Riverfront Irish Festival

Who are the Ancient Order Of Hibernians?

The Ancient Order of Hibernians is a Catholic organization dedicated to the protection of our faith and Irish heritage. The Order evolved from a need in the early 1600s to protect the lives of priests, who risked immediate death to keep the Catholic faith alive in occupied Ireland after the reign of King Henry VIII. When England implemented its' dreaded Penal Laws in Ireland, various secret social societies were formed across the country. These groups worked to aid and comfort the people by whatever means available. Similarly, the AOH of America was founded May 4, 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 1840s prompted a growth of various social societies in the US - the largest of which was, and continues to be, the AOH.

The primary purposes of the Organization are set forth in the preamble to its National Constitution:

To promote friendship, unity, and Christian Charity among members.

To uphold and sustain loyalty to the government of the United States of America by members living here in America, or whatever government under which its members may be citizens.

To aid and advance by all legitimate means, the aspirations and endeavors of the Irish people to complete and absolute independence.

To foster the ideals and cultivate the history and traditions of the Irish people throughout the world.

To be admitted to membership, you must be of Irish birth or of Irish descent through either parent, a practicing Catholic, and at least 16 years of age.

St. Brendan's Division is located in the North Hill Section of Akron, Ohio and is the third division in Summit County. If you would like more information about the Ancient Order of Hibernians or would like to join our organization, please fill out the form below and your request will be forwarded to the organizer of the division.

Please stop by our headquarters while at the festival to say hello and allow us to answer any questions you may have about The Ancient Order of Hibernians.

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