Hartford AOH has been sponsoring Food Drive for the pantry at Saint Augustine’s since May 2020 and will continue to do so. The Toy/Gift Card Drive concluded our “holiday” season with drives in October for Halloween treats and in November for Thanksgiving sides.
Sean Pender, National President of the Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH), America’s oldest and largest Irish Catholic organization, issued a statement today offering congratulations and best wishes to newly inaugurated Irish President Catherine Connolly”
Dear President Connolly,
On behalf of the Ancient Order of Hibernians in America, I extend our warmest congratulations on your inauguration as the 10th President of Ireland. Your resounding victory, winning 63.4% of first-preference votes, the highest share ever in a contested Irish presidential election, speaks to the deep confidence the Irish people have placed in your leadership. Ireland’s exiled children in America celebrate this moment alongside our brothers and sisters in Ireland.
As an Irish-American organization with deep roots in our shared heritage, the Ancient Order of Hibernians has long supported the aspirations of the Irish people to sovereignty and unity and has maintained strong ties between Ireland and the Irish diaspora in the United States. We are particularly heartened by your commitment to engaging young people and by your advocacy to include the North more fully in the life of the presidency. It has always been our central goal that Ireland be united, sovereign, and that the Irish people chart the destiny of Ireland.
As you have stated, you will be “a president who listens, who reflects and who speaks when it’s necessary.” We respect the important role you will play in representing Ireland on the world stage and wish you every success in that endeavor.
The Ancient Order of Hibernians extends our best wishes for your presidency and looks forward to the continued friendship between the people of Ireland and Irish America.
May you be blessed with wisdom, strength, and grace as you serve the Irish nation.
In Friendship, Unity, and Christian Charity,
Sean Pender
National President, Ancient Order of Hibernians in America
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It’s morally indefensible that abortions of viable children could occur while nearby, infants of identical gestational age embrace life in NICUs. Our laws and conscience cannot remain divided on whether the value of a child’s life, or any life, depends solely on whether he or she is wanted or is convenient to others. Any society that adopts such a standard places itself on a slippery slope, where the worth of human life becomes negotiable and the powerless exist only at the mercy of the powerful.
New Jersey abolished capital punishment to spare even the lives of convicted criminals. How can we now contemplate taking viable innocent lives that have committed no crime and have no advocate?
As an adoptive father, I know firsthand that a life once despaired of can become a source of immeasurable love. Countless families are ready to open their hearts if our policies make choosing life as accessible as its alternative.
We’re calling on the New Jersey Legislature to ensure that every public dollar spent facilitating abortion is matched by a dollar supporting life, — housing, prenatal care, adoption support, and childcare assistance for mothers in crisis. Otherwise “choice” is no choice at all.
True compassion defends both mother and child. True choice requires real support.
“While compassion must always embrace the mother, it can never excuse the deliberate taking of innocent life.”
#AOH #ProLife #TrueChoice #NewJersey #DefendLife #SupportMothers
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As America commemorates 250 years of naval service, the Ancient Order of Hibernians and the Ladies AOH proudly honor Commodore John Barry—Irish immigrant, American patriot, and the first commissioned officer of the United States Navy.
About the Exhibit
We have launched a dedicated exhibit aboard the Battleship New Jersey Museum and Memorial that brings Barry’s story to life—his courage in the struggle for independence, his leadership at sea, and his enduring example of faith, duty, and service. The display is slated to run through the end of 2025, with the possibility of extension.
To broaden the impact, the exhibit can also be duplicated in whole or in part by AOH & LAOH Divisions nationwide as a centerpiece of their local America 250 commemorations.
Why Your Support Matters
- Educate — Reach the Navy community and the general public visiting an iconic American battleship.
- Preserve — Sustain the production, upkeep, and interpretive materials of the display.
- Multiply — Enable replicable exhibit assets that Divisions can use locally in 2026.
Make a Donation
For Contributions not seeking a tax deduction please donate here directly to the Commodore John Barry Division AOHDC on this site.
For Contributions over $250 that require a tax deduction please donate here to the Barry Division Charitable Trust.
No contribution is too small—thank you for your generosity.
See the Celebration
Watch highlights from the opening aboard the USS New Jersey:
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Dear Brothers,
The month of October is dedicated to the Most Holy Rosary. On October 7th, we celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary in honor of the Blessed Mother. October was also the month in which Mary appeared for the last time to shepherd children in Fatima, Portugal, urging them to “say the rosary every day to obtain peace for the world.
