from National Director Ed Halligan The Officer Jack Duffy Division is named after a Philadelphia Police Officer killed in the line of duty on December 10, 1983. His patrol wagon was struck by a patrol car as the vehicles responded to an officer needs assistance call. Officer Duffy was on the force for 1 year and 9 months. He was 22 years old.The Division keeps his memory alive by running grade school basketball tournaments and essay contests. The money raised is used for Catholic high school scholarships … [Read more...] about AOH Division 6 Officer Jack Duffy Raises Scholarship Money
AOH Division 6 Officer Jack Duffy Raises Scholarship Money
AOH FIGHTS JOHNSON’S LEGACY COVERUP WITH THOMPSON TOUR
In the October FFAI Bulletin, the AOH predicted that "after Brexit, Boris Johnson would move to "shutdown prosecutions of British troopers for murdering the Irish, and ... end hopes for justice by cutting off truth mechanisms once and for all". Johnson did not even wait for Brexit! On November 11th, Johnson pledged to end prosecutions of British troopers. The AOH will stand behind victims' families and fight … [Read more...] about AOH FIGHTS JOHNSON’S LEGACY COVERUP WITH THOMPSON TOUR
DECEMBER 8th Set as DAY OF PRAYER AND FASTING FOR THE VICTIMS OF SEXUAL ABUSE
Among the core experiences in the story of St. Patrick, Apostle of Ireland, was his capture and enslavement for six years as a youth. He writes in his Confessio, that he believed his enslavement was a just punishment for having abandoned God. However, we know now that God abandons no one. We human beings are the ones who instead abandon God and bring sin to this earth. The desolation and despair felt by the sixteen-year-old Patrick matches what far too many young people today experience in the most formative years of their lives. The scandals surrounding the sexual abuse of minors and … [Read more...] about DECEMBER 8th Set as DAY OF PRAYER AND FASTING FOR THE VICTIMS OF SEXUAL ABUSE
WILL YOUR CONGRESSMAN MEET Mark Thompson and Mark McGovern-November 19th-20th or attend Foreign Affairs Committee Meeting?
A chairde The House Foreign Affairs Committee has agreed to host an AOH requested briefing of Congressmen by Mark Thompson and Mark McGovern on November 20th open to Friends of Ireland or other members and staff.(see attached) In addition both men will be available in Washington on the 19th and 20th for individual briefings of Congressmen as part of their six state AOH FFAI TOUR. The Committee will host the event but stress that members of Congress only attend these briefings or hold individual meetings if they think it is important for constituents. That means AOH -LAOH and other … [Read more...] about WILL YOUR CONGRESSMAN MEET Mark Thompson and Mark McGovern-November 19th-20th or attend Foreign Affairs Committee Meeting?
125 Years Strong! – Division 14 Watertown, MA.
from National Director Bill Sullivan On Saturday, November 26, 2019 Division 14 in Watertown, Massachusetts celebrated the 125th Anniversary of their founding in November 1894. Members of the Division, their families and friends filled their Division Hall from wall to wall and proudly celebrated this great milestone. Richard Thompson, Past Division, Past Middlesex County and Past Mass State President and Division 14’s present Treasurer, served as Chairmen of the event. In the members lounge, scrapbooks of newspaper clippings and photos along with a DVD of the Division’s history were on … [Read more...] about 125 Years Strong! – Division 14 Watertown, MA.
To Those Who Have Borne the Battle, We Owe Honor.
from Veteran's Affairs Chairman Jim Green ... Brothers, much of the following message was pulled from an article authored by Hibernian Digest Editor, John O’Connell. John shared it with me to get my opinion on it before it’s published in New York. I have slightly modified a few sections to make it relevant to all Hibernians, but I was so impressed with it that I thought I’d share parts of it – with his permission - with all of you in recognition of our veterans – both men and women – who have served and sacrificed for our country. God bless all of you on this day of honor. To those who … [Read more...] about To Those Who Have Borne the Battle, We Owe Honor.
