THE CRESCENT HARP OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE ANCIENT ORDER OF HIBERNIANS IN LOUISIANA

VOLUME 3, ISSUE 2 DECEMBER 2011-FEBRUARY 2012

FOLLOW THE LOUISIANA THE MOST REVEREND PHILIP MATTHEW HANNAN AOH ON-LINE http://aohla.com (MAY 20, 1913—SEPTEMBER 29, 2011) Facebook: Louisiana State Board of The Ancient Order of Hibernians in active and integral part of the com- (himself ordained by Hannan) set the Ancient Order of Hibernians Louisiana bids an emotional but munity. His frequent outreach out to aside several days to honor Hannan. thankful farewell to The Most Rever- Catholics and non-Catholics alike The Ancient Order of Hibernians end Philip M. Hannan, the former made him one of the most popular mustered on Monday, October 3 to of . Han- figures in New Orleans, and non- receive the casket carrying nan, the namesake of Division Archbishop Hannan‘s re- 1 in Orleans Parish, served as mains. With the bagpipes eleventh Archbishop of New playing ―The Minstrel Boy‖ Orleans from September 29, and appropriate spiritual 1965 to December 6, 1988. tunes, the Hibernians stood INSIDE THIS ISSUE: A native of Washington, at attention as their beloved D.C., Hannan studied at leader and friend was car- Catholic University and later ried into the Oratory of FROM THE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF 2 at the North American Col- Notre Dame in lege in Rome, where he wit- New Orleans. After three STATE PRESIDENT MESSAGE 3 nessed the rise of fascism in days of visitation at Notre H.E. AMBASSADOR MICHAEL both Italy and Germany. Dame Seminary, where an 4 After his ordination in 1939, estimated 50,000 people COLLINS VISITS NEW ORLEANS he served as a priest in the passed by to view the PRAYERS AND INTENTIONS 5 Archdiocese of Washington Archbishop, Hannan‘s until the outbreak of the casket was transferred in a IMMIGRATION MESSAGE 5 Second World War. He then procession from Notre served his country as a mem- Dame to the St. Louis AOH HELPS REBUILD N.O. 6 ber of the Cathedral. ANTI-DEFAMATION IN N.J. 6 Chaplain Corps. Assigned to For the procession, the , Archbishop Aymond ar- ST. PATRICK‘S DAY BANQUET 7 Hannan participated in nu- ranged a special, five-mile merous airborne operations, includ- Catholics throughout the New Or- parade along which more than 7,000 STATE CALENDAR 8 ing Operation Market-Garden and the leans Area frequently referred to him New Orleans Area Catholic school . He returned as ―their Archbishop‖ and were pro- students (all of whom were born after home and later was consecrated Aux- fuse in their praise. Archbishop Hannan was well into AOH TANGIPAHOA CHARITY 9 iliary Bishop, where he became a The crowning achievement of retirement) stood quietly as Hannan‘s close confidante of the Kennedy fam- Archbishop Hannan‘s episcopate was casket passed by in a special horse HISTORICAL MOMENT— 12 ily and delivered the sermon at Presi- the three-day visit of John Paul drawn carriage. The Hibernians, AN IRISH CHRISTMAS CAROL dent Kennedy's funeral Mass. II to New Orleans in 1987. He re- bearing the AOH and Archbishop When Hannan arrived in New tired as Archbishop in 1988, but Hannan Division banners, stood be- Orleans in 1965, Hurricane Betsy had remained active in ministry, espe- side the Vietnamese-American Com- just ravaged New Orleans, and the cially at his beloved WLAE-TV and munity from Mary Queen of Vietnam Archbishop made his impact immedi- FOCUS Television Syndicate. Fi- Parish as the casket was placed in the INSIDE THIS ISSUE: ately felt by riding in a boat through- nally, Hannan—long a supporter of black carriage. Leading the proces- out the flooded Lower 9th Ward and the NFL franchise sion was the famous St. Augustine IRISH St. Bernard Parish and offering com- and who often led the invocation for High School ―Marching 100‖ Band fort to all those afflicted. Hannan also the team—was present when the (another testament to Hannan‘s spirit AMBASSADOR displayed the true Irish spirit of inclu- Saints at long last hoisted the of inclusion and diversity) followed MICHAEL COLLINS sion and diversity by continuing the Lombardi Trophy upon winning the by the Archbishop, Bishops, members desegregation of Catholic Schools Super Bowl in 2010. of the clergy, and seminarians. Mem- MAKES FIRST EVER during the height of the Civil Rights Archbishop Hannan passed away on bers of Catholic Charities of New Era. After the fall of Saigon in 1975, September 29, 2011, at the age of Orleans followed the clergy; and last, VISIT TO he personally arranged for the emigra- ninety-eight and the forty-sixth anni- but certainly not least, came the NEW ORLEANS tion of thousand of Catholic South versary of his consecration as Hibernians. In three silent rows, led Vietnamese refugees, who settled in Archbishop. Current New Orleans by their banner bearers, the Hiber- (p.4) New Orleans and quickly became an Archbishop Gregory Aymond (Continued on page 4) PAGE 2 THE CRESCENT HARP

