Our History
Our History
Our History
The early Irish societies were born of a need 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. These various secret societies were formed across the country to aid and comfort their people by whatever means was available. Similarl
The early Irish societies were born of a need 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. 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.
Our History
Our History
"There are but a 100 people in the United States who truly hate the Catholic Church. But there are millions more who hate what they think is the Catholic Church"
~ Archbishop Fulton Sheen - AOH Member and National Chaplin, 1940
Our Mission
Our History
Our Mission
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. The Order has also provided a continuing bridge with Ireland for those who are genera
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. 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.
Every year, John Ireland Division 4 is proud to provide scholarships for area students who otherwise may not have the privilege of getting a Catholic education. Whether its serving ice cream at the Irish Fair (pictured above) or organizing our annual golf tournament, the AOH is committed to charity and living out our Catholic faith.
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