This is an excellent Documentary on the role America played on the 1916 Rising presented by Dr. Ruan O’Donnell who has frequently addressed the AOH. Take a moment during this Easter week to learn more about the efforts of our forefathers.

Special thanks to our friend Ruan for sharing his work.

In our Motto,

I am addressing you from my home here in New Orleans. Home is where most of us have been isolated for the past three weeks. We know the global pandemic has weighed greatly on the minds of each and every one of us these past few weeks as our family, friends, and communities have struggled to cope with illness and the side effects of isolation, job loss, and anxiety. We were called to duty, as Catholics and civic-minded Americans, to provide needed leadership during the period of unknown. Hibernians across the country answered that call.

We stood united with our Bishops, as they made the difficult decision to close the doors of the church and move services online. We stood united with our elected officials and community organizers, as St. Patrick’s Day parades and celebrations were cancelled. We continue to stand as leaders among our family and friends as we battle through this difficult time. We absolutely must continue to follow the recommendations of our local, state, and federal officials in an effort to prevent the spread of this deadly virus.

Our hearts weigh heavy every time we hear about another Brother falling victim to this awful illness; we must do everything within ourselves to help prevent any additional loss of life.

As we yearn for a greater sense of normalcy and fellowship, we look out towards the AOH & LAOH National Convention in Orlando in late July as a ray of hope. In addition to conducting the business of the Order, the convention will be a wonderful opportunity to reunite and celebrate “All Things Irish” with our brothers and sisters from across the country.

With that said, we absolutely understand the potential impact this crisis has on our future plans in Orlando and any need to make alternate arrangements. AOH Leadership and the Host Committee are continually assessing the situation and will heed the advice of the leading health experts as we move forward. If alternative arrangements are needed, we already have a team of brothers who have stepped up to ensure the business of the Order will be carried out. Be assured, the health and safety of our brothers and sisters will be at the forefront of all decisions.

Our 184-year history as an organization clearly indicates that problems do not defeat us; problems unite us. We bring a wealth of caring, hope, and resilience to all of the challenges we face. We know the brotherhood that binds us will carry us through these difficult days.

There is an expression down here on the Golf Coast that is used often in another season, but this season its certainly relevant also. Every storm eventually runs out of rain and so too, this storm shall pass. Brothers, I pray that we will see many of you in Orlando this coming July. God Bless and be safe.

In our Motto,

Jim

Greeting Brothers,

I am addressing you from my home here in New Orleans. Home is where most of us have been isolated for the past three weeks. We know the global pandemic has weighed greatly on the minds of each and every one of us these past few weeks as our family, friends, and communities have struggled to cope with illness and the side effects of isolation, job loss, and anxiety. We were called to duty, as Catholics and civic-minded Americans, to provide needed leadership during the period of unknown. Hibernians across the country answered that call.

We stood united with our Bishops, as they made the difficult decision to close the doors of the church and move services online. We stood united with our elected officials and community organizers, as St. Patrick’s Day parades and celebrations were cancelled. We continue to stand as leaders among our family and friends as we battle through this difficult time. We absolutely must continue to follow the recommendations of our local, state, and federal officials in an effort to prevent the spread of this deadly virus.

Our hearts weigh heavy every time we hear about another Brother falling victim to this awful illness; we must do everything within ourselves to help prevent any additional loss of life.

As we yearn for a greater sense of normalcy and fellowship, we look out towards the AOH & LAOH National Convention in Orlando in late July as a ray of hope. In addition to conducting the business of the Order, the convention will be a wonderful opportunity to reunite and celebrate “All Things Irish” with our brothers and sisters from across the country.

With that said, we absolutely understand the potential impact this crisis has on our future plans in Orlando and any need to make alternate arrangements. AOH Leadership and the Host Committee are continually assessing the situation and will heed the advice of the leading health experts as we move forward. If alternative arrangements are needed, we already have a team of brothers who have stepped up to ensure the business of the Order will be carried out. Be assured, the health and safety of our brothers and sisters will be at the forefront of all decisions.

Our 184-year history as an organization clearly indicates that problems do not defeat us; problems unite us. We bring a wealth of caring, hope, and resilience to all of the challenges we face. We know the brotherhood that binds us will carry us through these difficult days.

There is an expression down here on the Golf Coast that is used often in another season, but this season its certainly relevant also. Every storm eventually runs out of rain and so too, this storm shall pass. Brothers, I pray that we will see many of you in Orlando this coming July. God Bless and be safe.