Say a rosary to Our Lady today! Your prayers will not go unanswered!
May Our Lady, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary pray for us now and forever!
In our motto,
James Russell
Catholic Action Chairperson,
Ancient Order of Hibernians in America
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Dear Brothers,
Peace and all good! This is how St. Francis would greet his brothers.
On Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, we celebrate the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi. Blessed with vast spiritual insight, Francis’ love for Christ permeated every aspect of his life and showed through in everything he said and did.
What better time than his feast day to reflect on this beautiful expression of St. Francis’ guide for living and to think about how each of us can show our love of Christ through everything we say and do each day. Are we understanding of others? Do we strive to forgive what we perceive to be a wrong done to us by another? When we see sadness in others, do we offer consolation and seek to bring them joy? By doing so, we can help others — and ourselves — to heal in mind, body and spirit.
On this special day my prayer is that we put into daily practice the spiritual values of St. Francis of Assisi and become the light of Christ by bringing joy, hope, compassion and love to all whom we encounter.
Peace Prayer of St. Francis
Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace;
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is error, the truth;
Where there is doubt, the faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
And where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master,
Grant that I may not so much seek
To be consoled, as to console;
To be understood, as to understand;
To be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen.
As I close this reflection, I invoke the words of St. Francis, “Preach the gospel at all times, when necessary use words.”
Let us continue to welcome the stranger among us!
Let us continue to pray for one another!
Jim Russell
Catholic Action Chairman
Ancient Order of Hibernians in America
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Honoring Irish America’s Role in Building the United States
In 2026, the United States marks 250 years of independence.
From the very beginning, Irish Americans were there—soldiers in Washington’s army, leaders in politics, builders of cities, and servants of community. The Ancient Order of Hibernians carries that legacy forward in faith, culture, and charity.
Our Story
For generations, Irish immigrants and their descendants helped shape America. They dug canals and built railroads, raised churches and schools, and filled the ranks of the military, police, and fire services. They served in city halls and in Congress, never forgetting their heritage while building a stronger nation.
Today, the AOH continues that tradition—preserving Irish heritage, serving our communities, and forming men in Friendship, Unity, and Christian Charity.
Celebrate America 250 With the AOH
As the nation remembers 250 years of independence, the AOH invites you to celebrate the Irish American contribution. Together, we honor the past, celebrate the present, and build the future.
Honoring Commodore John Barry aboard the USS New Jersey
As America commemorates 250 years of naval service, the Ancient Order of Hibernians and the Ladies AOH proudly honor Commodore John Barry—Irish immigrant, American patriot, and the first commissioned officer of the United States Navy.
About the Exhibit
We have launched a dedicated exhibit aboard the Battleship New Jersey Museum and Memorial that brings Barry’s story to life—his courage in the struggle for independence, his leadership at sea, and his enduring example of faith, duty, and service. The display is slated to run through the end of 2025, with the possibility of extension.
To broaden the impact, the exhibit can also be duplicated in whole or in part by AOH & LAOH Divisions nationwide as a centerpiece of their local America 250 commemorations.
Why Your Support Matters
- Educate — Reach the Navy community and the general public visiting an iconic American battleship.
- Preserve — Sustain the production, upkeep, and interpretive materials of the display.
- Multiply — Enable replicable exhibit assets that Divisions can use locally in 2026.
Make a Donation
For Contributions not seeking a tax deduction please donate here directly to the Commodore John Barry Division AOHDC on this site.
For Contributions over $250 that require a tax deduction please donate here to the Barry Division Charitable Trust.
No contribution is too small—thank you for your generosity.
See the Celebration
Watch highlights from the opening aboard the USS New Jersey:
Watch the Exhibit Opening Video
Together, we honor an Irish-born American hero whose leadership helped secure independence and shape the early United States Navy.
AOH America 250 History Webinar Series
First Program
Tuesday, September 23, 2025 · 7:00 PM ET
Register to join the Webinar on Zoom
Or Watch Live on YouTube
Commodore John Barry: Irish Immigrant and Father of the American Navy
Guest Speaker: Tim McGrath, author of John Barry: An American Hero in the Age of Sail
The life of Commodore John Barry, in the words of Tim McGrath, “reads like a Patrick O’Brien novel.” Born to a Catholic family in County Wexford in 1745, young Barry took to the sea at an early age and arrived in Philadelphia in 1760. A nautical prodigy, he commanded his first vessel at the age of 21 and quickly established himself as a leading merchant ship captain.
