THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE ANCIENT ORDER OF HIBERNIANS IN AMERICA

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3 THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE ANCIENT ORDER OF HIBERNIANS IN AMERICA In 1836, some Hibernian members who had immigrated to America wished to organize a branch of the order in New York City. They communicated their desires to their brothers in Ireland and in June of that year received both permission and instructions from the Hibernians in Ireland to establish an AOH order within the United States. These first American AOH Brothers were as follows: Patrick McGuire - Co. Fermanagh John Reilly - Co. Cavan Patrick McKenna - Co. Monaghan John Derkin - Co. Mayo Patrick Reilly - Co. Derry Patrick Boyle - Co. Sligo John Farrell - Co. Meath Thomas O Rorke - Co. Leitrim James McManus - Co. Antrim John McMahon - Co. Longford Patrick Dunn - Co. Tyrone Patrick Hamill - Co. Westmeath Daniel Gallagher - Glasgow, Scotland John Murphy - Liverpool, England The Ancient Order of Hibernians is America s oldest Irish Catholic Fraternal Organization founded concurrently in the coal-mining region of Pennsylvania and New York City in May, The Order can trace its roots back to a series of similar societies that existed in Ireland for more than 300 years. Today the AOH exists in America, Canada, Ireland, England, Wales and Scotland, however, while the organizations share a common thread, the American AOH is a separate and much larger organization. The early Irish societies were born of a need in the mid-fifteen hundreds to protect the welfare of fellow Irish Catholics, and especially the clergy who risked immediate death to keep the Catholic Faith alive in occupied Ireland after the Penal Laws of These various secret societies were formed across the country to aid and comfort their people by whatever means was available. Similarly, the AOH in America was founded at New York s St. James Church on May 4,1836 by men emulating these Irish societies, to protect the clergy and churches from the violent American Nativists who attacked Irish Catholic immigrants and Church property. At the same time the vast influx of Irish Immigrants fleeing Ireland s Great Hunger in the late 1840 s, prompted a growth in many Irish societies in the USA the largest of which was, and continues to be, the AOH. Active across the United States, The Order seeks to aid the newly arrived Irish, both socially and economically. The many Divisions and club facilities located throughout the U.S. have traditionally been among the first to welcome new Irish immigrants. Here, the Irish culture art, dance, music, and sports are fostered and preserved. The newcomers can meet some of their own and are introduced to the social atmosphere of the Irish-American community. the AOH has been at the forefront for issues concerning the Irish, such as; Immigration Reform; economic Incentives both here and in Ireland; the human rights issues addressed in the MacBride Legislation; Right-To-Life; and a peaceful and just solution to the issues that divide Ireland. The Order has also provided a continuing bridge with Ireland for those who are generations removed from our ancestral homeland. The AOH sponsors many programs associated with promoting our Irish Heritage such as the Irish Way Program, Scholarships and National History Day sponsorship. We invite all Catholics of Irish birth or descent to seek admittance to the FINEST Irish Catholic Organization in the World all we would ask is for you to live our motto of Friendship, Unity, and Christian Charity. Dia s Muire dhuit! (God and Mary be with you) 2 3