In our Motto,

Jim

Hon. James F. McKay III, President of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, testifies at a Helsinki Commission hearing entitled “The Good Friday Agreement at 20,” chaired by Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), Co-Chairman of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe

Merry Christmas to you, your family and all your local Hibernians. In the midst of this giving season we are all receiving our AOH labels. What better time than the present to make a donation to the label program that supports our Hibernian Charities’. Once all the donations are collected, 100% of the proceeds will be donated in order to support specific Hibernian programs including: Hibernian disaster relief fund; Project St. Patrick vocation scholarships; National History Day; the Irish Way program and many more. Your donation, no matter how large or how small will go a long way to support the traditions of the AOH.

With Christmas Spirit in mind, we have included a note from Veteran Affairs Chairman Jim Green that includes an address to send Christmas cards to our troops. What a better way to share Christmas Spirit than sending a card along to someone dedicated to protecting our beloved country.

As the year winds down, we all look toward the future. Knowing that St. Patrick’s Day will be hear before we know it, it’s time to begin planning for the 2018 National Convention in Louisville. Your attendance is critical to our success. I have enclosed the initial convention promotional material so you can take a moment, book your room and begin planning your travel. You will find all the links you need to keep up to date on everything convention related. The link for securing your convention package will be live soon.

As you know, we are in the midst of our first national advertising campaign on Irish Central. We are asking everyone to help us succeed by following up on the applications you receive through Brother Tim McSweeney. We need you, the local division members, to vet each application and help us sign the next Hibernian member. Recruitment and retention are the lifeblood of success for any organization.

The National Pro-Life March is January 19, 2018. Brother Walsh has created a FAQ list for this e-mail blast. Please take a moment to review it and considering attending the event this year in Washington DC. I hope to see many of your there.

In closing, I am asking each and every member of the Order to make an effort to recruit a new member today. What we are learning is the recruiting is contagious. Divisions with member who continually recruit become our most successful. Together, everyone achieves more.

Thank you and God Bless.

In our Motto,

James F. McKay III
President

It is with deep sadness that the Ancient Order of Hibernians learned of the passing of Brigadier General James P. Cullen, Esq. after a courageous battle with illness. His passing is a loss to both America and Ireland.

The story of General Cullen is in miniature the story of Irish America. He severed his country honorably in the United States Army. Starting from the rank of private soldier, by his diligence he attained the rank of Brigadier General, serving in the prestigious Judge Advocate General’s Corp as Chief Judge of the U.S. Army Court of Criminal Appeals. Simultaneously, General Cullen never forgot his Irish origins tracing back to County Offaly. General Cullen was a constant American voice for freedom and justice for those whose voice was suppressed in Northern Ireland. As past President of the Brehon Law Society and President of Friends of Sinn Fein, he was to the end a powerful advocate for a lasting peace built on justice and respect in Ireland.

Those who met General Cullen will remember an imposing and dignified military bearing which gave way in an instant with his warm smile. Like the mythical Irish Fianna, he was a constant warrior in the most noble of causes: justice for his fellow man. Legend records that the motto of the Fianna was Beart de réir ár mbriathar (Action to match our speech). General Cullen was the personification of that motto, and his memory is a challenge to all of us to continue his work.

Ní bheidh a leithéid arís ann. May he rest in peace.

I would like to thank and congratulate all of the Veterans who belong to the AOH. We owe each of you a debt of gratitude. It is because of your work we enjoy the many freedoms we have in the United States of America.

In honor of the Hibernian Veterans, I share a poem that National Veterans Affairs Chairman Jim Green sent along. I invite all Hibernians to watch this recording of the poem in honor of our Veterans: I Am a Veteran

Also Thanks to Brother Green and Brother Cole, you will notice a change on our membership cards this year indicating Veteran Status for all Veterans who are identifies on your division membership list. The National Office is in the process of sending each division their current membership list in order that we may have the most up to date addresses, any misspelled names corrected, e-mail address added and corrected if necessary and now an indication of veteran status.

In additional to the indication on your membership card, your division will now have an opportunity to purchase an AOH USA Veterans pin for each of your division Veterans. I have included a photo of the new pin and an advance order form. Any division using this form to order their pins by December 1 will receive their pins in our first mailing with no shipping fees. After December 1, normal shipping fees will be added to your order.

This pin exclusive to AOH USA Veterans is a small token of our continued appreciation for your service.

Brothers,

I’m just returning from D.C. where Senator Billy Lawless and I met with representatives from our National Homeland Security Agency concerning the many undocumented Irish born currently living in the United States. As many of you may know that figure could be anywhere from 35-50 thousand people. Many of these Irish born have been in residence for many years and have become hard working members of our community paying taxes and raising families just like you and I. With the attitude of our new administration toward this issue these undocumented could find themselves in very tenuous positions for themselves and their families. The meeting was very enlightening but not encouraging for this problem, a great deal of work has to continue to be done if a solution is ever to be reached.

