The Members of St. Patrick’s Division 1, Ancient Order of Hibernians are dedicated to the preservation of our Irish heritage, and to serve the Irish Catholic Community in Tidewater, Virginia. This includes the cities of: Norfolk, Chesapeake, Suffolk, Newport News, Hampton, and Virginia Beach.
The Ancient Order of Hibernians is the oldest Irish Catholic organization in the U.S.A. The AOH is in full communion with the Roman Catholic Church, it’s teachings, and it’s leadership in religious freedom and peace. Ad majorem, Dei gloriam!
Our Members
St Patrick’s Division was founded in June 1980. The Brothers represent Catholic parishes across Hampton Roads, with the majority residing in the “South Side”. Together we are united in the Catholic Faith, our love of ancestral Ireland, and our devotion as citizens of the United States of America. Through our community support, charitable efforts and comradeship, we strive to live and share our motto of “Friendship, Unity and Christian Charity”.
Our Community Events
St Patrick’s Day Parade in Norfolk Each year, accompanied by students from local elementary schools, and our own distinctive Irish High Cross, we march and honor St Patrick.
Support of Veterans Each Memorial Day we lay a wreath at the Tidewater Veterans Memorial and in November we march in the Veterans Day parade that precedes a ceremony at the Memorial.
Neptune Festival Parade As summer days fade away, we become part of the fun-filled celebration at the ocean front marking the end of the tourist season. Once again, we find the colors flying ahead of our High Cross as we march up Atlantic Avenue in Virginia Beach.
Annual Car Show Our most significant fund-raiser, this event has been a fixture on the Virginia Beach car show scene since 2011. It’s a lot of work—-but it’s also a lot of fun for everyone involved!
Holy Eucharist Procession As the procession makes its way up the boardwalk, we form the vanguard ensuring the way is clear and providing an explanation for onlookers.
St Patrick’s Day Dinner Dance Every year we participate in this event hosted by the Knights of Columbus. It’s a wonderful evening full of traditional Irish food and drink, topped off with Celtic dancing and Irish entertainment.
Our Social Calendar
Our monthly meetings and charitable and community events afford ample opportunities to establish friendships and comradeship within the Division; nonetheless, among “our good works” we take care to intersperse “good times”. A Christmas party, summer picnic, half-way to St Patrick’s Day celebration, and other spontaneous get-togethers are enjoyed throughout the year.
