AOH - New York County, 263 Mulberry Street, New York, NY (2026)

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,1836. 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 soci

eties 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 1691. 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”. (God and Mary be with you)
Interested in Joining? Facts about the
Ancient Order of Hibernians
The AOH is the oldest lay Catholic ethnic organization operating in the United States. The Hibernians represent the most broadly based Irish-American organization with over 80,000 members in 46 States, Canada and Ireland. The twin constitutional goals of the Irish and Catholic membership is to assist in the re-unification of Ireland, support the church and its mission and promote Irish culture. Support the raising of monuments to famed Irish or Irish-Americans (Commodore Barry, Robert Emmett) and memorials to events like the Great Hunger or the slaughter of abortion which are in every major American city, ie: Mobile, AL (Fr Abram Ryan), Washington, DC (Nuns of the Battlefield), Valley Forge, PA (Medal of Honor grove), and Chicago, IL (.Mt Olivet Cemetery). The history of the AOH lies not just in big cities but tracks America’s expansion West along the Lewis and Clark Trail (St Anne’s, Great Falls, MT), along the Cherokee trail (Sacred Heart, Pueblo, CO) and along side the Central Pacific Railroad from Ogden, UT (St. Joseph’s) to Sacramento, CA (Old Cathedral). The march of the AOH across the continent stretches from first stop on the National Road (St Patrick’s, Cumberland, MD) to Seattle, WA (St James Cathedral) with lesser known stops along the way that have all but vanished……Hinckletown IA, Snoddy’s Mill, IN, Kalo, IA . Forty Fort, PA, Irwin, GA and Iron Mountain, MO. Early history and growth of Hibernians is linked to mining for gold (Yreka, CA), copper and silver (Butte & Anaconda, MT), iron ore in Escanaba, MI (St Patrick’s) and Mt Pleasant, PA (St Joseph’s), hard rock mining (St Peter’s, Rutland, VT) and coal in Schuylkill Co, PA. where the infamous Molly Maguire trials were held
Hibernians shared meeting halls with other fraternal societies like the Foresters, Odd Fellows, Knights of Columbus, Knights of Pythias, and the GAR but were bitter opponents of the anti-Catholic and anti-Irish Know-Nothings who burned and attacked Catholic churches throughout the country. Members of the AOH have included labor leaders Terrence Powderly and John Sweeney, Bishops John Lennon and Fulton Sheen, and John Cardinal O’Connor, astronaut James McDevitt, President John F. Kennedy, insurance industry leader Bill Flynn, actor Pat O’Brien, Civil War General Thomas Francis Meagher, and recipients of the Congressional Medal of Honor

06/01/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Cardinal Timothy Dolan Accepts Appointment as Chaplain of the New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade

NEW YORK, NY June 1, 2026— The New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade is pleased to announce that His Eminence, Cardinal Timothy Michael Dolan, has accepted the appointment as Chaplain of the New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

The appointment was formally accepted during a recent meeting with Parade Chairman Sean Lane and Vice Chairman Brendan Benn. Cardinal Dolan, whose deep commitment to the Irish American community and the Catholic faith has been a hallmark of his ministry in New York, enthusiastically agreed to continue his long-standing relationship with the Parade in this new role.

“The Board is thrilled,” said Parade Chairman Sean Lane. “Since arriving in New York in 2009 as Archbishop of New York, His Eminence has served as a spiritual advisor and faithful friend to the Parade. Each year he has selected our religious theme, offered prayers at our events, celebrated Masses connected to the Parade, and reviewed the marchers from the steps of St. Patrick’s Cathedral. He has become an indispensable part of helping us fulfill our mission of celebrating Irish faith, heritage, and culture while honoring our beloved patron saint, St. Patrick.”

Cardinal Dolan served as the 10th Archbishop of New York from 2009 until his retirement in 2025, shepherding one of the largest and most prominent Catholic archdioceses in the world. Throughout his tenure, he was a visible and enthusiastic participant in the annual Parade and a strong advocate for preserving the traditions and values that have defined the Irish American experience in New York for generations.

Founded in 1762, the New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade is recognized as the oldest and largest St. Patrick’s Day Parade in the world. Each year, more than 150,000 marchers and hundreds of thousands of spectators gather along Fifth Avenue to celebrate the enduring contributions of Irish Americans to the life of the city, nation, and Church.

The Parade’s Catholic heritage remains central to its mission. From the annual Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral to the selection of a religious theme highlighting faith in action, the Parade continues to honor the spiritual legacy of Ireland’s patron saint.

When informed of Cardinal Dolan’s acceptance, Archbishop Ronald Hicks, who succeeded Cardinal Dolan as Archbishop of New York in 2026, warmly welcomed the news and expressed his support for the appointment. The Parade leadership looks forward to continuing its close relationship with the Archdiocese of New York under Archbishop Hicks’ leadership while benefiting from Cardinal Dolan’s wisdom and guidance as Chaplain.