When hostilities erupted between the American Colonies and Great Britain, Barry stepped forward to become one of the heroes of the American Revolution and the Father of the American Navy. Join us as we explore the role of this legendary Irishman and adopted son of Philadelphia in the founding of the American Republic.
About the Speaker
Tim McGrath is a two-time winner of the Commodore John Barry Book Award for American Maritime Literature and author of the critically acclaimed biography John Barry: An American Hero in the Age of Sail.
at North Carolina State Convention
Sacred Heart Church
5269 Dosher Cutoff SE
Southport, NC
Host: North Carolina State Convention
]]>at FLORIDA STATE CONVENTION
Rosen Centre Hotel
9840 International Blvd.
Orlando, Fl
Host: Florida State Convention
Contact: Greg Sean Canning
]]>at ARCHBISHOP HUGHES CENTER
ARCHBISHOP HUGHES CENTER
32 Prince Street
New York, NY 10012
Directly across the street from the Basilica of Old St Patrick’s Cathedral
Host: New York County Board
Contact: Bill Lee
To obtain an accurate headcount for food, refreshments and hall rental, we ask that Division Presidents contact your membership and provide a list of each member attending the Degree. Please contact the New York County Board at aohnycountyboard@gmail.com or William Lee with your list of attendees by October 17th. Seating is limited.
]]>at FAIR HAVEN, NJ
MONSIGNOR CASEY MONMOUTH COUNTY DIV. 1 CLUBHOUSE
Fair Haven Road
Fair Haven, NJ
Host: New Jersey State Board
Contact: Jack Schneider
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[New York, NY 08/28/2025] – The Ancient Order of Hibernians condemns in the strongest possible terms the horrific act of hate that took the lives of two innocent children and left many others wounded during Mass at Annunciation Catholic Church and School in Minneapolis. No American should ever face violence while practicing their faith. Our first thoughts and prayers are with the families who have suffered the unthinkable loss of their children, and with the parish community of Annunciation, whose sanctuary was violated and desecrated in the very act of worship. This must never happen again.
We note with concern that much of the media coverage continues to stress that the ‘motive remains unclear.’ While law enforcement is bound to pursue evidence before concluding motive, that should not dissuade anyone from naming this horrific act for what it is: a clear and unambiguous attack targeting Catholics gathered at Mass. To hesitate in saying so directly minimizes both the crime and the community that has suffered.
Tragically, this atrocity is not an isolated event but part of a silent epidemic. Since May 2020, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has documented hundreds of attacks against Catholic churches: arson, desecration of the Eucharist, vandalism of sacred images, and assaults during worship, with over 40 already in 2025. These attacks span 43 states and the District of Columbia, with New York City, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Denver, and Boston among the hardest hit.
Yet, unlike the immediate condemnations we rightly hear when other faith communities are targeted, too often attacks against Catholics are dismissed as isolated incidents of “vandalism,” “petty theft,” or the actions of a “disturbed individual.” The last is particularly ironic: isn’t anyone who would attack a house of faith by definition “disturbed”?
The media bears its share of responsibility. Too often, Catholics are portrayed through tired, defamatory tropes, their beliefs and sacraments subjected to ridicule and mockery that would never be applied to any other faith community. This casual bias fuels an environment where violence and desecration are downplayed, if not tacitly excused. Accountability by the media is not optional; words shape perception, and perception enables prejudice.
It should not be forgotten that America has a long and sorrowful history of anti-Catholicism—from the days of Colonial Penal Laws, the Know-Nothings, and the Ku Klux Klan to the prejudices of our own time. It was to defend Catholic immigrants and their descendants from such hatred that the Ancient Order of Hibernians was founded over 180 years ago. That mission remains as urgent today.
Attacks against Catholic churches can be a silent epidemic no longer; they must be denounced and confronted by federal, state, and local governments with the same vigor with which they pursue antisemitism and Islamophobia. Religious liberty is not a privilege to be selectively defended; it is a fundamental right for all Americans.
The AOH stands with the victims, families, and parish community of Annunciation in Minneapolis. We mourn with them, we pray with them, and we will continue to raise our voices until they—and all people of faith—can worship in peace and safety.