We were also able to attend two evening receptions for our great friend Ambassador Anne Anderson, who has finished her term in DC as Irish Ambassador to the United States. The first was at her residence that included many notable people including the Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court. The second was the next night on the Hill, at the Capital, which was sponsored by the Irish Caucus and the Irish Embassy. It was obvious that she was well liked and respected by our Congressional leaders from both sides  of the aisles.

During that day Senator Lawless and I were able to personally meet with numerous Congressman and Senators and their staffs concerning the long overdue Immigration reform act.  All agree that it’s an issue that has to be addressed sooner or later, but there doesn’t seem to be a consensus on the key word “reform” yet. Many members of our order have been working the Hill diligently on this issue for the past several years and it can be very frustrating at times at the political “football” this has become.

This week we celebrate the birthday of our Country and I know all have made plans to gather with their families and friends to toast a new year of our republic. Many of these gatherings have taken place for generations with their immediate and extended families. I hope many will start the day off w a prayer and reflection of the blood and sweat our ancestors paid for making this country what it is and the ” freedom” that we all possess and sometimes take for granted.

God bless and Happy 4th.—Jim McKay

Brothers,

Two weeks from today many Hibernians will converge on Washington DC for the annual Pro Life March and Hibernian Pro Life Breakfast. I am looking forward to seeing many of you there. It is also important that those of us unable to attend the march participate your local Pro Life events. I suggest that your next meeting will be a great time for additional focus on our Pro Life Efforts. Brother Walsh, National Pro Life Chairman has provided and update article below the included the details for the DC events.

Why We March

As we begin the New Year we are also kicking off a National Membership Drive. Below you will see Organizer McSweeney’s first of many recruiting articles. The reality is, our continued success as an organization relies on each and every one of our recruiting efforts. Without you recruiting, we cannot succeed. Now is the time to begin your recruiting efforts and I am asking that recruiting is on the agenda of every Hibernian meeting moving forward at every level. We should ask and expect every member to bring in 1 new member every year.

Recruiting – Organizer’s Update

In Closing I wish you and your family a Happy New Year.

In our Motto,

James F. McKay III

Save the Date:
Pro Life March, January 27, 2017. Washington DC

Brexit Update from Chairman Seamus Boyle

There are a lot of ongoing situations in Ireland at the moment not least of which is the Brexit speech by Theresa May next Tuesday. The AOH Brexit Committee will have a conference call sometime after Tuesday. We will provide an update following our meeting.

Brothers,

Christmas is upon us and many divisions are in the process of installing new officers and hosting Christmas parties. We wish you all success as we move forward and continue to grow the premier Irish Catholic Organization in the USA. Once your installation is complete please send in an updated Form-9 so the National and State Boards know whom you new officers are. This should be completed every time there is any change in you officers at every level.

Today’s e-mail features an article from Charities and Missions Chair Ted Sullivan. Missions and Charities are important every day of our lives. It is important we remember that donations to Hibernian Charities are tax deductible and donations to Hibernian Charities received by the end of the year will benefit you as a year end tax deduction.

Report from National Charities and Missions Chairman

The second feature is from Immigration Chairman Dan Dennehy. Our national constitution calls on us “to encourage an equitable U.S. immigration law for Ireland, and to cooperate with groups for a fair American Immigration Policy.” Immigration is certainty critical work for the order and we are fortunate to have a strong group on Irish Immigration advocates among us. Our goal is to return to the day Ireland has a proper quota of immigrant visa’s annually.

Report from National Immigration Chairman

The final item in today’s e-mail is a reprint of the call for nomination letter for the Sean MacBride Humanitarian Award sent out by our AOH and LAOH National Vice Presidents. Nominations must be in by January 15,2017 and can be made by 1) All Officers of the Ancient Order of Hibernians & Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians, Inc., National Boards, Elected and appointed, 2) All Officers of the Ancient Order of Hibernians & Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians, Inc., State Boards, elected and appointed, and 3) Divisions in meeting assembled. If you do have a nomination please be sure it is in on time.

Call for Sean MacBride Humanitarian Award Nominations

In our Motto,

James F. McKay III

Save the Date:

Pro-Life Breakfast, Friday, January 27, 2017
The Irish Channel (500 H St NW, Washington, DC)
Hibernian Mass: 9 a.m., Breakfast Buffet: 9:30 a.m., $25pp
Join your fellow Hibernians for Fellowship & Speakers prior to the March.
Contact JP Walsh for more information: John Patrick Walsh

Upcoming Degrees

January 29, 2017, Major Degree at the Albany Ancient Order of Hibernians 375 Ontario Street, Albany, New York 12208, Candidates are to report by noon. Cost $20, observers $10, includes food after the Degree.

