The Ancient Order of Hibernians has given Sean Pender a second term as National President, as America's largest Irish-American Catholic organization laid out an ambitious advocacy agenda at its convention in Omaha. Delegates rallied behind calls for a referendum on Irish unity, justice for families in Northern Ireland's legacy cases and continued opposition to development on the grounds of the former Bessborough Mother and Baby Home in Cork.
The Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH), the oldest and largest Irish-American Catholic organization in the United States, has re-elected President Sean Pender of New Jersey to a second term as National President while adopting a national advocacy agenda focused on Irish unity, legacy justice in Northern Ireland, comprehensive immigration reform, and preservation of the former Bessborough Mother and Baby Home site in Cork.
Meeting in Omaha for its biennial National Convention, the AOH also elected national officers and adopted initiatives promoting membership growth, youth engagement, leadership development, and stronger engagement in local communities.
"We are always stronger when we work together," President Pender said as he congratulated National President Sandi Swift on her election as National President of the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians. "Delegates leave Omaha prepared to grow the Order, strengthen their communities, defend our heritage, and use our collective voice in the cause of peace and justice."
Irish unity and legacy justice
President Pender called for serious planning and public discussion of a referendum on Irish unity as provided for under the Good Friday Agreement.
"The AOH says: let us have this conversation on unity. Let each side put forward its best argument, and let the people decide democratically," President Pender said.
"Those who support a referendum have identified 2030 as a target. If, by then, a full thirty-two years after the Good Friday Agreement, we cannot even have a serious conversation about unity, when will we? The time has come for a serious plan for Irish unity."
President Pender also reaffirmed the AOH's commitment to families seeking truth and justice in Northern Ireland, including those pursuing accountability in the Sean Brown and Pat Finucane cases.
Protecting the Bessborough site
President Pender also pledged continued advocacy for survivors and families connected to the former Bessborough Mother and Baby Home in Cork, opposing plans to build housing on land associated with the institution and potential burial sites.
"Bessborough marks a sad chapter in a nation that has had too many sad chapters, but we should treat this site no differently than a mass grave from An Gorta Mór," President Pender said. "Ireland has become stronger by confronting the questions of the past, not by burying them beneath the foundations of a housing development."
The AOH's statement opposing the proposed development was recently read at a public rally in Cork.
Faith-based immigration reform
Building on remarks by Bishop Brendan Cahill, Chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' Committee on Migration, President Pender announced that the AOH will work to build a faith-based coalition advocating comprehensive immigration reform rooted in Catholic social teaching.
Bishop Cahill emphasized three enduring principles: the right of people to seek safety and opportunity, the authority of nations to secure their borders, and the obligation to treat every person with dignity.
Honoring service and leadership
The AOH presented its prestigious Father Edward J. Flanagan Award to Boys Town in recognition of its enduring commitment to serving vulnerable children and families while continuing Father Flanagan's remarkable legacy.
The Order also presented its John F. Kennedy Medal to Archbishop Eamon Martin, Primate of All Ireland, in recognition of his faithful leadership, steadfast witness to the Catholic faith, and dedicated service to the people of Ireland.
A call for American unity
Marking America's 250th anniversary, President Pender urged Americans to reject political division and rediscover the spirit of compromise that shaped the nation's founding.
"In our historic 250th year, let us honor the brave men and women of the thirteen colonies who worked through compromise to lay the foundation of this nation," President Pender said. "Let us stop being Red or Blue and start being Red, White, and Blue. We can do better. We must do better."
Delegates concluded the convention by reaffirming the AOH's commitment to preserving Irish-American heritage through service, civic engagement, and continued advocacy for faith, justice, and a peaceful, united Ireland.
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