E3 Visas for Irish Revisited- House and Ways Committee Chairman US Rep. Richie Neal recently reintroduced H.R.2418 to add Ireland to the E-3 Non-Immigrant Visa. This Bill, which would allocate the remainder of Australia's 10,500 E3 visas for Irish applicants. Based on last years effort, we learned that many Congress members think Ireland has no problems getting visas to the U.S. Hibernians must educate their Congress reps that the Irish for over 50 years have been adversely affected by current rules. This Bill doesn't address issues of the undocumented and those long waiting for immigrant … [Read more...] about Irish Immigration Summit at Irish Embassy
Irish Immigration Summit at Irish Embassy
MAY FFAI 2019 BULLETIN
A chairde: FFAI ISSUES UPDATE A- Six month deportation reprieve for Malachy McAllister- Less than 48 hours before his scheduled deportation, Senators and Congressmen supporting Malachy McAllister were told that Acting Secretary of Homeland Security Kevin McAleenan would grant a six month stay. Belfast born Hibernian and key member of the AOH National FFAI Committee, Malachy McAllister was scheduled to be deported on April 30th, after 23 years, in America. He was ordered deported because he had been jailed as a Republican political prisoner for his alleged role in an attack on the Royal … [Read more...] about MAY FFAI 2019 BULLETIN
Catholic Calendar – May 2019
To All Hibernians: The month of May this year falls within the Easter season, the liturgical color being white. The Ascension of the Lord, a solemnity and holy day of obligation, falls this year on May 30. Many dioceses of the United States, however, have transferred the feast to the Seventh Sunday of Easter, June 2. MAJOR SAINTS AND FEAST DAYS OF MAY May 1 Joseph the Worker May 2 Athanasius, Bishop and Doctor Memorial May 3 Philip and James, Apostles Feast May 14 Matthias, Apostle Feast May 20 Bernardine of Siena May 30 The Ascension of the Lord … [Read more...] about Catholic Calendar – May 2019
Rituals and Degrees Update …
From National Rituals and Degrees Chairman Jack Schneider Major Degrees Teams returned to action after the month of March celebrations to honor our Patron Saint with Major Degree events in Philadelphia, PA and River Edge, NJ in April. Forty-Seven Brothers received their Major Degrees of the Order at the Philadelphia event while another seventeen Brothers accomplished same in the River Edge event and we welcome them into full Brotherhood within our Order. It was a pleasure to be in attendance at both Major Degree ceremonies along with National Director Ed Halligan. Brothers from the … [Read more...] about Rituals and Degrees Update …
Omaha’s Father Flanagan Division Responds To Floods Ravaging Nebraska
From National Director John Wilson ... With the recent flood ravaging Nebraska, many charitable organizations have seen a drop in donations as emergency needs caused by the flood have had to take precedence. In this time of need, the (AOH) Father Flanagan Division of Omaha have recently stepped up to donate more than $5,000 of food to Omaha’s Society of St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry, which had run out of numerous items including soups, vegetables and canned goods according to John Farnan of the Flanagan Division. The donation by the AOH included: • A 6-foot-high pallet of canned … [Read more...] about Omaha’s Father Flanagan Division Responds To Floods Ravaging Nebraska
IRISH ROUND TOWERS
The ancient Round Towers that dot the Irish landscape were erected by Irish Christian monks and can also be found in areas where they served like the two that stand in Scotland and one on the Isle of Man. However, in Ireland where they originated, about 120 are thought to have existed. Today most are in ruins, but 18 to 20 still stand in almost perfect condition. The history and purpose of the Towers are widely debated. Some believe that they were Bell Towers to call the faithful to prayer since they were mostly found near churches and monasteries. Some say they could have served as lookout … [Read more...] about IRISH ROUND TOWERS
Division 8 Lawrence, Massachusetts Kick’s off Membership Drive
After several months of thoughtful and careful planning, Division 8 in Lawrence, MA recently kicked off a recruitment drive for new members focusing on a three prong approach. First, the Organizing Team focused their strategies on one parish in the Greater Lawrence area, Our Lady of Good Counsel. The Rev. Christopher Casey, Pastor of the parish, several weeks prior to the membership drive, inserted a notice in the parish bulletin informing his parishioners that members of the AOH would be at the parish soliciting new members on a particular weekend. The parishioners of the parish reacted … [Read more...] about Division 8 Lawrence, Massachusetts Kick’s off Membership Drive
Hibernians Thank President Trump, Members of the Senate, House and Cardinal Dolan for Six Month Stay of McAllister Deportation, Call for Fixing the System.
