Bishop Emeritus Dennis J. Sullivan was presented with the New Jersey Ancient Order of Hibernians McFaul-Mullan Award on Oct. 6 for his “spiritual guidance that assists all men of this order in living our motto of Friendship, Unity and True Christian charity.”
Such were the words of the New Jersey Ancient Order of Hibernians Commodore John Barry Gloucester County Division 1 during the General Membership Meeting in National Park. The honor is given biennially to recognize a religious or lay person who has shown “outstanding service of love and forgiveness with understanding and compassion [and for] their continued efforts of living the Gospel truths with justice and faithfulness as they humbly serve the Catholic Church.”
The oldest and largest Irish Catholic fraternal organization in the United States, the Ancient Order of Hibernians was founded in Pennsylvania and New York City in 1836, to protect Irish Catholics, and clergy and churches, from persecution
Today, the organization serves as a bridge to Ireland for those of Irish birth or descent, celebrates Irish culture, and supports the Catholic Church and its mission.
“I was delighted to be there, and except that recognition. I’m humbled,” said Bishop, who noted that he’s been a member of the National Park Division since arriving to South Jersey in 2013.
“Anytime I’m with them, I feel at home, welcome, among a group of brothers.”
On behalf of state president Richard O’Brien, the award was presented by Father Kenneth Hallahan, state chaplain of the New Jersey order and a retired priest of the Diocese, as well as Sean Grannan Sr., president of the order’s Commodore John Barry Gloucester County Division 1, and Gerald Logan, vice president of the state’s order.
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