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5 Convention Agenda 17 th Biennial LAOH/AOH Florida State Convention Saturday, October 5, 2013 Sheraton Orlando North Hotel in Maitland, Florida Joint AOH/LAOH Morning Session 1. Call to Order with Prayers, Pledge of Allegiance, and singing of the National Anthems 2. Introduction of Florida s State Chaplain 3. Introduction of AOH/LAOH National Officers 4. Call to Convention read by State Secretary 5. Brief address by the AOH and LAOH State Presidents 6. Adjourn to the separate AOH/LAOH Session Meetings. AOH Morning Session 1. Call to Order with Opening Prayer followed by the Pledge of Allegiance 2. Roll Call of Officers and Delegates 3. Reading of the Minutes from the last State Board Meeting 4. Introduction of and Address by a Representative of the National Board 5. Submission of Reports by the State Board a. State Vice President Richard A Hewitt b. State Secretary Francis X. Delaney c. State Treasurer William J. Konecny d. State President Greg Seán Canning 6. Submission of Reports by the State Chairmen 7. Submission of Reports by Division Presidents 8. Adjournment of Morning Session followed by Closing Prayer AOH Afternoon Session 1. Call to Order with Opening Prayer 2. Good and Welfare of the Order 3. Bills and Claims 4. Unfinished Business 5. New Business 6. Nominations and Elections 7. Adjournment of Afternoon Session followed by Closing Prayer To Be An Irishman is a Blessing..To Be a Hibernian is an Honor Convention Agenda 17 th Biennial LAOH/AOH Florida State Convention Saturday, October 5, 2013 Sheraton Orlando North Hotel in Maitland, Florida LAOH Morning Session 1. Call to Order with Opening Prayer followed by the Pledge of Allegiance 2. Roll Call of Officers and Delegates 3. Reading of the Minutes from the last State Board Meeting 4. Introduction of and Address by a Representative of the National Board 5. Submission of Reports by the State Board a. State Vice President Nancy Fay b. State Secretary Rita Billingsley c. State Treasurer Margot Neuendorf d. State President Margaret Smith 6. Submission of Reports by the State Chairwomen 7. Nominations and Elections 8. Adjournment of Morning Session followed by Closing Prayer LAOH Afternoon Session 1. Call to Order with Opening Prayer 2. Good and Welfare of the Order 3. Bills and Claims 4. Submission of Reports by Division Presidents 5. New Business 6. Adjournment of Afternoon Session followed by Closing Prayer Degree Ceremony To Be An Irishman is a Blessing..To Be a Hibernian is an Honor 6 7

6 2013 Florida State Convention Banquet Menu Each menu is a three course dining experience featuring a starter, entrée and dessert served with oven fresh rolls with creamy butter and freshly brewed Starbucks coffee (regular and decaffeinated). Starter Market vegetable salad: mixed greens layered with fresh vegetables, marinated in cabernet vinaigrette. Entrée* Stuffed Chicken: 6 oz airline chicken breast stuffed with spinach, ricotta cheese and pine nuts placed on a red pepper coulis, accompanied with horseradish smashed potatoes and glazed baby carrots. Black and Blue Steak: Lightly seasoned grilled blackened 6 oz sirloin topped with bleu cheese, horseradish smashed potatoes, and seasonal vegetables. Asian Infused Tofu (Vegetarian Option): Peanut Melody - Cubed Tofu is lightly floured, pan seared, then hand blended with Chinese vegetables and a sweet peanut dressing. *Place cards will be provided indicating attendee name and their entrée selection. Salted Caramel Crunch Cake Dessert Convention Lunch Options GRANDE CAFÉ (Atrium/Lobby) Dine in the beautiful atrium lobby and enjoy daily buffets and dinner specials. The Grande Café is a perfect place for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Hours: Monday-Saturday 6:30 AM - 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM Sunday 7:00 AM - 12:00 PM CONNECTION CAFE (Lobby) Enjoy Starbucks coffee located just off the main lobby with a deli selection. Hours: Monday-Friday 6:30 AM - 2:00 PM Saturday & Sunday 7:00 AM - 12:00 PM CELESTIAL LOUNGE (Beautiful Atrium lounge with waterfall & live palm trees) Full service bar and dining menu. Enjoy happy hour & view favorite sporting event. Hours: Monday-Friday 4:00 PM - 11:00 PM; Saturday 2:00 PM - 11:00 PM; Sunday 12:00 PM - 9:00 PM Total Number of Hibernians Killed on 9/11 18 Hibernians (9 NY, 9 NJ) Florence M. Gregory LAOH -- Div 22 Brooklyn, NY Charles Houston AOH -- Div 19 Brooklyn, NY Richard Fitzsimons AOH -- Div 14 Nassau County, NY Dennis Devlin AOH -- Div 2 Orange County, NY Gerard T. Nevins AOH -- Div 2 Orange County, NY Kevin C. Dowdell AOH -- Div 21 Queens County, NY Arthur Warren Scullin AOH -- Div 9 Queens County, NY Seán Fegan AOH -- Div 8 Rockland County, NY Richard Muldowney Jr, AOH -- Div 2 Suffolk County, NY ****************************** Maurice V. Barry AOH -- Div 8 Hudson County, NJ Liam Callahan AOH -- Div 8 Hudson County, NJ Thomas E. Gorman AOH -- Div 8 Hudson County, NJ Steven Huczko AOH -- Div 8 Hudson County, NJ Donald J. McIntyre AOH -- Div 8 Hudson County, NJ Jim Nelson AOH -- Div 8 Hudson County, NJ Bruce Reynolds AOH -- Div 8 Hudson County, NJ Mike Wholey AOH -- Div 8 Hudson County, NJ Peter Milan AOH -- Div 2 Monmouth County, NJ As a people united, it is important that we forever remember and continue to honor the memory of those who lost their lives on September 11 and the sacrifices and contributions made in response to this tragic and unforgettable event. 8 9

