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 12) , 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 Roe … [Read more...] about Catholic Calendar – January 2020
Catholic Calendar – January 2020
THE IRISH NEW YEAR’S EVE
You saw it; I saw it; in fact, almost everyone on the planet saw it. I’m not talking about the moon or the sun, but something a whole lot brighter – at least for the Irish. It was the magnificent Waterford Crystal Ball atop Times Square in New York City that has become an icon of introducing a new year to millions of celebrants. Regardless of what time zone you may be in, you saw it, but did you know the connection of the Irish with that unique celebration? New Year’s Eve in Times Square had been celebrated for many years as crowds assembled to cheer at midnight. In 1888, an Irishman … [Read more...] about THE IRISH NEW YEAR’S EVE
Prayers for Past National President Joe Roche
We mourn the loss of our Past National President Joe Roche. Joe was a dedicated Hibernian and held a variety of positions within the Order including National President (84-88). Joe was proud of his work as National Organizer, creating many new divisions across the US, including the first in Alaska. He spent much time before congress, testifying on behalf of a variety of Irish causes, a tireless advocate for peace in the North. He was a recipient of the prestigious Sean MacBride Humanitarian Award. You can read his full obituary … [Read more...] about Prayers for Past National President Joe Roche
Wheeling WV AOH Holds Day of Prayer and Fasting for Victims of Sex Abuse
from National Director Dennis Parks ... On December 8, in conjunction with the AOH National Board, the brothers of the Bishop Whelan Division in Wheeling WV, held a day of prayer and fasting for the victims of the sexual abuse crisis in the Catholic Church. The event was held outside of St. Joseph's Cathedral in Wheeling. According to Division President Tom Connelly, over 75 people joined with the AOH to pray the Rosary. The event was also covered by the local media. … [Read more...] about Wheeling WV AOH Holds Day of Prayer and Fasting for Victims of Sex Abuse
A Christmas Message From the Irish American Heritage Month Chair
In has long been an Irish Tradition to place a candle in the window at Christmas time. The popular story is that this is done to guide Mary and Joseph on their journey to Bethlehem, a beautiful sentiment. However, the tradition stems from a darker, sadder story; of a time when to be a Catholic in Ireland was to be a criminal and to be a priest or shelter a priest could result in being sent in chains to Barbados. The candle was a sign that a brave family was willing to take that risk and give shelter to a priest and welcome their neighbors to share Christmas Mass with them. Today, the Christmas … [Read more...] about A Christmas Message From the Irish American Heritage Month Chair
FFAI BULLETIN – DECEMBER 2019
A chairde: FFAI ISSUES UPDATE A-Johnson has his Brexit majority - Boris Johnson picked up 47 seats and an overall majority more than 70 seats, which will empower him "to get Brexit done quickly." Meanwhile wins by nationalists and republicans in the north and the Scottish National Party in Scotland, kept Irish unity and Scottish independence on the agenda. Johnson called the British General Election after a series of parliamentary defeats blocked him from moving forward with Brexit and his renegotiated withdrawal agreement out of the European Union. He banked on winning an outright … [Read more...] about FFAI BULLETIN – DECEMBER 2019
New Division in South Philly – Div. 27
from National Director Ed Halligan ... Division 27 in Philadelphia is a new Division that was created on September 5, 2019. They are located in South Philadelphia near 6th and Oregon. It has been a long time since we have had a Division in South Philly. Their members are from the Operating Engineers Local 542. The Division made a substantial donation to the Hibernian Hunger Project in Philadelphia and ran a fundraiser on December 14th for the same. They meet upstairs at the Fireside Pub … [Read more...] about New Division in South Philly – Div. 27
Our Lady of the Way, St. Charles, Missouri
from National Director John Wilson ... In Saint Charles, Missouri, there is a roadside shrine called Our Lady of the Way: it is believed to be the only one in the world dedicated to the Virgin Mary under this title. It is maintained by the AOH of St. Charles County and has the names of their deceased members of the Division on bricks along the pathway to the Shrine. In addition, there are bricks dedicated to Irish Saints and Feast Days of our Blessed Mother. The AOH took over the duties of the Shrine 10 years ago after reading a newspaper article about the Shrine and the original … [Read more...] about Our Lady of the Way, St. Charles, Missouri
A Perspective on the 12/12/19 United Kingdom Elections
The British election of 12/12/19 can without hyperbole be described as a seismic event in the history of the United Kingdom, and its tremors will undoubtedly impact Ireland. Three items put the impact of last night into perspective: The Tory party has won its biggest victory since Margaret Thatcher captured a third term in 1987 The Labour party has suffered its worst defeat since 1935. For the first time since partition, Northern Ireland has returned more Nationalist than Union MPs to Westminster. So, what does this mean? First, it means that barring some … [Read more...] about A Perspective on the 12/12/19 United Kingdom Elections
Political Education Update, December 2019
Brothers, there is no other way to start this article than with a tremendous “Thank You” for all your support that was pivotal in obtaining a stay of deportation for our Brother Malachy McAllister. Many pundits had come to accept that Brother McAllister’s deportation on November 29th was a fait accompli, yet you by your phone calls to the White House in response to the call to action turned the tide. The White House switchboard reported they received thousands of calls; those five-minute phone calls turned the tide to allow an Irish immigrant who has complied with all U.S. law and … [Read more...] about Political Education Update, December 2019
January 24, 2020 – Annual Right to Life March in Washington DC
