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 kickoff. I look forward to another record setting year of Hibernian attendance.

While we are unable to secure a room block for visiting brothers and sisters, please do not hesitate to reach out to myself or local members for recommendations on accommodations and travel arrangements. The DC State Board is also planning an evening of fellowship at a local Irish establishment for Thursday evening. More information to follow.

In the Motto,

John Patrick Walsh
National Pro-Life Chairman
Ancient Order of Hibernians
732-673-0762

Why, why this child? He seems no different than any other; the circumstances of His birth leave much to be desired, then and now. Yet instinctively we know that within His hands lies the whole world, within His veins flows the only cure to our wickedness and pain. He is unique from day one (to use the 2019 March for Life theme).

Throughout the world, every culture and people seem to recognize the innocence and value of a child, going to great lengths to protect the youngest among us. Do the eyes of a newborn hold some universal secret? How else do they remind us of simpler, more innocent times, when all opportunities were open to us and our hearts were unburdened by the chains and cares of our human condition?

But when does that value diminish and why? We know the redemption offered by the Christ Child is open to all, yet our society turns away from those most in need. How is it a newborn is valued, but eight months previous the child is (often) legally without protection? How do we proclaim Christ came to save all men while we sign death warrants that preclude any possibility of redemption? How can we humble ourselves before the manger and then ignore the homeless and poor around us? Like Scrooge do we claim our taxes are succor enough for the marginalized of our society, that if they cannot help themselves they better get dying. Lord, help to remove the beam from our eyes and use it to prick our hearts.

So if you find yourself before the manger this Christmas, let the gospel of peace permeate your soul. Keep the meaning of Christmas in your heart all year round as you pray and advocate for the marginalized of this world. Continue the great works of charity our Order sponsors, advancing our Pro-Life message with word and deed. Hopefully the fire inside will still be hot January 18th and you will join your fellow Hibernians in Washington DC at the March for Life (9am Breakfast, 12:30 Meet @ 7th Street & Constitution Ave). I look forward to seeing you there and until then may you and yours enjoy a Blessed Christmas.

John Patrick Walsh, Pro-Life Chairmen