 least in normal times. At the Baptism of the Lord (January 10) , 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). In the United States, January 22 is a day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children, in recognition of the … [Read more...] about Catholic Calendar – January 2021
Division 9, Suffolk County NY Toy Drive
As in past Christmas seasons, Father Murphy of Boolavogue, Division 9 of Suffolk County, NY helped to bring joy to local families. Brother Pete Patterson organized the collection of over $2,500 in toys and gift cards. These donations were distributed through a program at Hunter Business School that provides Christmas time assistance to families of students in need. Billy MacDowall of Hunter said the Division had, once again, provided the largest single donation received. Pictured are Pete Patterson (left) and Billy MacDowall with some of the donations. … [Read more...] about Division 9, Suffolk County NY Toy Drive
The Feast of Epiphany—New Year and New Beginnings
Today is December 26, the Second Day of Christmas and the Feast of Saint Stephen. As I write this article for the January newsletter, it is a frigid 14 degrees. The snow, which began falling around 4:00 PM on Christmas eve, was still coming down when I went to bed last night. It drifted over night, blown about by a strong, cold wind. My fear, up until the last few days before Christmas, was that so many of the faithful would show up for our Christmas Masses that we would not be able to welcome them safely with the pandemic protocols in place. That fear was replaced early on Christmas Eve with … [Read more...] about The Feast of Epiphany—New Year and New Beginnings
Join us for Christmas Mass
We invite you to join us online for Mass this Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. You can use the links below to watch Mass celebrated by our National AOH Chaplains or stream the mass live from the Knock Shrine in Ireland. Christmas Masses from St. Paul Catholic Parish, North Canton Ohio National Chaplain Father John Keehner. Christmas Eve:4PM and 6PM Eastern TimeChristmas Day:8AM Eastern time St. Paul Church Parish Live, Click Here Christmas Masses from St. Vincent De Paul Church, San Francisco, CANational Chaplain Father Mike Healy Christmas Eve:8PM Pacific TimeChristmas … [Read more...] about Join us for Christmas Mass
Hartford AOH Division 2 stays busy during the Christmas season
The Division held a Toy/Gift Card Drive on December 10 to benefit “The Helping Hands” project at Saint Augustine Church in Hartford. Two carloads of toys were collected plus over $650 in gift cards. The Division has been holding monthly meetings that were both in-person practicing social distancing and in a virtual format. Starting in December, the meetings are virtual-only as the COVID-19 virus spread more rapid in Connecticut. We were fortunate to have Father James Sullivan, the rector of the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Waterbury, as our December speaker. He gave a … [Read more...] about Hartford AOH Division 2 stays busy during the Christmas season
AOH Writes to U.K. Ambassador and Congress Regarding Finucane Decision
In response to the statement by Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis that the U.K. will not pursuing an open inquiry into collusion by Britain in the assassination of civil rights lawyer Pat Finucane, the following letter has been sent to U.K. Pierce, DCMG with copies sent to all members of the U.S. House and Senate Dear Ambassador Pierce: We write to you, Ambassador Pierce, as members of the National Board of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, the largest Irish American organization in the United States, to express our indignation at the decision not to pursue an open inquiry into … [Read more...] about AOH Writes to U.K. Ambassador and Congress Regarding Finucane Decision
Global Leadership Forum Hosted by Irish Pro-Life USA
Irish Pro-Life USA will be hosting a Global Leadership Forum for the advancement of Pro-Life & Pro-Family values on Wednesday December 9th at 7PM EST on YouTube Live. Join us for updates and reports from both sides of the Atlantic with calls to action and reflections on positive change for the dignity and protection of human life. The Keynote Speaker will be, Peadar Tóibín TD, Leader of Aontú, Ireland's Pro-Life & Fastest Growing Political Party. Special Guests: Fr. Stephen Imbarrato; Daniel O'Connell, National President, Ancient Order of Hibernians in America; Catherine Glenn … [Read more...] about Global Leadership Forum Hosted by Irish Pro-Life USA
Catholic Calendar – December 2020
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 with the vigil Mass of Christmas. The … [Read more...] about Catholic Calendar – December 2020