Please keep Friday, January 24, 2020 circled on your calendars for the annual Right to Life March in Washington DC. The District of Columbia State Board looks forward to hosting Hibernians at their annual Pro-Life Breakfast at the Irish Channel Restaurant from 9-11am ($25/pp). This year our invited speaker is none other than Rep. Chris Smith (NJ-4), a long time friend to the AOH and renowned defender of life. A Pro-Life mass will be held across the street at St. Mary Mother of God Church following the breakfast. We will then meet as a group along the parade route in time for the 1pm march … [Read more...] about January 24, 2020 – Annual Right to Life March in Washington DC
CONGRESSIONAL BRIEFING ON TROOPER AMNESTY
Nine days after British Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced plans to block prosecutions of British troopers for Troubles killings, the House Foreign Affairs Committee hosted a special briefing by Mark Thompson of Relatives for Justice and Professor Mark McGovern. Congressman Eliot Engel scheduled the briefing, attended by Congressmen, many Congressional aides, two observers from the Irish Embassy and an observer from the British Northern Ireland Office. Mr. Thompson from Belfast and Professor McGovern from Edge Hill University near Liverpool, urged Congress, to take a lead along with Irish … [Read more...] about CONGRESSIONAL BRIEFING ON TROOPER AMNESTY
Hibernian Charity Update – December 2019
We have just gathered with family and friends giving thanks for the bountiful yields from our nation’s fields and factories. As we give thanks, consider those who do not benefit from our shared bounty. I urge you to consider the less fortunate during during the Advent and Christmas Season. As you think about the Providential prosperity provided to you and yours, please consider donating your time, food and dollars to the less fortunate. We have a great resource for giving in the Hibernian Charity, but we cannot give what we do not get. Please send your checks made out to Hibernian Charity with … [Read more...] about Hibernian Charity Update – December 2019
2019 Freedom For All Ireland Christmas Appeal
Please donate to this year’s CHRISTMAS APPEAL. Together we can make a difference. All checks must be made out to “Ancient Order of Hibernians”. Payments should be sent to AOH-FFAI PO BOX 904 JEFFERSON VALLEY, NY 10535. Please refer to our Information Packet for more details. Click here for the 2019 Freedom For All Ireland Christmas Appeal Packet Your help for freedom for all Ireland is critical. Boris Johnson and the British government are stepping up efforts to deny truth to the families of victims murdered by the crown while starting new prosecutions against Irish Republicans. Brexit … [Read more...] about 2019 Freedom For All Ireland Christmas Appeal
SENSELESS DEATH IN DECEMBER
Rory O'Connor was born in Dublin in 1883. He was educated at St. Mary’s College and Clongowes Wood College, Dublin with his close friend, Kevin O’Higgins. After College, he worked as a railway engineer in Ireland, then moved to Canada in 1911 to work as a railway engineer. He became active in the Fenian Brotherhood and returned to Ireland in 1915 at Joseph Plunkett's request. He joined the Ancient Order of Hibernians and served in the GPO in the Easter Rising as an intelligence officer. He was wounded during reconnaissance at the College of Surgeons and was interned after the surrender. … [Read more...] about SENSELESS DEATH IN DECEMBER
Catholic Calendar – December 2019
In December we begin a new liturgical year with the first Sunday of Advent (December 1) and 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, usually celebrated on December 8, is celebrated this year on December 9, since the 8th is a … [Read more...] about Catholic Calendar – December 2019
NATIONAL HISTORY DAY
National History Day (NHD) is an annual program for elementary and secondary school students across the United States and participating international affiliates. Hundreds of thousands of entries in the form of exhibits, websites, essays, slide presentations, video documentaries and performances are created each year by individuals or groups in grades six through twelve. The AOH and LAOH are proud sponsors of NHD and annually present a First and Second Place award to the best entries on a topic related to Irish or Irish American history that fits the annual theme set by NHD each year. The … [Read more...] about NATIONAL HISTORY DAY
Rituals and Degrees December Update
from National Chairman Rituals and Degrees, Jack Schneider ... Nollaig Shona Dhuit! I would like to take this opportunity to wish all the members of our Order’s Major Degree Teams very best wishes for a Merry and Blessed Christmas and to also thank you for your most valuable service in bringing the Lessons of the Order to our membership. I believe it was a very successful year for our Major Degree Teams with twenty-one Major Degrees exemplified nationally this calendar year. Upcoming Major Degrees of the Order for early 2020: Sun., Jan 26; 1:00PM – CDIAA, 375 Ontario Street, … [Read more...] about Rituals and Degrees December Update
Connecticut AOH Divisions Play Softball for a Cause!
from National Director Bill Sullivan ... Recently the AOH Connecticut State Board’s 9th Annual Softball Tournament was held at Foote Field in Milford, CT, and was hosted by the JFK Division 1 of Bridgeport, CT. Divisions across the “Constitution State” fielded teams in this annual tournament of goodwill. Each year a particular charity is selected to receive the proceeds from this endeavor. The recipient selected for the proceeds of this year’s game was the Arthur C. Luft Children’s Burn Camp, which is located in Union, CT, which is on the Massachusetts state line near Sturbridge … [Read more...] about Connecticut AOH Divisions Play Softball for a Cause!
St Louis AOH Honors One of their Favorite Veterans
from National Director John Wilson On October 1st, the ninety-first Greater St Louis Honor Flight took 58 Korean War Veterans along with Greater St Louis Honor Flight Staff, Guardians and Volunteers that made this one day trip go so smooth to Washington DC. On board this flight was our Past National AOH President George Clough who served in the USAF and rose to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. The Greater St. Louis Honor Flight honors St. Louis area Veterans’ service to our country by providing an all-inclusive trip to Washington, DC to visit the memorials built in their honor. The St … [Read more...] about St Louis AOH Honors One of their Favorite Veterans