7 The Life of St. Patrick Much of Patrick s life is shrouded in mystery and historians differ on the probable chronology of the saint s life. Fortunately, he has left behind two documents, his Confession and his Letter to Coroticus, which describe some of his experiences. Although he was not the first Christian missionary to reach Ireland, Patrick is the principal force for converting the pagan island and establishing the Celtic church, which belongs to him. For it was Patrick who dedicated his life to, and braved all odds to share his faith with, the people of Ireland. St. Patrick was born in the latter part of the 4th century (around 385 AD) to wealthy parents in Roman-ruled Britain, living probably in Wales. St. Patrick was christened Maewyn Succat, and later renamed Patricius (later Anglicized to Patrick) by Pope Celestine. He was the son of a Roman official named Calpurnius. At the age of 16, Patrick was captured by Irish raiders and sold to an Irish chieftain called Milchu. Serving as a slave for 6 years, St. Patrick herded sheep on Slemish Mountain in Co. Antrim, where he spent a lonely, contemplative life. During this time, he gained knowledge of the Celtic way of life: their language, culture, and nature-based beliefs. Turning to religion during his loneliness, St. Patrick is said to have experienced visions and voices telling him that it was time to leave Ireland and that a ship would be waiting to take him to his own country. After a journey of 200 miles he found the ship, which enabled him to escaped to Britain and return to his family. Patrick later moved to Gaul where he studied for 12 years under St. Germanus, Bishop of Auxerre, France. During this time, St. Patrick s prayerful life once more led him to see visions and hear voices that urged him to return to Ireland and to take the light and redemption of Christ to the Irish people. Lacking the required scholarship, Church leaders at first refused to approve his apostolate to Ireland. However, his mission to Ireland was finally approved by the Church due to the early death of Saint Palladius, the first Bishop sent to convert the Irish people. St. Patrick returned to Ireland around AD 432. Arriving on the shores of Strangford Lough, Patrick quickly make a convert of a local chief named Dichu, who gave him a barn at Saul in County Down for his first church. Patrick preached to the people and easily converted them by the thousands. Knowledge of the language and culture made St. Patrick s task easier, as did his clever approach to converting the Irish to Christianity St. Patrick never attempted to stamp out Irish rites and rituals. Instead, he blended them with Christian customs and teachings thus winning people over easily. We can see the evidence of this in the Celtic Cross and the bonfire at Easter. Before long, Patrick made his way to the Hill of Tara in County Meath, the seat of the high king of Ireland. Arriving on the eve of Easter, he lit a paschal fire on the nearby Hill of Slane. At this time of year, it was pagan practice to put out all fires before a new one was lit at Tara. When the druids at Tara saw the light from Slane, they warned King Laoghaire that he must extinguish it or it would burn forever. Patrick was summoned to Tara, and on the way he and his followers chanted the hymn known as The Lorica or Saint Patrick s Breastplate. Although Laoghaire remained a pagan, he was so impressed by the saint that he gave him permission to make converts throughout his realm. Patrick travelled widely in Ireland, making converts and establishing new churches, though he eventually made his headquarters at Armagh. St. Patrick established several schools and churches facilitating the progress of his mission. St. Patrick s brave and enlightened journey came to an end when he died on March 17, AD 461. Tradition says he died at Saul and was buried at nearby Downpatrick. As with all saints, whose feast days are celebrated on the anniversary of their death, the church named March 17 as his feast day. It is St. Patrick s dedication and his love for the Irish people that are recalled and celebrated every March 17, along with Irish traditions and customs

