Ancient Order of Hibernians, JFK Div. #1, Dayton, Ohio

The Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) strongly objects to President Donald J. Trump’s recent offensive social media post depicting himself in papal vestments, seated on the Chair of St. Peter, via an AI-generated image. Releasing this during the sacred period of mourning for Pope Francis is not only grossly inappropriate, it is a blatant affront to Catholics and an attack on their belief in the sanctity of the Papacy.

That the President of the United States would digitally insert himself into the role of the Vicar of Christ while millions of faithful mourn a pope who embodied humility, compassion, and quiet strength is behavior beneath the dignity of the U.S. Presidency. We would expect this kind of juvenile humor from the Cartoon Network, not the Oval Office.

We remind the President that the United States has a long and shameful history of anti-Catholicism, from the Know Nothings to the Ku Klux Klan. We should not be enhancing the defamatory images of Thomas Nast with 21st-century technology. This incident comes amid a troubling climate for American Catholics, who have endured a surge in attacks on churches and sacred spaces—over 400 incidents in the past year alone—and were subject to FBI surveillance in their places of worship. At a time when Catholics feel increasingly under cultural, physical, and institutional attack, the last thing they need is to see their sacred beliefs defamed and exploited for political theater.

We note and commend that this administration has been vocal in condemning antisemitism. We doubt the White House would ever publish an AI-generated image of the President dressed as an Orthodox Rabbi at the Wailing Wall. Catholics and their faith deserve the same respect.

As Catholics, we are called to believe in the forgiveness of sin and the redemption of ignorance. However, forgiveness begins with sincere confession and repentance. As the largest Irish Catholic organization in America, the Ancient Order of Hibernians calls on President Trump to issue a direct and unqualified apology to the Catholic community.

Sean Pender

National President

Ancient Order of Hibernians

As Irish American Heritage Month comes to a close, the Ancient Order of Hibernians wraps up its series of profiles with deep pride—and a sharper sense of purpose. Over the past month, we’ve highlighted just a few of the countless Irish Americans who shaped our history, contributed to our culture, and helped build the country we live in today. But as the month ends, our commitment to telling these stories must not.

In today’s cultural climate, the contributions of Irish Americans are too often ignored, simplified, or swept aside. The real history of the Irish in America—a story of hardship, discrimination, and perseverance—is being airbrushed. A false narrative has taken hold: that the Irish arrived and were instantly accepted, blending seamlessly into the fabric of American life. We know that is not how it happened.

The Irish faced hostility, exclusion, and open prejudice. They were vilified in newspapers, turned away from jobs, and treated as second-class citizens. They built communities from the ground up while fighting to be seen as equal. Leaving that part of the story out doesn’t just distort the truth—it erases the resilience that defines the Irish American experience.

From those challenges, they and their descendants have gone on to distinguish themselves in every field of American endeavor.

The Irish American journey, with its mix of hardship, grit, and determination, is central to understanding how America became what it is. Forgetting or minimizing that legacy erases a key part of the truth.

More than a celebration, Irish American Heritage Month is a call to action: to preserve the stories, pass them down, and make sure they’re heard in classrooms, communities, and national conversations. It’s a reminder that honoring heritage isn’t about nostalgia—it’s about claiming a rightful space in the American story for those who came before us and ensuring their story is available to the generations to come.

As this month ends, let’s not put the stories back on the shelf. Let’s keep telling them. Loudly. Proudly. Accurately.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Happy St. Patrick’s Day, Dayton!

St Patrick's Day 2025 Reflection St. PatrickSt. Patrick of Ireland is one of the world's most popular saints. He was born in Roman Britain and when he was fourteen or so, he was captured by Irish pirates during a raiding party a

Kick off the St. Patrick's Day Season right with Ohio's oldest Hibernian division! Featuring live music and performances by the Celtic Academy of Irish Dance, Dwyer School of Irish Dance, and McGovern Irish Dance, you won't want to miss this family friendly Dayton tradition. Sat. March 8, 2025 from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Bainbridge Hall in Dayton. Admission is a $5 per person or $10 per family. See you there!

Happy Commodore John Barry Day! Today we celebrate an Irish-American hero and Father of the United States Navy.

Just one more week until the Dayton Celtic Festival! We are a proud founding member organization of the Festival. Join us on Sunday, July 28 at 10:00 a.m. for the annual Gaelic Mass at RiverScape MetroPark.

Dayton Celtic Festival Dayton Celtic Festival is located at: Riverscape MetroPark

One week until Dayton's International Festival, A World A'Fair! We are a proud founding member organization and our members represent Ireland. Come join us between May 3 and 5 at the Greene County Expo Center.

Ancient Order of Hibernians, JFK Div. #1, Dayton, Ohio The Ancient Order of Hibernians, JFK Div. #1 is the oldest continuously active AOH division in Ohio

We are proud supporters of the 51st Annual Dayton Area Feis, taking place in one week, on April 27, 2024 at the Hobart Arena in Troy. Come have a good time and support the dancers!

Dayton Feis

Ancient Order of Hibernians, JFK Div. #1, Dayton, Ohio The Ancient Order of Hibernians, JFK Div. #1 is the oldest continuously active AOH division in Ohio

Celebrate St. Patrick's Day right this year. Join the us and the LAOH Mary of the Gael Division at St Joseph Church, Dayton's Irish Church, for a special mass at noon on Sunday, March 17, 2024. Irish music will begin at 11:30 a.m.

Ancient Order of Hibernians JFK Div. #1, Dayton, Ohio The Ancient Order of Hibernians JFK Div. #1 is the oldest continuously active AOH division in Ohio

We are proud to lead the line in the Dayton Daily News guide to St. Patrick's Day celebrations! As the oldest continuously active Irish organization in the Miami Valley, we are delighted to present the 132nd Annual Dayton St. Patrick's Day Party, this Saturday, March 9, 2024, from 3-8 p.m. at Bainbridge Hall. Though you won't find green beer here, you'll have a rollicking good time, with *real* Irish drinks and live performances from McGovern Irish Dance, Dwyer School of Irish Dance, and Celtic Academy of Irish Dance. See you soon!

Your guide to St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in the Dayton region Locals looking to get their fill of green beer and bangers and mash can do so with these events in the Dayton region:

Need weekend plans? Join us for the 132nd Annual Dayton St. Patrick's Day Party in downtown from 3-8 p.m. this Saturday, March 9, 2024! This is a family friendly event and a cherished Dayton tradition. We'll serve the drinks and provide the music and entertainment, you bring your family and friends for a good time. Food trucks available or you can bring your own food. Happy (Early) St. Patrick's Day! See you soon.

Ancient Order of Hibernians JFK Div. #1, Dayton, Ohio The Ancient Order of Hibernians JFK Div. #1 is the oldest continuously active AOH division in Ohio