As an Army chaplain, Fr. Francis L. Sampson saw combat in two wars and earned the nickname of "the Parachuting Padre." His actions during the D-Day campaign would be adapted as part of two major motion pictures, though in both his actions would be attributed to others. Fr. Sampson was born in Cherokee, Iowa, the descendant of Immigrants from County Cork. Fr. Sampson graduated from Notre Dame before entering St. Paul's Seminary in Minnesota. He served briefly as a parish … Read More .... about The Parachuting Padre
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Margaret Haughery, A Mother to Orphans, Bread Woman of New Orleans
In Margaret Place, a small park in New Orleans' Lower Garden District where Clio and Prytania Streets meet, a Carrara marble statue of a woman … [Read More...] about Margaret Haughery, A Mother to Orphans, Bread Woman of New Orleans
Daniel Daly: The Marine Who Earned Two Medals of Honor—and Deserved a Third
Sergeant Major Daniel Joseph Daly, USMC, recipient of the Medal of Honor twice for engagements in two separate conflicts In the history of the … [Read More...] about Daniel Daly: The Marine Who Earned Two Medals of Honor—and Deserved a Third
King Kelly: The Irish American Who Transformed Baseball
In the early days of baseball, Irish Americans dominated the sport and helped shape it into America’s national pastime. Many young men, hardened … [Read More...] about King Kelly: The Irish American Who Transformed Baseball
Detective Steven McDonald and the Irish American Tradition of Service
Few modern New York police officers better embodied the Irish American tradition of faith, service, and moral courage than NYPD Detective Steven … [Read More...] about Detective Steven McDonald and the Irish American Tradition of Service
The Chaplain’s Corner
Deputy National Chaplain Update – May 2025
Deputy National Chaplain Fr. Colm Mitchell I imagine by the time this issue of the Digest is sent out, we will be into the Easter season. As … [Read More...] about Deputy National Chaplain Update – May 2025
The Jubilee Year ‘Pilgrims of Hope’: A Reflection for the Ancient Order of Hibernians
The Jubilee Year theme, ‘Pilgrims of Hope,’ resonates profoundly with the Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH). As members of this storied organization, we are called to reflect on our shared history, values, and … [Read More...] about The Jubilee Year ‘Pilgrims of Hope’: A Reflection for the Ancient Order of Hibernians