FROM THE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: THE CRESCENT HARP ON THE PASSING OF A GREAT MAN Editor-in-Chief John Fitzmorris III As a young man of just eleven all. to hog the limelight, Hannan Editorial Staff years, I served my first Mass for Such was his modus operandi changed the culture in the Arch- John T. Browne Stanton McNeely Archbishop Hannan at St. Domi- throughout his tenure as diocese of New Orleans by recog- nic in Lakeview. As with Archbishop, offering the greatest nizing and utilizing the talents of Ex-Officio all eleven year olds serving their aspect of ministry: Ministry of those around them to the best of Joseph Casler first Mass for an Archbishop are Presence. Whether it be during their abilities and never ceasing to State President wont to be, I was more nervous the tragic disaster of Pan Am lavish praise on those who ex- Harold Burke than a wildebeest near a pride of Flight 759 in Kenner or after one celled. Mark Foley Martin Kearney lions. However, I thought I had of the too many murders in the Even during his retirement, Ronald Burke gained the favor of our New Or- city, Philip M. Hannan was on the our Archbishop often eschewed Division Presidents leans prelate by the fact that I had scene, offering counsel to both the procedure, often to the chagrin of placed a glass of water on the altar victims and the rescuers and put- New Orleans‘ successor Archbish- for him to use because of his sinus ting the best the Church has to ops. He was unafraid to speak his