THE BOY PATRIOT
In 1920, Ireland was in the midst of a War of Independence led by Michael Collins and the original Irish Republican Army formed from post-1916 Volunteers, Hibernian Rifles and returned prisoners who’d been illegally interned after the Easter Rising. On 11 November 1919 the British government had recruited returning veterans from the recently ended Great War to strengthen the Royal Irish Constabulary (police) in Ireland and oppose the IRA. They advertized for men willing to ‘face a rough and dangerous task’ in Ireland. Many just returned from the war found unemployment and few firms needing … [Read more...] about THE BOY PATRIOT
Catholic Calendar – November 2019
In November, we conclude Ordinary time for the liturgical year with the Feast of Christ the King on the last Sunday of the month (Nov. 24). November is a month to remember the departed, especially on All Souls' Day (Nov. 2). The Solemnity of All Saints (Nov. 1) is a holy day of obligation. Thanksgiving Day falls on November 28. NOTABLE SAINTS, SOLEMNITIES, AND FEAST DAYS November 1All SaintsSolemnity November 4Charles BorromeoMemorial November 9Dedication of Saint John LateranFeast November 13Frances Xavier CabriniMemorial November 15Albert the Great, Bishop and … [Read more...] about Catholic Calendar – November 2019
Catholic Calendar – October 2019
The month of October still remains within Ordinary Time. October is a month dedicated to Mary, the Mother of God. MAJOR SAINTS AND FEAST DAYS Oct. 1 Theresa of the Child Jesus, Virgin, Memorial Oct. 2 Guardian Angels, Memorial Oct. 4 Francis of Assisi, Memorial Oct. 7 Our Lady of the Rosary, Memorial Oct. 11 Pope St. John XXIII Oct. 15 Teresa of Avila, Virgin and Doctor, Memorial Oct. 17 Ignatius of Antioch, Bishop and Martyr, Memorial Oct. 18 Luke the Evangelist, Feast Oct. 19 John de Brebeuf, Isaac Jogues, and Companions, Martyrs, … [Read more...] about Catholic Calendar – October 2019
Newport Division 1 Hosts Rhode Island AOH State Convention
from National Director Bill Sullivan The Dennis E. Collins Division 1 AOH of Newport Rhode Island hosted the 2019 Rhode Island State Convention on Saturday, September 21 at their Division Home. AOH RI State President Wick Rudd opened the State Convention and welcomed the delegates who were in attendance. In his report President Rudd spoke on what had been accomplished over the past two years and the boards efforts to support all the Divisions in their state. He thanked his officers for their time, talent and efforts while he served as President. Following the President’s remarks, each of … [Read more...] about Newport Division 1 Hosts Rhode Island AOH State Convention
OUR LADY OF LIMERICK
Queen Elizabeth I had outlawed the Catholic Church and it was an act of treason to shelter a priest. Sir John Bourke of Brittas, Co. Limerick was a secret member of the Rosary Confraternity of the hidden Dominicans of the City. He promoted the Rosary in his family and locality risking the enmity of the Crown by his open avowal of the Catholic Faith and protection of hunted clergy. When Elizabeth died and James, son of Catholic Mary, Queen of Scots, came to the throne in 1603, there was a pause in the persecution as James I had promised that he would not persecute “any that will be quiet and … [Read more...] about OUR LADY OF LIMERICK
Commodore John Barry Day, a National Holiday of the Order
September 13th is Commodore Barry Day, a National Holiday of the Order. John Barry is symbolic of both the fact that the Irish have contributed to America since its earliest days and sadly how little known those contributions are. Please like and share the following article by National Historian Mike McCormack, especially with the younger people in your life. Did you know that the first flag officer and founder of the United States Navy was an Irishman? His name was John Barry and Dr. Benjamin Rush, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, said in his eulogy at … [Read more...] about Commodore John Barry Day, a National Holiday of the Order
SEPTEMBER FFAI 2019 BULLETIN
from Martin Galvin,Esq., National FFAI Chairman ... A chairde: FFAI ISSUES UPDATE A-Boris Johnson suspends Parliament brings on Brexit crisis- In a move called a "constitutional outrage" by Speaker of the House John Bercow, and compared to Oliver Cromwell's Parliamentary purge by Irish Minister Michael D'Arcy, Boris Johnson will prorogue or suspend Parliament for 5 weeks until October 14th, hoping to bulldoze Brexit through, by the Halloween, October 31st deadline. His plan backfired as Brexit opponents, including 21 members of his own party, banded together with opposition parties to … [Read more...] about SEPTEMBER FFAI 2019 BULLETIN
In Letter to U.S. Vice President, Ancient Order of Hibernians Call for Equal Respect for Irish Sovereignty