8 The Life of St. Brigid Confirmed historical facts about St. Brigid are few because the numerous accounts of her life include many miracles and anecdotes deeply intertwined with pagan Irish folklore. Nevertheless, these accounts taken together give us a strong impression of her character and her importance to countless generations of Celtic women and men. Brigid was born in approximately the year 453 in Faughart, a few miles from Dundalk, county Louth. Some say her parents were of humble origin; others that they were Dubhthach, an Irish chieftain of Leinster, and Brocca, a slave at his court. Shortly after Brigid s birth, she was sent away to Murroe in East Limerick to be put to fosterage. When she came of an age, Brigid returned to her father s house, taking her mother s place in the usual bondswoman duties. Even as a child it was already apparent that Brigid had a calling as she showed a special love for the poor. She kept a secret store of clothes and food for them, and on one occasion when her mother sent her to collect butter, the child gave it all away. She even made gifts to the poor from her father s property when there was nothing else available. Dubhthach and his wife were less than tolerant of this behavior, and together they sought ways to make Brigid someone else s responsibility. In time, Dubhthach tried to arrange a marriage for his daughter, but she wasn t interested. Beautiful Brigid consecrated herself to God at a young age, choosing a life of virginity, dedication to God and service to the poor. Brigid s sanctity drew many others. When she was about 15 she settled with seven other likeminded girls near Croghan Hill in order to devote herself to God s service. Along with these seven, also seeking the veil, she approached St. Maccaille for guidance. At first, Maccaille was doubtful of the wisdom of Brigid s decision, thinking it was a case of misdirected zeal. However, the more time he spent with Brigid and her postulants, the more he came to see that the hand of God was guiding them. When Brigid and her virgins appeared before Bishop Mel, various accounts tell that a miraculous manifestation of the Holy Spirit occurred. For humility Brigid had sent herself to the back of the line so that she might be the last to whom a veil should be given. But a fiery pillar appeared to rise from her head to the roof ridge of the church, inspiring Bishop Mel to call her forth. As a result of this supernatural intervention, the form of ordaining a bishop was read out over Brigid. At Bishop Mel s request, Brigid founded a convent at Ardagh, the first convent of strict religious observance to be established on Irish soil. It soon became a center of great activity. Thousands came to receive instruction in the Christian faith. Not one to rest, Brigid traveled establishing new convents dedicated to learning, prayer and conversions. A woman of wisdom and common sense, Brigid s genius for leadership and organization was widely recognized. She established schools, set sisters to work making vestments, and organized the episcopal government of her city. She became the most significant religious leader in Kildare. St. Brigid saw that the needs of the body and the needs of the spirit intertwined. Her generosity in adult life was legendary. The best-known custom connected with Brigid is the plaiting of reed crosses for her feast day. This tradition dates to the story that she was plaiting rush crosses while nursing a dying pagan chieftain. He asked her about this and her explanation led to his being baptized. Many traditional blessings invoke her in Irish (Brid agus Muire dhuit, Brigid and Mary be with you). Brigid died shortly after her 70th birthday, after a long and productive life in the service of others. Her spirit lives on in the hospitality afforded by the nuns at Kildare, and she is still revered as a patron of Irish women and motherhood. She is one of the five patron saints of Ireland and second only to Patrick. Christians and pagans alike celebrate Brigid s feast on February 1, also known as Imbolc, the ceremonial first day of spring; thereby perpetually connecting St. Brigid with the renewal of the earth, the promise of abundance, the hope of new growth, and the eternal cycle of new life