problems. Still nervous but a offer at their service—the Sacra- mind and take a stand when he little confident, I approached the ments. thought it appropriate, but his Archbishop and informed him that Throughout his long life, mind was always open, and he I had placed his glass of water on Philip Hannan was a man to be never once shunned a good discus- the altar. admired because he commanded sion with those who disagreed Only the slightest hint of a respect and admiration because of with him. smile escaped the steely glance of his effort. He did not march Many of those discussions I had Philip Matthew Hannan as he pat- around with a chain or ribbon of the privilege of witnessing as he ted me on the shoulder and said, office demanding people kiss his related remarkable stories of his ―Son...you‘re well coached.‖ ring or always agree with him. He days in the service and in Wash- All I remember from that knew that respect was something ington during the height of the point forward was the chuckle of earned rather than owed. Such an Cold War. Hannan‘s amazing the clergy in the church sacristy attitude was on display early in his grasp of political currents was An Irish Christmas Blessing that afternoon as I floated through career when as chaplain to the 82 matched only by his devotion to my duties during the Mass and Airborne during the Second faith and family. He recognized God send us a Happy Christmas! His blessing be on our home: then received my acolyte‘s bless- World War, he demanded that he each and every day the great gift His love be around ing after the liturgy. (I suppose be treated like one of the men and of the Irish to the faith of the our loved ones, that I did a serviceable job, but I rarely missed a jump with the Church. Wherever they may roam. shall never know nor remember.) soldiers. Many of us heard the mantra In retrospect, there was noth- He was a man to be admired regarding the passing of God send us a holy Christmas! ing particularly unique about that because while he understood pro- Archbishop Hannan: ―There will His name be on every mind; And close to the crib story because we all possess simi- tocol and procedure in his office as never be another like him.‖ In of Bethlehem lar stories about our beloved bishop, he was never one to en- some ways, I must agree with that True happiness we may find. Archbishop, who passed away slave himself to it and understood statement. Hannan‘s unique per- back in September. However, that good deeds need not wait for sonality and spirituality will never God send us a that was the very grace and charm long discussions and understood be matched. peaceful Christmas! of Archbishop Hannan: the ability that leadership often meant lead- However, in another way, May the sweetness of memories throng to make you feel special with just ing. As chaplain, he often went Hannan himself would have dis- Where we sit a common touch, a simple word against military protocol in giving agreed because he wanted to set by the festive fireside of affirmation, or gentle pat on the the soldiers a general absolution an example rather than just be To sing a soothing song. arm. before a major operation. As admired. The countless young When Hurricane Betsy had auxiliary bishop of Washington, men who answered their vocation, God send us a Merry Christmas ravaged the city, the newly conse- his intrepid nature earned his the and the countless young men and To us and all we love! On our home may crated Archbishop did not sit back respect of Jacqueline Kennedy women who watched the funeral the babe of Bethlehem in relative safety and offer prayers. during her all-too-short tenure as procession back in September may Shine down from his home He put his faith into action and First Lady. have among their ranks a future above. traveled by boat throughout the He was a man to be admired Archbishop Hannan, and it is our - Brian Higgins Lower Ninth Ward and St. Ber- because he never once forgot the duty as Hibernians to remember nard, offering assistance, counsel priests and laity who made his Hannan‘s example and cultivate it to the grieving, and prayers for tenure so successful. Never one as best as possible. VOLUME 3, ISSUE 2 PAGE 3 STATE PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Season's Greetings, Brothers! It is hard to be- In other news, I am happy to announce lieve that it's almost Christmas. Fall seemed to that our 2012 Irishman of the Year is actually pass even quicker than usual this year. I'm not being awarded to two of our brothers. Jimmy sure if that's due to my age or global warming. In Brennan and Kevin McKay were instrumental in any event, I certainly hope you and your families getting the Acadian Division established in Lafay- enjoyed a happy Thanksgiving. Speaking of ette a few years back. This was no easy feat in Thanksgiving, we had quite a few events in Oc- the middle of French Acadiana, but their staunch tober and November that were cause for giving efforts prevailed and today we have a thriving thanks. Our Irish Night Fundraiser was once division of brothers in Lafayette, who hold a again a major success. We changed the format a fantastic annual Crawfish Boil, coming up soon - bit for the better and the Irish entertainment and March 24, 2012. More details about the Craw- out its mission to aid and advance by all legiti- food was top notch, as was the craic! Thanks fish Boil will be forthcoming, but by all means, mate means the aspirations of the Irish people to again to all who purchased tickets and to the save the date! Congratulations again to our have complete and absolute independence, pro- committee who did a fine job organizing the Hibernians of the Year: Brothers Jimmy Brennan moting peace (with justice) and unity for all event. and Kevin McKay for all of their contributions to Ireland. Donations can be sent payable to AOH Shortly after the Irish Night Fundraiser, we the Louisiana AOH! They are most deserving of FFAI Christmas Appeal c/o Sean Pender, 13 had a weekend visit from H.E. Michael Collins, this honor. Scullin Drive, Yardville, NJ 08620. Ireland's Ambassador to the United States. Am- Changing gears for a moment, here are a few 2012 Membership Dues bassador Collins was in town for IN-NOLA's more important business items to consider: As we have discussed over the course of this Launch Party, but he also requested and took Website year, the 2012 per capita dues that each Division time to meet with members of the AOH. As a Our new website is fully operational. Please go has to pay to the national organization is increas- token of our appreciation for his visit, we gave online at www.aohla.com to check it out and ing from $8.00 to $12.00. Accordingly, you the Ambassador a pair of fleur de lis cufflinks and while you're there, please register as a member should anticipate some increase in his lovely wife, Marie, a pair of fleur de lis ear- of the website so that you can start receiving your membership dues. Those rates will be set rings. Ireland's Counsel General for the South- news updates and messages about upcoming by your local Division leadership. Invoices will ern United States, Paul Gleeson, was also in meetings and other events through the web- be sent out soon and you are encouraged to pay attendance. One of my favorite highlights of that site. (Hint: the password you create must con- them timely. weekend was the AOH's tri-color flying proudly tain at least six letters.) This is all part of our Finally, I know that everyone is looking for- over the front door at Gallier Hall and the next plan to "Go Green", so your cooperation is ap- ward to getting past the chilly weather and into night hanging gracefully from Brother Jimmy preciated. the month of March, which should soon be offi- Walsh's second floor balcony as he welcomed the Membership Drive cially proclaimed as Irish Heritage Month in Ambassador and his wife to his home for a pri- The strength of any organization lies in its mem- Louisiana thanks primarily to the efforts of vate dinner party. It may have taken 92 years for bership. Therefore, the more members we have Brother Paco Scanlan. Indeed March, 2012 will an Irish Ambassador to visit New Orleans, but I the stronger we are as an organization. I encour- hold many opportunities for us the celebrate our think it's safe to say that with the hospitality they age everyone to recruit new members on a regu- Irish heritage. From our annual St. Patrick's Day were shown by the AOH and IN-NOLA, they lar basis and at this time particularly, the State Mass at St. Patrick's Church, to our participation will be back to visit again soon. Board has authorized an incentive to increase in the Irish Channel Parade and our 136th An- There was other exciting news in Novem- membership. The current member who recruits nual St. Patrick's Day Banquet, March 17th alone ber. The Irish Cultural Museum being built by the most new members between now and March will be a celebratory marathon! We're also Brother Matthew Ahearn received its final ap- 12th will receive a free table for ten people working with the Fair Grounds on an Irish Day proval from the Vieux Carre Commission and at our St. Patrick's Day Banquet (a $650 (or Night) at the Races and again there will be a we were fortunate to get Ambassador Collins to value). A minimum of ten new recruits is re- major crawfish throwdown in Lafayette on participate in a brief groundbreaking ceremony quired for a member to be eligible to win. In March 24th. But before I get too far ahead of at the site. We even managed to get some press addition, the Division which increases its mem- myself, I want to take a moment to wish you all coverage from WWL. Look for the museum to bership by more than 25% between now and a Blessed Christmas and a Happy and Healthy begin construction soon, but not before an ar- March 12th will win $500 in cash to spend as it New Year. I always take time to reflect at this chaelogical dig is performed by the UNO History chooses. time of year and to thank God for all of the bless- Department in early January. Several members AOH Label Program ings He has bestowed upon me. Among those of the Hannan and Gibbons Divisions partici- By now, you should have received your AOH many blessings is this brotherhood. I am proud pated in a Rebuilding Together Project doing return address labels from the national organiza- to be a member of such an upstanding organiza- finish carpentry and painting to help a family get tion. I encourage you to use those labels to show tion and I am proud to call each one of you my back in their home before Christmas. your Hibernian pride and I also encourage you to brother. Again, I hope you all have a joyous In addition, members of the West Florida send a donation to help cover the cost of the holiday season. Division prepared meals for hungry veterans and labels and to further fund the national cause. are currently preparing to help homeless chil- FFAI Christmas Appeal Fund With best regards, I remain dren have a Christmas celebration that they I would also encourage you to consider making a would otherwise be lacking. I am proud to re- donation to the Freedom For All Ireland Christ- Yours in Friendship, Unity and Christian Char- port that our tradition of Christian Charity con- mas Appeal Fund (FFAI). The FFAI Christmas ity, tinues throughout all of our communities. Appeal Fund is designed to help the AOH carry Joe Casler VOLUME 3, ISSUE 2 PAGE 4 H.E. MICHAEL COLLINS BECOMES THE FIRST IRISH AMBASSADOR EVER TO VISIT NEW ORLEANS By AOH Brother Adrian D’Arcy Irish had on New Orleans as well as working on harpists played in the reception room. Simultane- Amid great pomp and circumstance, the Irish Net- building the relationship between New Orleans and ously, a traditional Irish cheile session entertained in work of New Orleans, in conjunction with the An- Gallier Hall‘s back room, and Rites of Passage played cient Order of Hibernians and a host of other Irish more contemporary Irish Music in Gallier Hall‘s organizations throughout the Metro New Orleans front room. At 8.00 p.m. all guests moved to the Area welcomed His Excellency Michael Collins, Irish main front room where two Irish Schools of Dance, Ambassador to the United States. the Muggavin School and the McTeggart school With a huge Irish Tricolor hanging from Gallier performed for the audience. The Ambassador then Hall, Ambassador Collins and his wife Marie greeted honored four local New Orleanians: Noel Reid, several hundred guests who kicked off the Irish Net- Brother Dickie Burke, Mary Ann McGrath Swaim, work of New Orleans. H.E. Mr. Collins was the and Dermot McGlinchey (post-humously), for their first Irish Ambassador ever to visit the Crescent City longtime dedication and support for the Irish com- and was the first major Irish political official to visit munity and culture. The night at Gallier Hall ended New Orleans since Eamon De Valera visited in the with surprise guests, The Stooges, invigorating the 1920s. crowd with modern New Orleans brass band sounds The Ambassador wanted to reach out to as many and engendering a great second line dance. people in New Orleans to spread the word about The next morning, the Ambassador and Mrs. Ireland ‘s ongoing recovery from its recent financial Collins met with representatives of the AOH for woes and about Ireland ‘s renewed dedication to breakfast at Brennan‘s on Royal Street where the reach out to its diaspora. Hibernians and the Ambassador toasted the veterans With a hectic schedule on tap, the Ambassador‘s of the American and Irish Armed Forces on Veterans party was greeted at the airport by IN-NOLA board Day. members and fellow Hibernians, Brothers Adrian H.E. Michael Collins (center), Irish Ambassador to the U.S., Following breakfast, Ambassador Collins, along D‘Arcy and Aidan Gill, the Honorary Consul for stands in Gallier Hall flanked by Irish Network President with fellow AOH brothers broke ground on Brother Ireland (Louisiana), and Brother Judge Jim McKay III Adrian D‘Arcy (left) and Noel Reid, who was honored by Matt Ahern‘s new Irish cultural museum in the and Brother Ronnie Burke. The Ambassador then the Ambassador and IN-NOLA on November 10. French Quarter in the 900 block of Conti had a live interview with Garland Robinette on Ireland. The Mayor and the Ambassador exchanged Street. Scheduled to open in the spring of 2012, the WWL radio that touched on various subjects includ- official gifts and the Mayor also presented the Am- museum will display art, artifacts and documentary ing, the ongoing problems with the Euro and Ireland bassador with a CD of his favorite musician, Trom- presentations that will tell the story of the city‘s Irish ‘s ―Troubles.‖ Ambassador Collins was personally bone Shorty. heritage. That museum is also expected to host involved with the negotiations that led to the historic Before attending the IN-NOLA black tie launch musical performances, poetry readings and dance Good Friday Agreement. party, the Ambassador and his party were given a performances. After the interview and a quick lunch, the Ambas- private tour of St. Patrick‘s Church on Camp street Ambassador Collins then met with representatives sador went to Tulane University and gave a public by Brother McKay and Rev. Stanley Klores. of IN-USA, who were in town for the IN-NOLA talk, ―Ireland and the United States: Transatlantic The Ambassador then walked through Lafayette launch and who were having a board meeting in New Partnerships on the Road to Recovery,‖ at Tulane‘s Square and to Gallier Hall to attend the black tie IN- Orleans . Ambassador Collins spoke to the IN-USA Lavin-Bernick Center, sponsored by IN-NOLA and NOLA launch party. The Ambassador was greeted board about the need to build the ties between the the Office of Academic Affairs. The Ambassador by the vision of a huge tri-color hanging over the various Irish communities across the United States discussed Ireland ‘s recent economic developments entrance of Gallier Hall and by the sound of a dozen and the need to reconnect these communities to with the worldwide community as part of a larger bagpipers freshening up the New Orleans air with modern Ireland. Ambassador Collins assured the IN- effort to build connections among what he sees as their tunes. The Ambassador and Mrs. Collins USA board that it had his and the Irish Government‘s Ireland ‘s ―global family‖ – a community of 80 mil- greeted the more than 500 guests that attended the support to growing the IN-USA family. lion worldwide who claim Irish heritage, approxi- event and visited the displays of the AOH and several The Ambassador then took a trip to the West Bank mately 40 million of whom reside in the United other Irish groups. to visit and have lunch at Café Hope, the restaurant States. A selection of great cuisine, kindly donated by launched by Catholic Charities for the Archdiocese of Following the talk at Tulane, the Ambassador and local participating restaurants, as well as some fine New Orleans to provide at-risk youth a path to self- his party paid an official visit to New Orleans Mayor adult beverages donated by the Irish brewers and sufficiency through job readiness training and job Mitch Landrieu, where the discussed the impact that distillers, contributed to a wonderful evening while (Continued on page 6)