The Ancient Order of Hibernians wish to express their appreciation to President Trump for another stay of deportation for Malachy McAllister. This stay would not have been possible without the direct involvement and untiring efforts of Senator Schumer, Senator Graham, Senator Menendez, Rep. Peter King, Rep. Eliot Engel, Rep. Bill Pascrell, Rep. Richie Neal, Rep. Chris Smith, other Senate and House supporters, and his Eminence Cardinal Dolan. At a time when there is little common ground in Washington, that so many prominent figures in their respective parties and the Cardinal of … [Read more...] about Hibernians Thank President Trump, Members of the Senate, House and Cardinal Dolan for Six Month Stay of McAllister Deportation, Call for Fixing the System.
Hibernians Condemn Deportation of Malachy McAllister, Ask Administration to Heed Bipartisan Call for Deferment.
The Hibernians are saddened and angered that once again their Brother Malachy McAllister and members of his family are being threatened with deportation by agencies of the United States government. Since entering the United States legally over twenty years ago, Mr. McAllister has been an exemplary member of the American community, creating two successful, job-producing businesses. However, despite having done nothing but positively contribute to his adopted country, US immigration officials are determined to deport this grandfather of 5 American grandchildren despite bipartisan … [Read more...] about Hibernians Condemn Deportation of Malachy McAllister, Ask Administration to Heed Bipartisan Call for Deferment.
Immigration Chairman’s Report – April 2019
It is time for a permanent solution tothe families of A Irish Deportees and the Malachy McAllister family. The Irish Peace Process is now 21 years old. Yet for these participants in the conflict, although their issues were addressed by the 1998 Good Friday Agreement, the dividends of Peace remain elusive. These issues are increasingly difficult for all of them, and for Malachy McAllister imminent deportation and separation from his young family are a reality. It is time that Ireland's Peace Process, which is a model for many other nations, be recognized by the Department of Homeland Security … [Read more...] about Immigration Chairman’s Report – April 2019
2019 FFAI Tour photos
Project St. Patrick – Support Vocations 2019 Easter Appeal
Brothers, The Ancient Order of Hibernians was founded to protect our clergy. What better way to support our clergy than supporting vocations? I am asking you to bring this Easter Appeal Packet forward and include it as part of your Division, County and State agendas in order to make the 2019 Easter Appeal for vocations a success. All scholarship dollars raised will support seminarians and religious vocations in local Hibernians dioceses. In order to accomplish this, we need immediate assistance from your Division. Please fill out the enclosed Division Diocese Form and include the name … [Read more...] about Project St. Patrick – Support Vocations 2019 Easter Appeal
Mc Guinness Principles
As we approach the 21-year mark, we proudly recognize America’s contribution to the Good Friday Agreement and reaffirm its fundamental Principles. As a respected statesman, Martin McGuinness reached across the political, socio-economic and religious divide, stood by the implementation of the Good Friday Agreement and committed the remainder of his life to working towards the fulfillment of its goals. Martin McGuinness’s legacy, through his own words, is commemorated in each of the McGuinness Principles. In memory of all who brought us this far, we ask that you pledge support for … [Read more...] about Mc Guinness Principles
APRIL FFAI 2019 BULLETIN
A chairde: FFAI ISSUES UPDATE A- Brexit chaos as Westminster rejects May deal- Britain's exit from the European Union, Brexit, due March 29th was delayed as Westminster vetoed Prime Minister Theresa May's deal with the EU. Multiple parliamentary defeats made May ask the EU for an extension. No one knows what will happen next. Had Britain accepted May's withdrawal deal with the EU nations, Brexit could have gone ahead on May 22nd. Brexit could go ahead without any deal on April 12th or Britain could ask for more time and even renegotiations. Exiting after May 22nd, would require Britain … [Read more...] about APRIL FFAI 2019 BULLETIN