9 The first persons to call themselves Hibernians in Florida were the members of the Hibernian Regiment of the Spanish Army under the Command of Colonel Arturo O Neill of County Tyrone who besieged Fort George, drove the British from Pensacola and established Spanish control of Western Florida on the 9th of March For the next 12 years O Neill governed Western Florida under Spanish Law. Ninety-five years later the Ancient Order of Hibernians established the first division of the Order in the State of Florida when James D. Redmond became the President of the Jacksonville Division on March 30th A second division was established in Jacksonville in 1894 and a third division was founded in Pensacola in No two divisions of the Order were in existence simultaneously in this era and by 1900 there were only 85 Hibernians in Florida; within a very short period all divisions within the State became defunct. There was a long period of almost three quarters of a century of Hibernian hibernation until the Order was reestablished in Fort Lauderdale, Broward County in 1974 under the guidance of Florida s only National President, Tom Gilligan, and former State President and National Director, Jim French. Soon thereafter a division was established in Pinellas County. Notwithstanding the fact that no State Board had been established at the time, Florida Hibernians organized and administered a highly successful National Convention in Miami in The State Board was established a few years later (circa 1983) and Eddie Kalfleish, formerly of New York, was elected as the first State President. A State banner was designed and produced by Ernie Kees of the then fledgling Brevard 2 Division. The immediate Past President of the Florida State Board, Sean Denny, is a native Floridian and the youngest person to hold the office in the State and was, perhaps, the youngest State President in the nation when he was elected to that office in He represents an anomaly in that the majority of the membership in Florida is made up of émigrés from the various States drawn to the warmth of the Sunshine State in their retirement years for the full year or as snowbirds for the winter months. Consequently, the attrition and mortality rates are high and divisions of the Order in Florida prosper and wane in accord with the movements and health of its members. Therefore, the State has lost divisions in Brevard, Indian River and St. John s Counties. New divisions, however, have been added over the past few years with the help of our State Organizers and senior members. The current divisions in the order of their seniority are described in the following section. Written by Brother Patrick Moynihan, long time Brother of our Order and Brevard Division 2 Edited by Brother Greg Seán Canning, April 2013 CURRENT FLORIDA STATE PRESIDENT 2011 Present... Greg Seán Canning PAST FLORIDA STATE PRESIDENTS Seán Denny Joe LaGuardia Ed Pauly John Brogan Patrick Gilligan Date Unknown... Marty McAndrew Eddie Kalfleish CURRENT FLORIDA DIVISIONS IN THE ORDER OF THEIR SENIORITY Pasco County: William G. Hulton Division 1. Named for its first President, the Division received its charter on March 17th, The home division of Past State President Joe LaGuardia received the National Award for Charities at the New Orleans Convention in Brevard County: Fulton J. Sheen Division 2. Named for America s best-known Archbishop, the Division received its charter on October 8th, The home division of current State President Greg Seán Canning hosts an annual St. Patrick s Day Parade and Commodore John Barry Day. Citrus County: Brig. General John Sullivan Division 1. This division was formed circa 1989 and has been commended for its charitable endeavors. The Brothers of this Division erected a Famine Memorial in the form of a Celtic cross at St. Scholastica Church in Lecanto. In 2012, this monument and its location was refurbished by the Hibernian Brothers from the Citrus County, Lake County, and State Board Brothers. Pinellas County: Padraic Pearse Division 2. Named for the Irish Patriot, the Division was installed on December10th, The home division of Past State President Seán Denny it best known for it scholarship and charities programs. Hillsborough County: Thomas Cardinal O Fiaich Division 1. Named for a Primate of All-Ireland, the Division received its charter on November 17th, The Division is renowned for its charitable fundraisers (Broadway to Galway, Danny Justice Show, etc.) Broward County: Patrick Behan Division 1. Named for a slain Deputy Sheriff, this Division is composed mainly of law enforcement officers. It received its charter on November 16th, 2009 and is working on pending charities. Martin County: Fr. Michael Judge Division 1. Named for a saintly hero of 911, the Division was installed on February 27th, It is the only division in the State to have its own bagpipe band and to sponsor both a St. Patrick s Day Parade and an Irish Festival. Palm Beach County County: Daniel M. Rooney Division 1. Named for the U.S. Ambassador to Ireland, the Division was installed on June 21st, Charities include work projects and donations to their local St. Patrick s Church. Lake County (The Villages): Mother Teresa of Calcutta Division 1. Named for the recently beatification of Blessed Teresa of Calcutta, the Division was formed in August the one hundredth birthday of Mother Teresa. In keeping with her good works, several charities have been targeted for adoption by the Division. Pasco County: James Francis Powers Division 2. Named for the recently deceased Florida State Secretary, the new division was installed on July 9th, 2011 with State Vice-President, Phil Mulrenin as its first President. On February 11th, 2012, the Division was presented with its Charter by State President, Greg Seán Canning. Broward County: Fireman Bill Elliott Division 2. Received its Charter on January 23, Named for deceased Fireman Bill Elliot, the Division formed on December 5th, It received its charter on January 23rd, 2012 by State President Greg Seán Canning and State Organizer John Pesce. Hernando County: Bishop Norbert Dorsey Division 1. Named for deceased Orlando Bishop Norbert Dorsey (a member of Brevard Co. Div. 2) the Division formed on February 28th, 2013 and accepted it s charter on April 18, Dr. Michael Higgins was elected as the Division s first President. The Charter was presented to the Division by State President Greg Seán Canning and State Organizer and Past State President Joe LaGuardia