ARCHBISHOP HANNAN (Continued from Irish tune. Hannan‘s casket was brought into the offering a fitting tribute to such an esteemed friend page 1) Cathedral, and again the Hibernians marched silently and leader. One Hibernian remarked that while the inside to pay their last respects. Upon conclusion of events were certainly emotional, they were not nians marched solemnly but proudly in honor of their the processional ceremony, Archbishop Aymond, as occasions for sadness but thanksgiving. ―Anyone like deceased Brother and Archbishop who always em- well as former U.S. Ambassador to the Vatican Lindy our Archbishop, who lived such a full and complete braced his Irish heritage. Boggs and members of Hannan‘s family thanked the ninety-eight years,‖ he said, ―merits thanksgiving At the conclusion of the five and a half mile route, Hibernians for adding such dignity and grace to the rather than sadness. I mourn the loss of a friend and the Hibernians marched slowly into Jackson Square ceremony and helping people understand the great mentor, but I celebrate a great life lived in the to the front of the St. Louis Cathedral where several faith and spirit of the Irish as evidenced by the life of spirit.‖ The Ancient Order of Hibernians shares that thousand adults and Catholic school students stood Archbishop Hannan. sentiment and wish eternal rest and perpetual light silently as the piper played ―The Minstrel Boy‖ and For our part, the Hibernians were both honored upon a man who truly ―uncovered the light of his ―Danny Boy,‖ which was the Archbishop‘s favorite and humbled to have played even a small part in Irish spirit‖ for all to see. VOLUME 3, ISSUE 2 PAGE 5 PRAYERS AND INTENTIONS IN MEMORIAM MR. JOSEPH JAMES CRONIN Member of the Cardinal Gibbons Division 2009 Irishman of the Year MR. MICHAEL MARKEY SR. Member of the Cardinal Gibbons Division REV. VAL AMBROSE MCINNES, O.P. Friend of the Hibernians —————————————— PRAYERS For Brother Michael Daly and Wife Suzie DO YOU HAVE ANY LOVED ONES IN who welcomed future Lady Hibernian Caroline Therese on October23 NEED OF PRAYERS? For Mrs. Betty Browne, THE AOH WANTS TO PRAY WITH wife of Brother John Browne. YOU FOR THEM. For Michael McNally, BE SURE TO NOTIFY Cousin of Brother Todd Lannan US VIA PHONE OR E-MAIL. ALL OF OUR MILITARY MEN AND WOMEN SERVING OVERSEAS

