Madigan Muses: Special Gifts
by Marilyn Madigan
Every December, we start preparing for Christmas.
The cards are sent out to friends and family. In today’s world, we also send greetings out using social media. At Christmas when we reflect on our greatest gift as Christians, the presence of Jesus in our lives, we also want to spend time with those who are important on our life journey. One Irish tradition that I love is the lighting of a candle to show the Holy Family that there is a place in our home for them on their journey.
Irish Ambassador to the United States
Recently, I was able to present a candle with a saying about Strong Irish Women to the new Irish Ambassador to the United States Geraldine Byrne Nasson, from the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians. When presenting the candle to her, I referenced how the first woman President of Ireland, Mary Robinson, had a candle to welcome the Irish Diaspora. This candle represented our welcome to her on her new journey as Irish Ambassador. As members of the Irish Diaspora, we look forward to our joint journey with her to promote our Irish Heritage.
This year my special gift is to be able to serve as the leader of the best Irish Catholic Women’s Organization: The Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians. I am humbled and honored to serve the many women who have made an impact on my life.
More importantly these women have made many contributions to their local communities. We all have people in our lives that are special gifts. How blessed we are for them to be on our journey. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
*Marilyn Madigan is the National President of the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians and a Deputy Director of the United Irish Societies of Cleveland. She received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from St. John College and retired from Nursing at University Hospitals of Cleveland.