HIBERNIAN FACT-FINDING MISSION CONCLUDES
Hibernians completed a highly publicized nine day fact-finding mission which included, a Ballymurphy Massacre Inquest session, receptions by Belfast and Derry Mayors, questioning Derry's Unionist Deputy Mayor and eight Councillors, briefings on collusion, legacy justice, Brexit, Pat Finucane, Bloody Sunday and the Dalraidian environmental threat, as well as meetings and presentations to community groups. The Freedom for all Ireland (FFAI) delegation led by President Jim McKay and LAOH President Carol Sheyer included leading Hibernians from 13 states. They concluded in Dublin briefing Irish … [Read more...] about HIBERNIAN FACT-FINDING MISSION CONCLUDES
Catholic Calendar- April 2019
To All Hibernians: MAJOR SAINTS AND FEAST DAYS OF APRIL April 11 Stanislaus, Bishop and Martyr Memorial April 21 Easter Sunday Solemnity April 28 2nd Sunday of Easter (Divine Mercy Sunday) Solemnity April 29 Catherine of Siena, Virgin and Doctor Memorial April 30 Piiu V, Pope Memorial IRISH SAINTS OF APRIL April 4 Tigernach, Bishop (d. 549) St. Tigernach (or Tierney) was baptized by St. Conleth of Kildare; St. Brigid may have been his godmother. One might say that St. Tigernach suffered the fate of St. Patrick in reverse: as a boy, he was kidnapped … [Read more...] about Catholic Calendar- April 2019
DUBLIN BOMBED
The city of Dublin is no stranger to bombs, from the British assault in 1916 to the removal of Lord Nelson’s statue in 1966 on the 50th anniversary of the Easter Rising. Yet one that has largely been forgotten occurred 78 years ago in 1941 during WWII, referred to as ‘the Emergency’ in Ireland. The story began in April when German air raids bombed Belfast. The Belfast Blitz consisted of four German air raids on strategic targets in the city of Belfast causing high casualties. The first was on the night of 7–8 April 1941, a small attack which probably took place only to test Belfast's defenses … [Read more...] about DUBLIN BOMBED
Irish American Heritage Month: Margaret Corbin, “Captain Molly”
Captain Molly was born Margaret Cochran on 12 November 1751 on the western Pennsylvania frontier to Irish immigrant Robert Cochran and his wife Sarah. When Margaret was five, her father was killed in an Indian raid and her mother was kidnapped. Margaret and her brother escaped and went to live with their uncle. At 21, she married a local farmer, John Corbin. When America’s Revolution began, John enlisted in the regiment that General ‘Light Horse’ Harry Lee called the Line of Ireland. Margaret accompanied him, joining other women in cooking, washing and caring for the wounded. Her forceful … [Read more...] about Irish American Heritage Month: Margaret Corbin, “Captain Molly”
Bravery Beyond Measure: The Heroic Story of Colonel Patrick O’Rorke
Patrick Henry O'Rorke was born in County Cavan, Ireland on March 25, 1837. His family emigrated from Ireland when Patrick was but a year old, eventually settling in the “Little Dublin” neighborhood of Rochester, N.Y. An excellent student, he earned one of two scholarships to the newly formed University of Rochester. However, his father’s sudden death required young Patrick to take a job as a marble cutter to support his family. Patrick’s talents were too considerable to go unrecognized for long. He came to the attention of Congressman John Williams, who recommended him for … [Read more...] about Bravery Beyond Measure: The Heroic Story of Colonel Patrick O’Rorke
Irish American Heritage Month: John Philip Holland, Inventor of the Modern Submarine
Did you know that an Irishman invented the first modern submarine? His name was John Philip Holland and he was born in Liscannor, Co. Clare, Ireland, on February 24, 1841. He experienced the Irish potato failure suffering poor eyesight as a result. His father was a member of the Coast Guards, and young John inherited a love of the sea. Although his poor eyesight prevented him from following in his father’s footsteps, he developed an interest in ship design. John attended the Christian Brothers School where he came under the influence of Brother Dominic Burke, a science teacher, who encouraged … [Read more...] about Irish American Heritage Month: John Philip Holland, Inventor of the Modern Submarine