A MESSAGE CONCERNING IRISH IMMIGRATION by Seamus Boyle, AOH National Presi- to meet this goal. One of the great develop- lent education system and allows Irish Nationals dent & Dan Dennehy, AOH Immigration ments of the recent weeks was a video confer- with a ―leaving cert‖ or two years experience in Chairman ence and one week later a teleconference facili- a trade to apply for 10,500 two year renewable Since our inception the AOH has been active in tated by the Coalition of Irish Immigration Cen- visas. We are grateful to the sponsors of both of working to improve the lives of Irish immi- ters and the Irish Embassy. In cities across the these bills for their recognition of the long- grants. Now celebrating our 175th year, we US, Irish immigration advocates, in many cases standing inequities relating to immigration from continue to live up to the preamble of the AOH seeing and speaking live to each other for the Ireland. Constitution which requires that we encourage first time, shared ideas on the recent moves by Right now, AOH members across the US are an equitable U.S. Immigration law for Ireland, Congress. AOH, ILIR and Rep. Bruce Morri- meeting and reaching out to their US Represen- and to cooperate with all groups for a fair son, Boston Irish and Chicago Celts and several tatives and Senators as part of the initiative to American Immigration Policy. other advocacy groups outlined recent work secure ―The Irish E3 Visa.‖ The AOH maintains In the 1960‗s, AOH members participated in towards an Irish E3 and concerns for the un- that Ireland has been extremely supportive to an effort to prevent removal of the quota of documented. We look forward to working with US Homeland Security and Defense with the Irish visas by the Immigration Act of 1965. all of the groups towards a successful outcome. Shannon Stopover of US Troops coming and Those concerns were proven as successive eco- The second and more immediate develop- going from the War On Terror and the innova- nomic downturns have left many of the Irish ment is the introduction of two bills that pro- tions of US Customs and Immigration at Ire- without the option to emigrate legally to the pose an Irish E3. The first bill was proposed by land‘s Shannon and Dublin Airports. We are US. In the last 25 years, AOH has worked with Senators Schumer, Leahy and Durbin and it was asking Congress to thank Ireland with an E3 as the Irish Immigration Reform Movement, Irish quickly followed by the Irish Immigration and it had Australia in 2005. In this way, with Lobby For Immigration Reform, as well as Encouragement Act sponsored by Republican 10,500 annual renewable visas, a secure and many other organizations and government Senators Brown (MA) and Kirk (IL). While legal path to immigration will be restored, pre- officials from the two nations, and elsewhere, neither bill solves the undocumented issue, they venting the need for Irish people to seek less to rectify the quota and restore the important do address future flow from Ireland. The bills desirable methods to escape the current eco- cultural exchange between Ireland and the US. would modify the E3 visa, currently available to nomic hardships in Ireland and strengthen the Current events and developments prove our only Australia and a few select countries. The bond between our two nations. understanding of the need to work with others modifications would recognize Irelands excel- PAGE 6 THE CRESCENT HARP AOH TURNS OUT TO HELP ―REBUILD tour guide was Brother John Fitzmorris III, Katrina. Formerly the Charity Hospital who provided humor, history, education, Cemetery, the Katrina Cemetery is a stark NEW ORLEANS and sensitivity to the afternoon‘s tour of the reminder of how many lives were taken by City. the storm and the flood that followed After an impromptu stop at Finn it. The Ambassador laid a wreath at the McCool‘s Irish Pub, the crew left to visit St. memorial and led all in a moment of silence Dominic School and Church where the chil- for the unknown victims. dren sang for the Ambassador. As with The group then made its way to the Ninth Dominican High School, the Irish Govern- Ward where they heard from a representa- ment, at Brother McKay‘s request, made a tive of Brad Pitt‘s Rebuilding Project about financial donation to St. Dominic‘s after the efforts to rebuild the historic Ninth . The Ambassador was Ward with affordable green homes. After a truly impressed with the progress made by quick stop at the Katrina Memorial on North school and was especially impressed by the Claiborne, the group then passed by the wonderful students who have blossomed New Orleans Musicians‘ village where under Ms. Adrianne LeBlanc‘s care. Brother Terry Cooney spoke of the efforts From St. Dominic, the group went to to preserve not just housing but the unique visit the Celtic-cross memorial on West End musical tradition of New Orleans. The Boulevard. Brother Fitzmorris explained en group also passed the William Frantz School, AOH members participated in a Rebuilding Together project on Novem- route that the cross was erected in 1990 in which was the scene of racial violence in the ber 18th and 19th to help a family get back in their home before Christ- memory of those who perished in the Great wake of school desegregation in the 1960s. mas. Front row from left: Chase Moriarity, Chad McDaniel, Jim Moriarity. Hunger and those Irish immigrants who died Brother Fitzmorris thoroughly enter- Back row from left: Luke Ahearn, Ryan (Project Supervisor), Joe Casler. Not digging the New Basin Canal. At the cross, tained the riders, including the Ambassador, pictured: Jerry Donegan, Jeremy Hughes, Steve Casler and Chris Cook the Ambassador laid a wreath at the cross with tales of old New Orleans. It seemed and he, Brother Fitzmorris, and Brother that upon reaching every single block, John VISIT OF AMBASSADOR COLLINS (Continued from page 4) McKay said a few words before the entire was reminded of a historical fact, or of a group said a prayer. New Orleans quirk, especially the unique placement. Café Hope‘s Director of Youth Services Stewart From the Celtic Cross, the group made its New Orleans lexicon to which the Irish have Young, a Northern Ireland native and IN-NOLA‘s treasurer, has way to the 17th Street Canal Breach Site in ably contributed. spent nearly twenty years working with at-risk youth and puts the Lakeview. Brother Fitzmorris explained to Upon the conclusion of the tour, the In- community healing lessons he learned in Northern Ireland to work the Ambassador what happened that day in NOLA members and he Hibernians gathered in New Orleans. 2005 and how it affected the entire at the Uptown house of AOH Brother James After lunch, the Ambassador‘s group, made its way to St Mary‘s neighborhood and the city. Many on the Walsh and his wife Yvonne LaFleur for an Dominican High School and a Beatle-mania-style welcome. Do- bus, including Brother John, lived close to evening dinner befitting of New Orleans minican was founded by seven nuns from St. Mary‘s Convent in the breach point and revisiting it, as always, hospitality. Cabra, Dublin , Ireland on November 5, 1860. After Hurricane was an emotional experience. The Ambassa- We were honored to have Ambassador Katrina, at the request of Brother Jim McKay, the Irish Govern- dor, along with most of the out of town Collins visit this city, in which the Irish ment made a financial donation to the school. Ambassador Collins guests had not been to New Orleans since presence is so strong. Many of the Irish spoke to the entire school about the ties between Ireland and New the Storm, and the day‘s tour was an invalu- Network members from other cities re- Orleans was simply overwhelmed by the reception that he got able tool to educate them and end certain marked on how spectacular IN-NOLA‘s from the school. Ambassador Collins was picked up from Domini- myths about the recovery of the city. series of events were although we in New can High School by a tour bus on which were IN-NOLA members, From the breach, the bus continued to the Orleans understand very well how to prop- IN-USA members, AOH members, and others who wanted to be a Katrina Memorial on Canal Street that house erly stage a party. part of the Ambassador‘s historic trip to the Crescent City. The a cemetery for the unidentified victims of