The apparition in County Mayo in Ireland of Our Lady of Knock is reported to have occurred on the evening of August 21, 1879, the vigil of the octave of the feast of the Assumption. Those who witnessed the miracle ranged in age from five years old to seventy-five.
The apparition was described as follows: “Our Lady was wearing a large, brilliant crown and clothed in white garments. On her right was Saint Joseph, his head inclined toward her and on her left Saint John the Evangelist. To the left of Saint John was an altar on which stood a cross and a lamb.” Standing only a few feet off the ground, the Blessed Virgin wore a white cloak and was described by witnesses as being incredibly beautiful. She wore a bright golden crown, and appeared to be praying with her eyes looking toward heaven with her arms bend in front of her with her palms facing inward.
Fifteen parishioners stood to witness the apparition for two hours as they recited the rosary. Although it was daylight when the apparition began, the weather turned for the worse and it began to rain heavily. The area around the apparition appeared unaffected, however, as the ground remained dry as long as the vision lasted. She did not speak, but the gable of the church where the manifestation was made was covered with a cloud of light.
Saint Joseph, the foster-father of Jesus, also wore white robes and stood on the Virgin’s right. He inclined his head respectfully toward the Blessed Virgin. Saint John the Evangelist wore a miter, and appeared to be preaching as he held a book in his left hand.
Since then thousands of people have gone to Knock to pray to Our Lady. Their prayerful, penitential and reverential spirit has been commended again and again by visitors from other lands. No sign of commercialism detracts from the purely religious atmosphere of that hallowed spot. People from all walks of life kneel in humble supplication before the shrine of Our Lady, fully confident that she has sanctified that spot by her apparition.
Organized pilgrimages from various dioceses are conducted frequently to the shrine of Our Lady of Knock. The rosary comprises the main portion of the devotion; the shrine is therefore appropriately called the Rosary Shrine. The “Knock Shrine Annual” relates many interesting stories of cures and conversions effected at the shrine.
Brothers, in today’s world, might I suggest a prayer to Our Lady!
Our Lady of Knock, Pray for us!
In our motto,
James Russell
Catholic Action Chairman,
Ancient Order of Hibernians in America, Inc.
Note: Since August 17th, 2025 falls on a Sunday this year, the feast day is not celebrated.
]]>Celebrated every year on August 15th, the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is important to many Catholics and Orthodox Christians as the day that Mary was received into Heaven at the end of her earthly life. This is not a Holy Day of Obligation this year; please stop into a Church to pray during the day to honor our Blessed Mother on this special day.
Can you imagine what a moment the Assumption must have been for Mary! In describing the scene, some Church Fathers spoke of Jesus Himself coming back to Earth to take His mother and bring her to her Heavenly home.
Many years ago, St. John Paul II said that the Assumption truly was an event of love, in which Mary’s ardent longing to be with her Son was finally fulfilled. In fact, many paintings of the Assumption portray Mary rising in splendor on a cloud to Heaven, received by the angels with trumpets and celebration, and reunited joyfully with her beloved Son.
In light of the Assumption of Mary, it is easy to pray her Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55) with new meaning. In her glory, she proclaims the greatness of the Lord and finds joy in God, her Savior. God has done marvels to her and she leads others to recognize God’s holiness. She is the lowly handmaid who deeply reverenced her God and has been raised to Heavenly heights.
Who can describe the benefits of devotion to Mary? She not only listens, she anticipates our petitions, and grants them beyond all expectations. Let us make every effort to guard our devotion to Mary as a precious treasure.
Let us take Mary for our Mother and let us pray to her every morning and evening, and in life’s difficult trials Mary will comfort and save us.
On this special day, let us join in her joy and happiness.
The Almighty has done great things for me, And Holy is His Name.
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The event benefited the Recreation Assistance Program for the City of New Britain, which assists families in sending their children to camps and other programs, and AOH Hartford’s fight against hunger.
This was the fifth consecutive year that AOH Hartford sponsored the tournament and the championship trophy is named in honor of departed Brother Jamie Forzono, who originally brought the game to the Hartford area.
Shortly after Memorial Day, Brothers from South Carolina and Georgia laid a wreath at Arlington National Cemetery’s Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Washington, DC. The ceremony concluded a weekend (June 6-8th) of family fun and sightseeing that included attendance at Dropkick Murphy’s Rally for Veterans on the National Mall, visits to several Smithsonian Museums, and a private tour of the the White House and US Capitol building coordinated by SC Senator Lindsay Graham’s congressional staff.
