I imagine by the time this issue of the Digest is sent out, we will be into the Easter season. As Irishmen, Easter has two distinct but important meanings for us. First and foremost, it is the celebration of the Resurrection of our Lord. Secondly, it is when we commemorate those who gave their lives for Irish Freedom.

            Again, the most important thing we celebrate on Easter is our Lord’s Resurrection. This is his victory over sin and death. Because of this, salvation and paradise are possible for us. We must remember what our Lord endured for our salvation. He, an innocent man, took all of our sins upon himself. He suffered greatly at the hands of his captors. He was beaten to a pulp, spit upon, insulted and mocked. He endured this for you. He did this because he loves you. After his agonizing death on Good Friday, he was placed in a tomb. On Sunday morning, that tomb was empty. Let us remember this. Let us share this joyous news of Christ’s victory over sin and death with everyone we encounter. In response to what Christ did for us, let us make sure that we avail ourselves to the graces our Lord wants to give us. Let us make sure we attend the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass every Sunday. Let us make sure we regularly go to confession so we can worthily receive our Lord in the Holy Eucharist.

            The organizers of the 1916 Rising knew full well of the true meaning and importance of Easter. This is why they chose it as the time to strike their blow for Irish Freedom. Sadly, they were not successful. In the decades since, while we have gotten closer, we have not yet achieved their goal of complete freedom for the Irish Nation. Let us use this time to remember all those who have lost their lives since 1916, especially the fallen volunteers. Let us pray that not another drop of blood will have to be shed before their goal is realized.

Slán agus beannacht.

Is mise an tAthair Colm Mitchell. Is Sagart Chicago mé. My name is Father Colm Mitchell I am a priest of the Archdiocese of Chicago and am honored to serve as the Deputy National Chaplain. I was ordained in 2022 and I currently serve as Associate Pastor at St Alexander Parish in Palos Heights, IL in the southwest suburbs of Chicago. I have been a Hibernian since 2015 when I joined Chicago Division 32 as a seminarian. I also serve as Illinois State Board Chaplain and State Freedom For All Ireland Chair.

My Irish roots go back to my grandparents from Cavan and Derry on my mother’s side and my great-grandparents from Galway and Roscommon on my father’s. I also have family in Tyrone, which is where I spend most of my time when I visit. I grew up in the Irish-American community here in Chicago. Some of my earliest memories are from being at Irish Fest at Gaelic Park, or various events at the Irish American Heritage Center. My parents were both active members of Irish Northern Aid, so supporting the struggle for Irish Freedom is something that has been very important to me. I have been active with the Irish Freedom Committee and Americans for a United Ireland.

A few weeks before the National Convention I got a call from a New Jersey phone number. It was our now National President asking me if I would be willing to serve as one of the two chaplains. I was both surprised and honored. I look forward to serving our order over the coming years. Know of my prayers for all of you, our members, and please say a prayer for me.

Slán agus beannacht,

Fr. Colm Mitchell
AOH Deputy National Chaplain