Pro-Life

Hibernians from across the country gathered in Washington, DC on January 22nd and 23rd to participate in the Annual March for Life in Washington, DC. Crowd estimates range from tens of thousands to 150,000, including members of the AOH National Board and Pro Life Chairman from Pennsylvania, Illinois, North Carolina, Florida, Maryland, New York, Virginia, and Washington, DC. On Thursday afternoon, the Basilica of the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception hosted the Angelus at 4:45 PM followed by Holy Mass at 5:00 PM. The congregation was several thousand strong and consisted of predominantly high school and college students, as well as hundreds of con-celebrating clergy from across the country, including past AOH National Chaplain Bishop John Keehner. After Mass, Hibernians met at the Dubliner Restaurant and Pub for dinner and refreshments. Also at the Dubliner for dinner was Frank Pavone of Priests for Life, along with his staff.

On Friday, the busy day began with the Annual AOH March for Life Breakfast at the Irish Channel Restaurant and Pub at 500 H Street NW in Washington, DC. The breakfast was expertly planned by the Washington, DC State Board President Charlie Burham, Pro Life Chairman Steve Sullivan, and Past President Don Connolly.

Breakfast was a traditional Irish Breakfast Buffet and included Bacon, Sausage, Potatoes, Eggs, Breads, Rolls, and Fresh Fruit Salad, with Coffee, Tea, Juices, and Water. At 10:00 AM, President Sean Pender was first to speak and called Bishop John Keehner of Sioux City, Iowa for an opening prayer. Following the prayer, President Pender called on Larry Squires, AOH National Pro Life Chair to say a few words and introduce Don Connoly. Past President Connolly called for a moment of silence in honor of Jack O’Brien, who was one of the original organizers and regular attendees of the Breakfast, and has since passed away. Don also introduced some of the youngest Hibernians present, members of the Catholic University of America Rugby Team, who were there to support the Hibernian Pro Life efforts. Don then introduced one of the Guests of Honor, Sister Nancy Downing, CEO of St. Ann’s Center for Youth, Children, and Families. St. Ann’s has been in operation since 1860, and has helped countless women, children, and families from impossibly tragic and desperate situations to become independent, sustainably employed, successful, and faithful members of Society. St. Ann’s has become one of the most popular Hibernian Charities, along with Freedom for All Ireland and Project St. Patrick. Sr. Nancy provided an inspirational and uplifting message emphasizing the importance of the support Hibernians have provided for St. Ann’s. Following Sr. Nancy, President Pender introduced the next Guest of Honor, all the way from West Meath, Ireland, TD Peadar Tóibín. Peadar is one of the leading Pro Life voices in Ireland and spoke in great detail about the progress being made to support Pro Life efforts in Ireland. Following Peadar’s rousing address, President Pender called Sr. Nancy back up to the microphone to present her with a $5,000.00 check for St. Ann’s. The check will secure the AOH as one of the primary sponsors of St. Ann’s Spring Fundraising Event in May. This event raises a main portion of St. Ann’s annual operating budget.

At 11:30 AM, attendees crossed the street to Mary Mother of God Church for Holy Mass and Communion before the March. Mass was celebrated by Bishop Keehner, Fr. Kevin Fields – Washington, DC Chaplain, Fr. Henry Reid – New York State Chaplain, and Deacon Steve Mitchell.

After Mass, Hibernians congregated at the corner of 7th Street NW and Constitution Avenue awaiting step off for the March scheduled for 1:00 PM. It was actually a few minutes after 2:00 PM when the first contingent marched through the intersection and the Hibernians fell in behind them for the March. Upon reaching the Cannon House Office Building, members of the National Board, along with Bishop Keehner and Peadar Tóibín, peeled off to attend a Pro Life reception hosted by U.S. Representatives Mike Kelly of Pennsylvania and Chris Smith of New Jersey. Attendees enjoyed an assortment of snacks and refreshments before the formal presentation by the Representatives. Bishop Keehner was called upon for a Benediction and Blessing, and Peadar Tóibín was personally introduced to the Representatives. Peadar was very pleased to meet Representative Kelly, who serves as the Congressional Friends of Ireland Caucus Co-Chair. After the reception, Hibernians circled up at the Dubliner for refreshments and camaraderie after a very busy and productive day.