In a letter written by National Political Education Chair Neil Cosgrove to US Vice President Michael Pence, the Ancient Order of Hibernians express concern regarding recent comments made by the Vice President while visiting Ireland which admonished the Irish government to “to negotiate in good faith with prime minister Johnson, and work to reach an agreement that respects the United Kingdom’s sovereignty.” The letter states: We are greatly troubled by the sentiment you expressed in your statement “As the deadline for Brexit approaches we urge Ireland and the European Union, as well, to … [Read more...] about In Letter to U.S. Vice President, Ancient Order of Hibernians Call for Equal Respect for Irish Sovereignty
Rituals and Degrees Update
from Jack Schnieder, National Chairman Rituals and Degrees... As the season turns into autumn, our National Major Degree Schedule will see a significant increase in activity with several opportunities for prospective candidates to take their Major Degree in the next few months up and down the length of our eastern seaboard. Major Degree Ceremonies are currently planned as noted that I have been informed of to date: Sun. - Sept. 22nd - Iona College, New Rochelle, NY Sat. - Sept. 28th – Irish Cultural Center of Utica, Utica, NY Sun. - Sept 29th – Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, Patchogue, … [Read more...] about Rituals and Degrees Update
Iowa State Board Meeting Held in Waterloo
from John Wilson, National Director... The Iowa State Board Meeting and Election was held August 2, 2019 in Waterloo, Iowa in conjunction with the Iowa Irish Fest. Elected to the Iowa State Board were, State President Rob McCullough (Dubuque Div. #2), State Vice President Terry McGrane (5 Sullivan Brothers Div.), State Recording Secretary Jerry McGrane (Dubuque Div. #1), State Treasurer Mike Martin (Dubuque Div. #1) and State Chaplain is Rev. Dennis Quint (Dubuque Div. #1). The Cedar Valley Irish Cultural Association, founder of the Iowa Irish Fest, is an organization intended to foster … [Read more...] about Iowa State Board Meeting Held in Waterloo
The Western Cemetery Project
from Bill Sullivan, National Director... The Ancient Order of Hibernians has always been there to lend a hand to the people of Ireland, Irish Americans and Irish Immigrants who come to America in search of a better life. The Daniel O’Connell O’Donoughue Division 1 A.O.H. of Portland Maine has been following this precept since its founding in 1876 – 143 years ago! Western Cemetery was established by the Portland City Council in the late 1820’s and was Portland’s main burying ground from 1829 until 1852. Many of those buried there were Irish, since Calvary Cemetery, Portland’s first … [Read more...] about The Western Cemetery Project
Utica AOH Organizes Mass to Support Local Food Pantries
from Liam McNabb, National Director ... The John C. Devereux AOH Division in Utica, NY organized the annual Mass held in conjunction with the Great American Irish Festival in July. Father Sean O’Brien, local Hibernian, celebrated Mass for hundreds of festival attendees and local Sister and Brother Hibernians. The Devereux AOH Division set up the altar and coordinated the music and all details related to the successful event. AOH leadership and members served as lectors, eucharistic ministers and ushers. This year, the AOH Division collected $2,700 from the Mass donations and distributed … [Read more...] about Utica AOH Organizes Mass to Support Local Food Pantries
THE CURSE OF CROMWELL
In 1649, a bitter struggle between King Charles of England and his Puritan Parliament erupted in a civil war won by a Puritan Model Army led by Oliver Cromwell. These men were the foundation of the British Army. Before that time, freelance fighters and soldiers of fortune were recruited for specific campaigns. Now a regular army was formed. British Major-General Frank Kitson wrote in his book, Low Intensity Operations, When the regular army was first raised in the 17th century, suppression of the Irish' was coupled with the defense of the Protestant Religion as one of the two main reasons … [Read more...] about THE CURSE OF CROMWELL
Catholic Calendar – September 2019
The month of September is still part of Ordinary Time, with green being the liturgical vestment color. MAJOR SAINTS AND FEAST DAYS OF SEPTEMBER September 3 Gregory the Great, Pope and Doctor Memorial September 13 John Chrysostom, Bishop and Doctor Memorial September 14 Exaltation of the Holy Cross Feast September 16 Cornelius, Pope and Martyr; Cyprian, Bishop and Martyr Memorial September 21 Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist Feast September 27 Vincent De Paul, Priest Memorial September 30 Jerome, Priest and Doctor Memorial IRISH SAINTS OF … [Read more...] about Catholic Calendar – September 2019