Apr26Wed
Apr24Mon
Click below to see coverage of the Peace Heroine display when it visited Philadelphia!
Apr21Fri
This week’s Green Friday member focus is Villanova University, boasting a rich heritage and deep ties to the Emerald Isle.
Their founder, Rev. Thomas J. Walsh, born in County Mayo, Ireland saw his Irish heritage as a vital part of the university’s identity.
Some of the university’s highlights include:
1️⃣ Center fo Irish Studies: For four decades, the Villanova Center for Irish Studies has been a leader in interdisciplinary teaching & scholarship on Ireland in a global framework.
2️⃣ St. Patrick’s Day Parade: The university has a long-standing tradition of participating in the Philadelphia St. Patrick’s Day Parade, one of the oldest and largest St. Patrick’s Day parades in the country. The Villanova community proudly marches in the parade, showcasing the university’s Irish pride.
3️⃣ Irish Heritage Month: Every March, they celebrate Irish Heritage Month with a variety of events, uncluding lectures, performances, and cultural activities highlighting Ireland’s rich traditions and contributions to society.
4️⃣ Irish Studies Collection: The Falvey Memorial Library houses an impressive Irish Studies Collection, with an extensive array of books, manuscripts, maps, and artifacts related to Irish history, literature, and culture. The collection serves as a valuable resource for students, faculty, and researchers interested in Ireland.
5️⃣ Alumni Connection: The university boasts a large and active alumni network, with many graduates having Irish heritage or connections to Ireland. Villanova alumni have gone on to make significant contributions to various fields in Ireland and Irish-American communities, reinforcing the university’s strong bond with the country.
Villanova University’s connection to Ireland runs deep, from its academic programs and cultural celebrations to its alumni network.
Congratulations to our member, Kate Shields, CEO of Vault Communications, named to Irish America’s Business 100, which honors the best and the brightest Irish-American and Irish-born leaders, representing some of the most innovative and influential companies and corporations in the world.
Apr14Fri
This week’s Green Friday member focus is Tooher Consulting, which specializes in strategic planning for mid-size companies.
CEO John Tooher is originally from Dundalk and has over twenty years of experience leading strategic development for SMEs and multinational corporations.
John’s background includes senior international leadership positions with GE, Imation, a GE spinout, and 3M. His experience with diverse teams in the strategy room allows him to help clients see the big picture so they can improve practices to drive the growth of their business.
Services include:
➡️ Complimentary Consultation
➡️ Two Sessions | Ten Hours | New Strategy
➡️ My Business Roadmap, an automated self-serve, small business management platform that guides you through defining the most critical drivers of your business and laying out the plan of action you must take to get you where you want to be.
Learn more here –> Home-New | Tooher Consulting
In January 2023, the The Basilica Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal was elevated by the Vatican to Minor Basilica status.
The Shrine was founded by Irish Vincentian Fathers who arrived in Philadelphia in 1915 to minister to the growing population of Catholic immigrants, many of whom were also Irish. At the time, the Catholic Church faced widespread discrimination and persecution in America, and the Irish were often viewed with suspicion and prejudice. 
The Fathers began by establishing a church in Philadelphia dedicated to the Immaculate Conception, and soon after, began construction on the Shrine.
The Miraculous Medal was created by St. Catherine Labouré, a French nun who had received a vision of the Blessed Virgin Mary in 1830. The Medal had become a popular symbol of devotion and protection, and the Fathers saw its potential to inspire and uplift the faithful who visited their Shrine.
Today, the Miraculous Medal Shrine in Philadelphia continues to draw thousands of pilgrims from around the world each year who come to pray, reflect, and seek the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
The Irish Vincentian Fathers have continued to serve the needs of the Irish community in Philadelphia and beyond, running a variety of programs and providing services that promote the cultural, spiritual, and social well-being of Irish Americans.
One such program is the Irish Diaspora Center, which provides assistance and support to Irish immigrants in the Philadelphia area. The center offers a range of services, including legal advice, job training, and language classes, to help immigrants integrate into their new communities. The Fathers also operate several schools in the Philadelphia area, including St. Joseph’s Preparatory School and Archbishop Ryan High School. These schools provide a quality education to students of all backgrounds, and they have a long tradition of excellence in academics, athletics, and community service.In addition to their work in education and social services, the Fathers also maintain a strong presence in the cultural life of Philadelphia. They support a variety of Irish arts and cultural events throughout the year, including the annual Philadelphia Irish Festival.The total contributions of the Irish Vincentian Fathers to the Irish community in Philadelphia are numerous and far-reaching. Their dedication to service, education, and cultural preservation has enriched the lives of countless individuals and families.
As we celebrate this Easter season, the IABCN recognizes and honors the ongoing work of the Irish Vincentian Fathers at the Miraculous Medal Shrine and all those who continue to promote the legacy of the Irish in America.