10 Ancient Order of Hibernians Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians Friendship, Unity & Christian Charity Hernando County AOH Bishop Norbert Dorsey Division One Michael Higgins, President & LAOH Saint Theresa Division One Nancy Fay, President Congratulate The Florida State Board On A Great 17 th Bi-Annual State Convention 16 17

11 HAVE A GREAT & SUCCESSFUL STATE CONVENTION Ancient Order of Hibernians William G. Hulton Division 1 Pasco County, Florida President Vice President Recording Secretary Financial Secretary Treasurer Marshal Sentinel Chairman Standing Committee Irish History Organizer Peter Fegan Dan McKinnon Jack Marshall Clark Hill Joe LaGuardia Joe Heaney James Crowley Bob Fagan Tom Mullen Dan Poulter Maureen Shelton National President Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians St. Brigid Division One Pasco County, Florida President Vice President Secretary Treasurer Financial Secretary Historian Catholic Action Missions & Charities Mistress-At-Arms Sentinel Peggie Smith Jackie LaGuardia Carol Croissent Ruth Ann Duda Teresa Fegan Audrey Coghlan Theresa Wozniak Ellen Levi Margaret Halfpenny Marie McLaughlin As We Raise Our Celtic Tree-of-Life Goblet We Toast All The Irish People In Friendship, Unity and True Christian Charity 18 19

