A Sisterhood of Irish-American, Catholic Women, The Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians is a National organization officially recognized in Omaha, Nebraska in 1894 as the “Daughters of Erin.” Today, the LAOH has changed in many ways but still holds true to its MOTTO of “Friendship, Unity and Christian Charity. We are pledged to God and Country. The primary purpose of the Ladies was to protect young immigrant Irish girls coming to the United States, to assist them in securing employment, to give them the opportunity to be with their own kind, and to keep them from becoming homesick and discouraged.
In 1906, the name was changed to “Ladies Auxiliary to the Ancient Order of Hibernians”.
In 1984, the Ladies voted to change their name to “The Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians.”
The Preamble of our Constitution states that the intent and purpose of the Ladies is to promote Friendship, Unity and Christian Charity among its members; assisting the people of Ireland to establish an Irish Republic which shall include the 32 counties of Ireland, aiding the aged, sick, blind and infirm members and for the legitimate expense of the Ladies, including Missions work and Catholic Action. Our Patron Saint is Saint Brigid of Ireland.
Members are expected to attend meetings and be active in their Divisions; and to support and participate in their County, State, and National Board’s activities. Members are involved in a wide variety of activities and events. St. Brigid is our patron Saint, our Divisions celebrate this day with Masses, luncheons, dinners, charity service in her honor.
Our Divisions are involved in numerous charity activities including food banks, clothing drives, visiting the elderly in nursing homes and hospitals, assisting our religious orders, raising money for worthy causes. Our Organization holds a National Irish Writing Contest for Junior and High School students each year. Our members participate in parades including the world’s largest St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Fifth Ave in Manhattan. Part of our mission is to promote our Irish culture, we do this by displaying exhibits and lecturing on Irish history, and supporting groups who are working toward preserving our rich history.
We are not a political organization, we do not endorse candidates. However our members are involved in the legislator process. Our members and our Organization as a whole support legislation that supports issues related to peace in Ireland, freedom for all the Irish people, and our beliefs as Catholics.