ANTI-DEFAMATION—OPPOSITION TO ANTI-IRISH BIGOT By NJ AOH President Sean Pender 1) Please call, email and/or write Don Residents of other states ARE allowed to The New Jersey Hall of Fame has nomi- Smith, Executive director of the NJ Hall of vote by visiting http:// nated Thomas Nast as a potential 2012 Fame to express your disappointment in www.njhalloffame.org/nominationform/ inductee to the Hall. Nast‘s political car- this horrible nomination and ask for it to voting2.php. All that you need to do is list toons were often anti-Irish and anti- be immediately withdrawn: your name. There are five categories to Catholic. Despite numerous letters of Don Smith Executive Director, NJ Hall of vote for; vote for one nominee in each protest and adverse press coverage, the NJ Fame contact information: category; and in the GENERAL category Hall of Fame refuses to remove Nast from Cell: 908-832-1020 where Nast is, VOTE for anyone else. the list of nominees. Email: [email protected] 3) Please write a letter yourself or assign Background information can be refer- New Jersey Hall of Fame someone else to write a letter to the editor enced at c/o Charles Edison Fund of your local newspaper. A 200 word http://www.njaoh.com/472/taking-a- 1037 Raymond Boulevard, Suite 340 letter is fine. Please email a copy of the stand-against-honoring-antiirish- Newark, NJ 071020 letter and the newspaper you have con- cartoonist/ tacted so that we can decontrol and add to 2) Please tell members, family and friends our records on this issue. to vote for the New Jersey Hall of Fame. VOLUME 3, ISSUE 2 PAGE 7 ’

