The Central Association of the Miraculous Medal visited Brooklyn and attended the Irish Heritage Celebration (on Thursday, March 7) –  as their Vincentians of the Eastern Province received the Paul O’Dwyer Award from the Office of the Brooklyn Borough President and the Irish American Heritage Committee.

In Brooklyn, NY –  Brian O’Dwyer, Grand Marshal of the New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade (left) son of Paul O’Dwyer, presented the award to Fr. Joseph Foley, CM an active member of various ministries at St. John’s University and parish ministry in New York.

This year, the Vincentians of the Eastern Province are celebrating 170 years since landing in Philadelphia, PA and beginning their ministries which include service in missions and parishes throughout the East Coast. The Vincentians are responsible for many services to the poor and marginalized – they founded Niagara University and St. Johns University and their impact is pressed down and over-flowing.

Many of the Vincentian Fathers and Brothers trace their roots to Ireland. The Brooklyn Irish Heritage committee honored them for outstanding service to the New York City community.