12 Ancient Order of Hibernians Fulton J. Sheen, Division 2 Brevard County, Melbourne, Florida Greg Seán Canning Gríoghár Seán Ó Canannáin Uachtarán Stáit - State President Florida AOH State Board Cell: (201) St. Patrick Guide Our Convention Proceedings St. Brigid Guide Us To A Productive Convention. Peggie Smith L.A.O.H. Florida State President Ancient Order of Hibernians Friendship, Unity, and Christian Charity Join the Oldest and Largest Irish Catholic Organization in America today! Contact the following Officer for further information Seán Denny - AOH Past FL State President vemmer20@aol.com Ph: (727)

13 Florida State Officers President: Greg Seán Canning V. President: Richard A Hewitt Secretary: Francis X. Delaney Treasurer: William J. Konecny Best Wishes for a Great Convention William J. Egan: Div 2, Hartford CT Margaret P. Egan: Div 1, Brevard FL From Vero Beach God Bless & Safe travel to All Yours in Motto, Margaret Egan Prayer to Our Lady of Knock Our Lady of Knock, Queen of Ireland, you gave hope to our people in a time of distress and comforted them in sorrow. You have inspired countless pilgrims to pray with confidence to your divine Son, remembering His promise: "Ask and you shall receive, Seek and you shall find". Help me to remember that we are all pilgrims on the road to heaven. Fill me with love and concern for my brothers and sisters in Christ, especially those who live with me. Comfort me when I am sick or lonely or depressed. Teach me how to take part ever more reverently in the holy Mass. Pray for me now, and at the hour of my death. Amen. The Brothers of Lake County Division 1 wish the Florida State Boards of the AOH and the LAOH a very successful State Convention. Division Officers Patrick Kennedy: President Lou Emond: Marshall Joe Farrell: Vice-President Frank Noonan: Sentinel Jim Judge: Financial Secretary G. Michael Shilale: Webmaster G. Michael Shilale: Recording Secretary Finbarr McGrath: Standing Committee Chaplain: Fr. Gregg Elliott Tom Farrell: Historian Our monthly Hibernian meetings take place at: St. Timothy Catholic Church Hall, 1351 Paige Place, Lady Lake, FL starting at 2:00 PM on the second Thursday of each month. Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernian Brevard County Division 1 Daughters of Erin Ellen Sigler: President Margot Neuendorf: Vice President Eileen Chandler: Recording Secretary Donna Stowe: Financial Secretary Maureen Spisak: Treasurer Betsy Hampton: Historian Doris Casario: Catholic Action Mary Laird: Missions and Charities Continued Success to the State Boards of the AOH and the LAOH We pledge our support to the new officers of the LAOH 22 23

14 St. Patrick of Ireland Hail, Glorious St. Patrick Hail, glorious St. Patrick! We honor thy name. Tho Erin may claim thee, the world knows thy fame. The faith of our fathers is our treasure too. How holy the thought, that they learned it from you. Thru crosses and trials its fires burn bright, They show us the way, and the truth, and the light. Great Saint! Intercede, that I always may be Devoted and loyal, a true child of thee. My love and devotion be ever like thine, My thought be of Jesus, my heart be His shrine. And when to the end of life s path I have trod, Be near me great Bishop, Anointed of God

15 St. Brigid of Ireland St. Brigid s Prayer Brigid You were a woman of peace. You brought harmony where there was conflict. You brought light to the darkness. You brought hope to the downcast. May the mantle of your peace cover those who are troubled and anxious, and may peace be firmly rooted in our hearts and in our world. Inspire us to act justly and to reverence all God has made. Brigid you were a voice for the wounded and the weary. Strengthen what is weak within us. Calm us into a quietness that heals and listens. May we grow each day into greater wholeness in mind, body and spirit. From all sin and harm, From all danger and woe, Guard me St. Brigid wherever I go. O Brigid be with me, Until the roads end, And help me walk through the gate as God s Friend. Amen

16 State of Florida AOH / LAOH State Boards Seventeenth Biennial Convention October 4-6, 2013 To Be An Irishman is a Blessing To Be a Hibernian is an Honor 28