Brothers,

Thanksgiving is upon us and Christmas is just around the corner. This months AOH update features articles on Hibernian Hunger and the FFAI Christmas Appeal. We have also included some important dates for Hibernians.

Thanksgiving is a good time to discuss hunger issues but we clearly understand that hunger is an issue 365 days a year. I am amazed at the great work done by our Hibernian Brothers around the country throughout the year. I have asked Hibernian Hunger Chair Tom Beirne to help educate us on the various successful programs from around the country so other divisions can consider programs that may work best for them. He will also be considering a National Food Drive that will take place outside the holiday season when hunger issue may not be in the forefront of our thoughts.

Report from National Hunger Chairman

The annual FFAI Christmas Appeal has been a cornerstone project for the Hibernians for as long as I remember. As such, it is important that every division, county and state board do what they can to help us succeed. As with any program your participation is key to our success.

Our current board policy for the Christmas Appeal requires that all donations request come to us via an application that is due into Chairman Gowdy by January 19, 2017. Your donation may be designated to various donation categories or organizations as long as the meet the criteria and apply for a grant. The current donation categories include: Ex Republican Prisoners; Truth and Justice Groups; Cross Community; Local Community; Irish Culture; Preserving Irish Republican History; and Cross Border.  It is also time for our four-year review so we anticipate an updated board policy in spring of 2017.

2016-17 FFAI Christmas Appeal

In closing I wish you and your family a blessed and safe Thanksgiving.

In our Motto,

James F. McKay III

Save the Date:
Pro-Life Breakfast
Friday, January 27, 2017
The Irish Channel (500 H St NW, Washington, DC)
Hibernian Mass: 9 a.m., Breakfast Buffet: 9:30 a.m., $25pp
Join your fellow Hibernians for Fellowship & Speakers prior to the March

Dear Brothers,

As I send this out today I am sure that you and I have everyone in the path of Hurricane Mathew, including our Hibernian Brothers and Sisters, in our prayers. I have been in e-mail contact with our Liaisons in the affected area and most were preparing for the worst and praying for the best outcome. As always, the AOH will be there for them.

In this months update we look at our Label Program and the Notre Dame Cushwa Center Hibernian Lecture.

AOH UPDATE – AOH National Board Directs All Label Program Proceeds to Hibernian Charities

AOH UPDATE – University of Notre Dame Cushwa Center for the Study of American Catholicism Hibernian Lecture Series

Your national board voted this week to earmark all proceeds from the Label program to Hibernian Charities. The primary beneficiary will be Project St. Patrick. Not only does Project St. Patrick’s assist seminarians and religious, it benefits the seminarians and religious from your local diocese. Beginning with last years Project St. Patrick Appeal all applications are distributed through the vocations director from dioceses with a Hibernian presence. Please make your label donation today and support Hibernian Charities.

In Our Motto
James F. McKay III

Dear Brothers,

This is the first of what will be a monthly “AOH UPDATE” touching on some of the key issues we face in a timely manner. Within these updates we hope to address issues pertaining to all facets of the AOH. This inaugural update includes an article on Brexit from our political education chairman as well as an article from Catholic Action.

Because of the recent developments in Ireland regarding the exit of Britain from the EU, I have formed an ad hoc committee entitled the “Border Elimination Committee”.  I have appointed Seamus Boyle as the Chairman with the following committee members: Neil Cosgrove, Paul Gowdy, Ned McGinley, Joe Roche and Brendan Moore.  The committee will be asked to follow the events in Britain and Ireland on the London government’s decision to erect borders separating Ireland from the occupied Counties in the North.  The National Board would like the committee to monitor the situation and be ready to speak out against the erection of hard borders and be a voice for not only the Irish in America but also the Irish everywhere.  The committee will not only keep the National Board abreast of the developments as a result of Brexit, but also our Noble Order with both articles in the Digest as well as e-mail blast when it is appropriate.  If the AOH is to be a voice of the Irish in America, then we have to be prepared to inject our opinions at all levels.
AOH UPDATE – BREXIT

Our Catholic Action piece looks at the Catholic Churches affected by the Louisiana flooding, the world day of prayer for the care of creation and Saint Teresa. Please take the time to read these articles and share them with other members and friends of our Irish Catholic Community.
AOH UPDATE – Catholic Action

In Our Motto
James F. McKay III