The AOH presented a $5,000.00 check to St. Ann’s Center for Children at the AOH March for Life Breakfast.

The AOH National Board, led by Worthy President Sean Pender and Washington, DC State President Don Connolly, led the Hibernians in the following activities on Thursday, January 23rd, and Friday, January 24th.

On Thursday evening at 6:00 PM, the National Hibernian delegation including President Sean Pender, Vice President Liam McNabb, Secretary Ray Lynch, and Treasurer Dan Diviney traveled to St. Ann’s Center for Children, Youth, and Families in Hyattsville, MD, just outside of Washington DC. The delegation met with Sister Nancy Downing, CEO of St. Ann’s Center, and Sue Flaherty, Vice President of Development. At a roundtable meeting, Sr. Nancy told the story of St. Ann’s Center that reaches back to 1860. The Hibernians in attendance listened with admiration and amazement as Sr. Nancy spoke about the wonderful programs supported by St. Anns that includes care for vulnerable children, mothers, and families and works to achieve lasting independence and stability by providing a safe and supportive home, childcare, education and employment assistance, as well as clinical and social work services within a Catholic community that welcomes all. Washington, DC President, Don Connolly also spoke about the relationship the AOH with St. Ann’s for the past five years. Don was also responsible for arranging the meeting with St. Ann’s. Sr. Nancy and Sue Flaherty then took the delegation on a brief tour of the facility that included rooms and dining areas used by families, day care areas that provide childcare for women who are working or attending classes to improve their employment opportunities. The tour concluded with the AOH presenting Sr. Nancy with a check in the amount of $5,000.00, which will establish the AOH as a major sponsor for St. Ann’s Spring Gala fundraiser in May. Other Hibernians present also included Keith Reynolds, National Director, PJ Morgan Pro Life Committee Chairman for Florida, Denny Parks National Oversight Committee Chairman, and Larry Squires National Pro Life Committee Chairman.

On Friday morning, The AOH held its annual March for Life Breakfast and Mass before heading to the AOH meeting place at Constitution Avenue N.W. and 7th Street N.W. to wait for the March for Life to begin. This year, the breakfast was held at the Irish Channel Restaurant and Pub at 500 H Street N.W. and featured Kristan Hawkins, CEO of Students for Life and Sr. Nancy Downing of St. Ann’s Center. Videos for both speakers are available at the AOH YouTube website. Worthy President Sean Pender began with a brief word about why the AOH supports Pro Life Efforts and underscored the AOH commitment the brave women who choose life and their babies by supporting multiple women and family homes, like St. Ann’s. across the country. President Pender also spoke out about the wonderful experience adoption has been for him and his family. Larry Squires, National AOH Chairman introduced Kristan Hawkins, after reading her impressive bio, and Don Connolly introduced St. Nancy Dowling, after a brief memorial and moment of silence for our late Brother Jack O’Brien, who was a pillar of support for the breakfast and was a model Hibernian. In attendance at the breakfast were representative Hibernians from Colorado, Florida, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Maryland, New York, and New Jersey. At 11:30 AM, all Hibernians and their guests attended the AOH March for Life Mass at St. Mary Mother of God Parish, across the street from the Irish Channel. Holy Mass was celebrated by Virginia AOH Chaplain Fr. Kevin Fields and New York Chaplain Fr. Henry Reid. The priests were assisted by chaplain Deacon Steve Mitchell.

After marching down Constitution Avenue and past the Supreme Court, the Hibernians circled up at the Dubliner Pub for refreshments and camaraderie. Next year, the Breakfast and March will be held on Friday, January 23rd , 2026. Please mark your calendar now, and join us in Washington, DC.