SATURDAY, MARCH 17, 2012 6:00PM – 11:00PM

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA

Entertainment from

THE UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS BAND MUGGIVAN SCHOOL OF IRISH DANCING O’NEILL SISTERS TRIO FROM COUNTY KERRY, IRELAND

Be sure to set aside the date! PAGE 8 THE CRESCENT HARP

JANUARY 2012

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Sts. Basil the St. Elizabeth St. John Twelfth Night Great and Ann Seton Neumann Gregory Nazienzus 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS Feast of the The Baptism Epiphany of the Lord January 16 - Fr. Gallagher Divi- 15 25 17 18 19 20 21 sion Meeting - St. Luke’s - 7 p.m. Second Sunday FR. St. Anthony HANNAN - St. Agnes in Ordinary of the Desert GIBBONS GALLAGHER ACADIAN Time January 19 - Hannan and Gibbons Divisions Meeting - 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 Third Sunday in St. Francis WEST Sts. Timo- St. Thomas St. Dominic - 7 p.m. Ordinary de Sales FLORIDA thy and Aquinas Time Titus January 19 - Acadian Division 29 30 31 Fourth Sunday St. John Meeting - Pete’s - 6 p.m. in Ordinary Bosco Time January 25 - West Florida Division Meeting - Ponchatoula - 7 p.m. February 23 - Acadian Division Meeting - Pete’s - 6 p.m. FEBRUARY 2012 February 29 - West Florida Division Meeting - Ponchatoula - 7 p.m. Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat AOH Mass - TBA 1 2 3 4 The Presen- tation of the Lord A LOOK AHEAD 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Fifth Sunday in St. Paul Miki St. Scholas- Ordinary and Compan- tica March 17 - Annual St. Patrick’s Time ions Day Mass - St. Patrick Church 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 Sixth Sunday Sts. Cyril and in Ordinary Methodius March 17 - Annual St. Patrick’s Time Day Parade - Irish Channel 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 Seventh Sunday Mardi ASH ACADIAN March 17 - Annual St. Patrick’s in Ordinary Gras Day WEDNESDAY Time Day Banquet 26 27 28 29 First Sunday in WEST Lent FLORIDA VOLUME 3, ISSUE 2 PAGE 9 WEST FLORIDA DIVISION SPREADS CHRISTMAS CHEER AND CHARITY

