Special Gifts
During the month of December, we all are busy thinking of Christmas and the gifts to be purchased for our family and friends. Many individuals touch our lives starting with our parents, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. All of these individuals are just some of the many gifts we receive from God during our lifetime.
I am blessed also with my Hibernian family. On Friday November 7, the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians received a special Award at the 39th Annual SOAR Awards Gala.
SOAR stands for Support Our Aging Religious, which was founded in 1986 to raise funds to assist Catholic congregations of religious men and women as their members age. Grants are given to the congregations to provide assistance with practical needs, such as hospital beds, assistive devices and renovations to their residences.
These grants ensure that the dignity of these religious men and women, as well as their quality of life, continue with grace as they age. SOAR receives donations from individuals, organizations and foundations. The Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians have been donating to this important mission of SOAR for over two decades.
As an Irish American Catholic organization, the LAOH has been committed to our Catholic heritage since our founding. Beginning with the establishment of a scholarship at Trinity College in Washington D.C. in 1902 to provide education to young Irish immigrants. Today that scholarship still helps women at Trinity.
In 1978, the LAOH and the AOH started the Hibernian Scholarship at the University of Notre Dame. The Hibernians have also supported the Cushwa Center for the Study of American Catholicism.
Project St. Patrick
In 1996, Project St. Patrick was established as a joint AOH and LAOH effort to financially assist men and women in religious formation. In 2024, Brigid’s Hearth was established by the LAOH to honor the 1500th Anniversary of St. Brigid. The purpose of Brigid’s Hearth is to assist men and women in active ministry to our Church.
The ministry of Catholic Sisters, Brothers, and Priests have been a special gift to us. Their lives are living testaments to love in action. They have taught in our schools, cared for the sick, and lifted countless hearts through their quiet and steadfast witness. Their dedication has inspired the women of the LAOH in supporting those who have given so much to the Church and to our communities.
The Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians were honored and humbled to receive the St. Katharine Drexel Award from Support Our Aging Religious. To be recognized by an organization that embodies such profound compassion and service was truly a privilege.
Receiving this award is a special moment in the history of the LAOH. We thank SOAR for this honor. We also thank SOAR for obtaining a statement from Irish Ambassador to the United States Geraldine Byrne Nason, “I extend heartfelt congratulations to the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians, recipients of the St. Katherine Drexel Award. Their longstanding dedication to faith, heritage and charitable works has made an immeasurable impact on communities across the United States and continue a proud legacy of Irish American Service.”
During this Christmas Season, please remember the special gift of the ministry of Catholic Sisters, Brothers, and Priests. Each of them, in their unique vocation, reflects the love and mercy of Christ in our world.
Our Sisters remind us of God’s tenderness through their care for the poor, the sick, and the forgotten. Our Brothers show us the strength of community and humble service, building up the Church through their daily work and prayer. Our Priests bring us the sacraments, preach the Word, and guide us on our journey of faith.
Together, they embody the heart of the Gospel. Their example challenges us to serve with compassion, to live with joy, and to love without limits. Let, us give thanks for their witness and pray that God continues to bless them in their ministry, as they bless all of us through their faithful lives.
Please consider a donation to SOAR. Visit the website www.soar-usa.org
Merry Christmas!
