Greetings Brothers,
Irish American Heritage Month (IAHM) starts this Friday, March 1st , and presents a multitude of opportunities for us to wear the green, show our Irish Pride, and RECRUIT NEW MEMBERS!
Thanks once more to Brother Bill Halpin, PSP for his efforts to remind the Virginia Governor’s office of the tradition and importance of IAHM.
Please see the Governor’s Proclamation attached and be sure to disseminate it throughout your divisions and in your parishes.
St. Patrick’s Day parades are planned throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia starting with the parade in Alexandria on March 2nd , where The AOH Virginia State Board banner will proudly lead the Hibernian contingent through the streets of Old Town. Parade’s are also scheduled in Manassas on March 9th , and Warrenton on March 16th just to name a few. Please send parade and event information to our webmaster, Brother Pat Shea (pshea1128@gmail.com) to be sure to have it included on our state event calendar, and check all events on our website at www.aohvirginia.org . Please come on out and march or at least bring the family and support a parade or event near you!
Also attached is a flyer with information on this year’s Gaelic Mass scheduled for Monday, March 11th, sponsored by the Col. John Fitzgerald Division in Falls Church.
Thank you to Brother Alex Wilson and our Fitzgerald Division Brothers for once again organizing this beautiful event to celebrate the Patron Saint of Ireland.
The last attachment, from our worthy State Chaplain, Fr. Joseph Farrell, contains information on how we can donate to the St. Patrick Statue and Shrine campaign for the Arlington Cathedral. Bishop Burbidge of Arlington has asked for Hibernian support for this most worthwhile project. This is a great way to honor St. Patrick, so I ask each Division and individual Hibernian in Virginia to prayerfully consider making a donation to this great cause.
Finally, our next Virginia State Board Quarterly meeting is scheduled for Saturday, May 4th, at St. Joseph’s Church in Richmond.
The meeting will be hosted by the Msgr. Charles A. Kelly, Jr. Division. Details to follow as the date draws closer.
I wish everyone a wonderful Irish American Heritage Month and a very Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
We Stand Stronger Together!
In Our Motto,
Bob Fay
Capt. Robert A. Fay
President, AOH Virginia State Board
Ancient Order of Hibernians in America