To conclude the weekend, the travel party which included State Vice President Greg Buehner, Greenville AOH Man of the Year Joseph Carey, South Carolina State President Kevin Barnes and Georgia State President and National Director Ryan Curry attended Mass at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception and were joined by Brendan Cooney, Veterans Chair of the Virginia State Board for the Changing of the Guard and the Wreath Laying Ceremony in Arlington, Va. As the AOH contingent stepped out for the wreath laying ceremony, a bout of misty Irish weather did not dampen our spirits, but served as a reminder that Friendship, Unity and Christian Charity is needed now more than ever. As a group we were honored to participate in the wreath laying and in some small way recognize the sacrifices of so many who fought for freedom and the rights we hold dear.
Special thanks to the Barnes and Buehner family, and to Kevin Barnes for coordinating the event and working with the White House, Senator Graham’s staff, and Arlington National Cemetery to make the weekend a memorable one for all involved.
DAIL QUESTIONS
The broadcast began with video of recent remarks by Irish Tánaiste and Foreign Minister Simon Harris on the Sean Brown case, made in response to a parliamentary question asked by Paul Lawless T.D. of AONTU. Harris said he had made it clear to Hilary Benn that the Irish government will only reach an agreement with Britain on legacy, on terms that “were human rights compliant and had the support of victims and their families”. He had told the British Secretary privately and publicly that 87 year old Bridie Brown had shown enormous strength in pursuing justice through every available channel and I intend to pursue it also.”
CLARE BROWN LOUGHRAN
Clare Brown Loughran began with breaking news that instead of complying with court orders directing a Public Inquiry into her father’s murder, and her mother’s appeal to “do the right thing” the British filed papers to take the case to London. Both the Belfast High Court and Court of Appeals had ordered a Public Inquiry, holding that the ICRIR was incapable of providing an independent hearing that met the requirements of the European Convention on Human Rights. The British she said acted with “phenomenal disrespect” for her family by taking this legal action without notifying them or their legal counsel.
Sean Brown had been abducted and murdered as he locked up the Bellaghy Wolfe Tone Gaelic Athletic Club on May 12, 1997. No one has ever been convicted of this sectarian assassination, in which multiple British agents played a part. The murder took place less than a year before the Good Friday Agreement, when the conflict was nearly over. He was not politically active. The murder was committed shortly after DUP member Willie McCrea lost his Westminster seat to Martin McGuinness and threatened that nationalists “would reap a bitter harvest.” The Brown family believes that Sean Brown was targeted “as a warning to nationalists not to rise above their station”.
The Brown family brought civil suits against both the British Ministry of Defense and Chief Constable, winning damages and a formal Court apology for the RUC’s inadequate investigation. They learned additional details from an Ombudsman Report. All legal attempts to answer questions about collusion were stalled by the British.
More than 25 years after the murder, an Inquest hearing began. However the Coroner was forced to close their Inquest when the British blocked information about the role of British agents. The Coroner found that a Public Inquiry would be the only way for the Brown family to get the truth, and made a formal written request to then British Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris. Both the Belfast High Court and Court of Appeals have ordered Hilary Benn to commence an inquiry.
These judgements held that the Independent Commission on Reconciliation and Information Retrieval (ICRIR), created by the ousted Conservatives and continued by the new Labour government was not credible, because it was not independent, did not allow adequate victim participation and gave the British a veto on revealing the role of British agents.
She concluded by saying “all her family wants is the truth”.
100 YEAR BRITISH MILITARY BAN
Roisin Reade’s two uncles were killed at Kelly’s Bar, Springfield Road Belfast on May 13 th , 1972. A third man Thomas McIlroy was shot dead as he ran out to help the bomb victims. Although the gun and bomb attack was carried out by the Loyalist Ulster Volunteer Force, the British released press statements claiming it was an IRA bomb which exploded prematurely, thereby blaming her uncles John Moran and Gerard Clarke for their own murders.
The family had been fighting for decades to get the truth and their application for an inquest was granted in 2014.The inquest was handicapped because the British Ministry of Defense imposed a 100 year ban on military records about the attack.
As the inquest neared completion the family was hopeful of getting the truth. Then on May 1 st last year, the Coroner announced that he was compelled by the British Legacy Act to terminate the Inquest without a judgement.
