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What is the Ancient Order of Hibernians?
The Ancient Order
of Hibernians (AOH) is a Catholic, Irish-American Fraternal Organization founded
in New York City in 1836. The Order can trace its roots back to a parent organization
of the same name, which has existed in Ireland for over 300 years. However,
while the organizations share a common thread, the North American A.O.H. is
a separate and much larger organization.
The Order evolved from a need in the early sixteen hundreds to protect the
lives of priests who risked immediate death to keep the Catholic Faith alive
in occupied Ireland after the reign of England's King Henry VIII. When England
implemented its dreaded Penal Laws in Ireland, varied secret social societies
were formed across the country. These groups worked to aid and comfort the
people by whatever means available. Similarly, the Ancient Order of Hibernians
of America was founded May 4th, 1836 at New York's St. James Church, to protect
the clergy and church property from the "Know Nothings" and their
followers. At the same time the vast influx of Irish immigrants fleeing famine
issues in Ireland in the late 1840's, prompted a growth of various social
societies in the USA - the largest of which was, and continues to be, the
Ancient Order of Hibernians.
Active across the United States, the Order seeks to aid the newly arrived
Irish, both socially and politically. The many Divisions and club facilities
located throughout the U.S. traditionally have 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 political 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 country. The AOH sponsors many of the programs
associated with promoting our Irish heritage such as the IRISH WAY PROGRAM.
Members of the AOH come from all walks of life and social and economic backgrounds
yet enjoy fraternal fellowship in our Irish heritage.
The
Origins of the Ancient Order of Hibernians
The Ancient Order
of Hibernians was founded in 1565 when to be a Catholic in Ireland meant political
as well as social ostracism; when to be a priest of the Catholic Church meant
to be hunted like a wolf with the same price upon the head of each; when to
impart education to youth or instill the truths of religion into the minds
of the people was dealt the same pains and penalties as were prescribed for
the commission of the most heinous crimes; when every effort was being made
by the English government to stamp intelligence, patriotism and civilization
from the minds of native Irish.
From traditions in the Order it would seem that it's aim and objects were
mainly the protection of the priesthood while in the performance of their
sacred duties, and the execution of those rites and ceremonies instituted
by the Catholic Church for the observance by the faithful throughout the world.
Certain it is that this organization is due in a large measure the preservation
of the Catholic religion in Ireland.
The Ancient Order of Hibernians was organized in America in Saint James Church,
23 Oliver Street, New York City on May 4, 1836. Despite the many difficulties
it had to contend with during its early existence in this country, it has
continued to grow and prosper until it has become the largest and most influential
body of men of Irish lineage in the world. It is an American fraternal organization
and assists by every honorable means to promote the interests and welfare
of those with Irish heritage.
The
Benefits of A.O.H. Membership
- Subscription
to our bimonthly paper, the Hibernian Digest.
- Scholarships
for members and their families.
- Participation
in local, regional, and national fraternal organization networking.
- Community
involvement in socials, such as dinners, dances, picnics, festivals, parties,
sports and theatre.
- Assistance
in cases of bias and bigotry through the vigilance of a national anti-defamation
committee.
- An outlet
for professional energies and expertise.
- Representation
on issues of Irish-American concern.
- An influential
voice in local, state and national government.
- An opportunity
to experience Irish culture by promoting lectures, films, discussion groups
and teaching Irish Ceili dancing.
- Activities
and programs for the entire family.
- The A.O.H. provides a unique opportunity for its members to become involved in issues that are of interest to Irish American Catholics today.
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