“As we look to the future,” added Lane, “we are grateful that Cardinal Dolan will continue to be part of the Parade family. His joyful witness to the faith, his love for the Irish community, and his unwavering support of our mission make him uniquely suited for this role.”

The New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade extends its heartfelt congratulations and gratitude to Cardinal Dolan and looks forward to his continued spiritual leadership for years to come.

Media Contact
Bridget O'Brien
[email protected]
917-780-5589

# # #

Photo from left to right Ryan Lane, Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Parade Chairman Sean Lane and Parade Vice Chairman Brendan Benn

05/28/2026

Who will be the next New York Rose of Tralee? Join us and the reigning NY Rose Billie Cooper Sunday, June 7th Rory Dolan's for a great evening of craic for the 2026 New York Rose Selection! All are welcome! 🌹

05/23/2026

05/21/2026

In New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, Catholic life didn't develop in a clear-cut way, explains Father Anthony D. Andreassi of the Diocese of Brooklyn.

During America's early years, Catholics in those colonies lived not with religious freedom, "but under legal restriction or social suspicion."

And by the time of the Revolution, Catholics represented just 1% of the colonial population.

05/13/2026

Soc Dems abortion Bill : ‘What is proposed is a blanket decriminalisation’

05/11/2026

John Brown, Class of 1986

John Brown, a proud graduate of the State University of New York Maritime College at Fort Schuyler in the Bronx, Class of 1986, passed away tragically on Saturday, May 2, 2026, in a house fire at his home in Delaware. He was 64 years old.

Born on December 11, 1961, in Rockville Centre, New York, to the late Arthur and Kathleen Brown, John lived a life defined by service, leadership, faith, patriotism, and deep devotion to family and tradition.

A distinguished graduate of New York Maritime College, John earned his Bachelor of Engineering degree in Nuclear Science and Marine Engineering. During his time at Fort Schuyler, he earned the respect and admiration of his classmates, ultimately serving as Class President for the Class of 1986. His pride in Maritime College and the lifelong brotherhood formed there remained central to his identity throughout his life.

John dedicated 33 years of distinguished service to the United States Navy through his work with NAVSEA at the Philadelphia Navy Yard, where he contributed his expertise to vital naval engineering programs until his retirement in 2023. His professionalism, intellect, and steadfast commitment to his country earned him the admiration of colleagues and friends alike.

Deeply rooted in his faith and Irish heritage, John was a proud Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus, exemplifying the organization’s principles of charity, unity, fraternity, and patriotism. He was also a former member of Division 4 of the Ancient Order of Hibernians and proudly served as a member of the New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee in Manhattan, honoring and preserving the traditions and spirit of the Irish-American community he loved so dearly.

John was predeceased by his parents, Arthur and Kathleen Brown, and by his nephew, Ryan Brown.

He is survived by his three brothers: Michael Cavanagh Brown and his partner, Carol Perrone; Christopher Sidney Kielstrom Brown and his wife, Joan Mahoney; and James Kane Brown and his wife, Margaret (Gaccione) Brown. He is also survived by his beloved nieces, Erin Brown and Kathleen Ann McCarthy Brown, and his nephews, Patrick Brown, Sean Brown, and Liam Brown as well as many loving cousins, extended family members, lifelong friends, and fellow Maritime brothers whose lives were enriched by his kindness, loyalty, and enduring friendship.

To his family, John was more than a brother and uncle — he was a loyal friend, trusted advisor, and constant source of strength, humor, and compassion. His presence brought comfort and stability to those around him, and the void left by his passing will be deeply felt.

A lifelong New Yorker at heart, John will be brought home to Wantagh, New York, for his final farewell. Family, friends, classmates, colleagues, fellow Knights, and members of the Irish-American community are invited to attend the following services:

Visitation
Friday, May 15, 2026
2:00 PM – 8:00 PM
O’Shea Funeral Home
603 Wantagh Avenue
Wantagh, NY 11793

Funeral Mass
Saturday, May 16, 2026
9:30 AM
St. Francis de Chantal Roman Catholic Church
1309 Wantagh Avenue
Wantagh, NY 11793

Interment will immediately follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Hawthorne, New York.

John’s integrity, leadership, patriotism, and quiet generosity touched countless lives. He will be profoundly missed by his family, his Maritime brothers, fellow Knights, colleagues, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages those who knew John to honor his memory by sharing stories and remembrances in celebration of his remarkable life.

May he rest in eternal peace.

Address

263 Mulberry Street
New York, NY
10012

Website

http://aohnyc.org/

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