Roisin said her family was “absolutely gutted” because they had been so close to justice.
The British referred the family to the ICRIR. However the ICRIR would not allow them their own lawyers to apply for discovery and question witnesses on their behalf. Her family had gotten as far as they had only because of their solicitor Padraig O’Muirigh. They would get nothing like that from the ICRIR.
IRISH GOVERNMENT
Ciaran Madden of the Department of Foreign Affairs represented the Irish government. He said that Tánaiste Simon Harris had raised Sean Brown’s case in his very first phone conversation with Hilary Benn, and had raised it repeatedly during meetings and conferences with the British thereafter. Only two days earlier Harris had spoken about the Brown case in the Dail.
The Irish government’s position is that the Brown family must have access to an Article 2 compliant investigation and the only existing way to provide that is through a public inquiry. What the British have now is “not fit for purpose” for the family of Sean Brown or for other victims’ families.
A recent headline in the Irish Independent, which said Taoiseach Micheal Martin and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer had agreed on a joint approach to legacy issues, was inaccurate. The Irish government must discuss legacy issues with the British and a responsibility to try to put proper legacy mechanisms in place, but will not accept anything which does not comply with Article 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights or does not command the support of victims.
Mr. Madden noted the positive impact which Congressional initiatives have and urged Irish Americans to continue their strong support of justice for victims particularly in securing Congressional support.
CAJ
Daniel Holder, of the Committee for the Administration of Justice, had issued a report last November on what it would take to make the ICRIR Commission satisfy human rights requirements under the European Convention. He said although the law is supposed to apply to everyone, during the conflict there were almost no investigations of British military killings and the system seemed designed to evade justice in collusion killings.
Victims’ relatives had brought a series of legal cases in the European Court of Human Rights, and secured a package of measures including Inquests, Ombudsman Reports, and civil actions which were starting to deliver justice.
Boris Johnson’s Conservative government wanted to shut down mechanisms that were working for families. The ICRIR was created to allow the British to remove legal representation for victims’ families and to impose a national security veto on truths which contradicted British versions of events. The Labour government has continued the ICRIR, bowing to pressure from veterans’ groups and the military.
Courts have already struck down the bans on inquests, Civil Actions and Ombudsman Reports but the British have not restored these mechanisms. They have shut down justice in legacy cases for over a year.
PANELISTS
AOH National Freedom for all Ireland Chair Martin Galvin, who served as Moderator for the Panel, said that the families of Sean Brown, John Moran, and hundreds of other families were a continuing inspiration to Irish Americans.
He also commended the Irish government for standing up for Irish victims by bringing the case in the European Court.
National AOH President Sean Pender thanked each of the panelists and noted that by continuing to go to Court 59 times, the Brown family had proven that “the reprehensible British strategy of delay, deny and wait for family to die will never succeed.”
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The Feast takes place ten days before Pentecost; thus taking on a special anticipation of the gift of the Holy Spirit.
It does not commemorate a departure. Oh, no! It celebrates a presence and a promise:
I am with you always, even to the end of time. Jesus is with us at all times and in all places. This sentence is the core of our faith.
During the 40 days before the Ascension, Jesus continues to fortify our faith. He appears to many, that they might see that He is truly risen. The Apostle Thomas famously bears witness to the Lord’s wounds, which he recognizes on Jesus’ Risen Body. The Lord eats and drinks, proving He is not a ghost or apparition. Jesus strengthens our faith by leaving the Church with credible evidence that He was indeed
raised from the dead.
Jesus commissioned His followers to spread the Good News to the ends of the Earth and promised His Spirit as a helper and advocate.
After this promise, “He was lifted up, and a cloud took Him from their sight” (Acts 1:9). His followers are left behind, looking up at where He went, and then two figures appear and say, “Men of Galilee, why are you standing there looking at the sky? This Jesus who has been taken up from you into Heaven will return in the same way as you have seen Him going into Heaven.”
The reality of Christ’s Ascension is so important that the Creeds (the basic statements of our belief) of Christianity all affirm that “He ascended into Heaven, sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead.”
Jesus’ Ascension should point our entire being towards Heaven, and guide our every thought and deed. We should have Heaven as our goal and seek it, using whatever means are most fruitful.
This coming Thursday, celebrate the Ascension! Hear the promise! Believe the Word!
Receive new hope!
Let us continue to pray for one another!