The Irish standard., 1912-01-27
National President Urges Members
to Receive Holy Communion
on St. Patrick's Day.
If all Respond it Will Mean Profess
sion of Faith by Half a Million
Irish Catholics.
Close of Diamond Jubilee year
Finds Order in Prosperous and
Thriving Condition.

The following letter from the pen
Of National President Regan brings
cheering news to the thousands OF
members of the Ancient Order of Hi
bernians throughout the country. His
suggestion that the members of the
Order receive Holy Communion on St.
Patrick's Day, which this year falls
on Sunday, will doubtless meet a
hearty response. Mr.. Regan's letter
follows:
To the Members of the Ancient Order
of Hibernians in America:
Our Diamond Jubilee year has
closed and feel happy in saying it
has proved to be memorable one.
Many large classes have been initiat-
ed in different parts of the country
and the utmost enthusiasm has pre-
vailed. 1t has been my privilege to
visit great many of our states and
provinces, and it is great pleasure to
be able to assure the members of the
OluCl IA1oC l 4OuAu OVO1 "ACAO tA1S
most cordial good feeling. A common
purpose seems to permeate our men,
bership, and if the same determina-
tion to uplift our people continues,
there is no telling what influence our
.Qrder may exercise on our race and
what power for good we may have
on the community at large. But we
cannot let things run along of them
selves. Success is the result of work,
and let us keep up the work.
Perhaps the most encouraging
thing I have experienced in my ef-
forts is the cooperation of the clergy.
From the humblest priest to the most
exalted dignitary our Order has re-
ceived sympathy and encouragement,
and let me assure you it is not mere
ly from the anointed ones of our be-
loved Fatherland, but from those Of
every nationality we have had assist
ance and inspiration.
This brings me to the point I de-
sire particularly to make in my New
Year letter. Our Order stands for
two great things-Faith and Father
land. In the Irish heart the two are
closely linked. When, in the days of
persecution, choice had to be made
there was never any hesitation. Our
fathers would not give up their faith
even at the risk Of being driven from
their Fatherland. They crossed the
seas in the famine ship, but they car
ried with them the faith unsullied.
And in many a distant country the
dreams of his lost native land came
back at night upon the Irish exile,
and brought forth the bitter tears of
regretful sorrow for the place so dear
to him.
We are still the same people, but
our faith is no longer banned. Yet
would it not be grand thing for us
to make public profession Of that
faith? st. Patrick's Day falls this
year on Sunday. Therefore the full
tillment of the request am about to
make will not inconvenience any of
our members. 1t is simply that ev-
cry one of us would receive Holy
Communion that morning. I know
you will do it. You only require to
be reminded of what glorious pro-
fession of faith it will be. Just imag-
inc! lue Ancient Order of Hiber-
mans and the Ladies' Auxiliary are
approximately 25O,O00. Each one will
easily bring another member Of the
family along. So 1t is possible for us
to have half million Of our people
making public profession of faith on
the l74', of March. 1 appeal with all
the fervor I am capable of to every
state, provincial, county and division
officer to rally for this cry. Your
priests will cooperate with you, and
you will be giving them intense de-
light. Bring 1t up at your February
meetings. Make the necessary ar
rangements. Wherever it is possible
let the members receive Holy Com
munion in a body. Do this for your
own sakes and for the faith of your
fathers. Show the people Of this
great continent that you are real
Catholic society. Let the world see