The Republic of West Florida local AOH division. Still not Division of the Louisiana An- done, children of the needy cient Order of Hibernians once were targeted by the AOH again has endeared itself to the division several days before needy and the deserving of the Christmas at their annual Toy, community during this past Fruit, and Candy Giveaway, month. Brothers of the AOH where more than two hundred served hot meals to the men and gift bags were handed to eager women of the armed services on and appreciative hands by Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, Santa, aka Brother Helm- and Christmas. The division also stetter. Finally, five particu- contributed one thousand dol- larly needy families were fur- lars to the St. Tammany Food nished with Christmas gifts for Bank to help feed those who the parents and their children cannot feed themselves. Addi- as our final act of Christian tionally, over one hundred Charity this Christmas Season families in dire need were given and, indeed, for 2011. Re- turkeys by the AOH for warding as this work has been, Thanksgiving, as well as served the magnitude of the number by the division a hot meal that of Americans who are in need Republic of West Florida's AOH division, represented by recording sec- was donated by the Irish Chan- retary Ronnie Crimmins (left) and member Gene Helmstetter, present a of assistance has come into nel St. Patrick‘s Day Marching check for $1,000 to Deacon Caffery, director of the Food Bank that clearer focus to us, and we Club. This same organization, serves Washington, St. Tammany, and eastern Tangipahoa parishes. The hope thus to extend even more consisting of many Louisiana donation was for food to be distributed to the needy during this holiday Christian good will to them in Hibernians, teamed up with our 2012. division to feed more than three hundred disadvantaged people a hot Christmas meal, again served by the membership of the 7537 Maple Street across from Bruno’s Uptown YOUR BUSINESS’S AD WOULD LOOK Cocktails, Beer, Pizza (including the famous ―Big John‖), Burgers, GREAT HERE! Door Knobs (Sliders), Tacos, and ―Takee Outee‖-style Egg Rolls Plenty of TV-screens to watch the games, Trivia Night on Wednesdays 504-861-0040 BIG WHEEL NOVELTIES, INC.

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PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID THE ANCIENT ORDER OF NEW ORLEANS, LA PERMIT NO.388 HIBERNIANS IN LOUISIANA P.O. BOX 19569 NOLA 70179-0569 Phone: 504-952-9925 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED E-mail: [email protected] http://aohla.com

STATE OFFICERS

Joseph Casler - PRESIDENT Kenneth farrell - VICE-PRESIDENT Matthew ahearn - FIN. SECRETARY b.j. Eckholdt - TREASURER JEREMY HUGHES - rec. secretary

HISTORICAL MOMENT—AN IRISH CHRISTMAS The Wexford Carol (Irish: Carúl Loch THE WEXFORD CAROL And by his side a virgin maid Garman, Carúl Inis Córthaidh) is a traditional Good people all, this Christmas time, Attending on the Lord of Life religious Irish Christmas carol that origi- Consider well and bear in mind Who came on earth to end all strife nated in County Wexford and specifically, What our good God for us has done There were three wise men from afar Enniscorthy (whence its other name), and In sending his beloved son Directed by a glorious star dates to the 12th century. The subject of the With Mary holy we should pray, And on they wandered night and day song is that of the nativity of Jesus Christ. To God with love this Christmas Day Until they came where Jesus lay "The Wexford Carol" is one of the oldest In Bethlehem upon that morn, And when they came unto that place extant Christmas carols in the European There was a blessed Messiah born Where our beloved Messiah lay tradition. Traditions abound concerning the The night before that happy tide They humbly cast them at his feet [2] song. For many years, it was felt that only The noble Virgin and her guide With gifts of gold and incense sweet. men should sing it. It was only at the cur- Were long time seeking up and down rent revival of all things Irish that this atti- To find a lodging in the town IRISH LYRICS tude changed. Many popular female artists, But mark right well what came to pass Ó, tagaig' uile is adhraigí such as Loreena McKennitt, recorded the From every door repelled, alas An leanbh cneasta sa chró 'na luí ―Wexford Carol‖ during the 1990s. As was foretold, their refuge all Is cuimhnígí ar ghrá an Rí The song achieved a new popularity be- Was but a humble ox's stall A thug dár saoradh anocht an Naí. cause of the work of William Grattan Flood Near Bethlehem did shepherds keep 'S a Mhuire Mháthair i bParrthas Dé, (1859 - 1928), who was organist and musi- Their flocks of lambs and feeding sheep Ar chlann bhocht Éabha guigh 'nois go caomh, cal director at St. Aidan's Cathedral in En- To whom God's angel did appear Is doras an chró na dún go deo niscorthy. He transcribed the carol from a Which put the shepherds in great fear Go n-adhram' feasta Mac Mhuire Ógh. local singer, and had it published in the Ox- Arise and go, the angels said I mBeithil thoir i lár na hoích' ford Book of Carols, putting Enniscorthy To Bethlehem, be not afraid Ba chlos an deascéala d'aoirí, into most carol books around the world. For there you'll find, this happy morn Go follas don saol ón spéir go binn The song is sometimes referred to by its A princely babe, sweet Jesus, born Bhí aingle 'canadh ó rinn go rinn. verse: ―Good people all this Christmas With thankful heart and joyful mind "Ghluaisig' go beo," dúirt Aingeal Dé, time.‖ The shepherds went the babe to find "Go Beithil sall is gheobhaidh sibh É And as God's angel had foretold 'Na luí go séimh i mainséar féir, They did our Saviour Christ behold Siúd É an Meisias a ghráigh an saol.” Within a manger he was laid

The AOH is going ―Green!‖ The AOH will soon be e-mailing The Crescent Harp to all who have e-mails. If you still want a paper copy for the March-May issue, please let us know at [email protected] or call 504-952-9925.