Lawrence Irish Heritage Month Hosting Lecture on Rev. James T. O'Reilly on Sunday, March 9

Teddie Gallagher of Villanova University is giving a lecture entitled "The Life & Times of Rev. James T. O'Reilly, OSA" at the Lawrence Heritage State Park on Sunday, March 9, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

The lecture is sponsored by the White Fund and is part of Irish Heritage Month in the City of Lawrence, organized by Ancient Order of Hibernians and Ladies AOH, Division Eight. The Lawrence AOH chapter is named to honor Reverend O'Reilly, who was an Augustinian (OSA) priest.

According to the Lawrence History Center, "O'Reilly was perhaps the most influential church leader in the history of Lawrence." In addition to presiding over the Irish congregation at St. Mary's Church, he also "helped create Catholic churches for Greeks, Syrians, Portuguese and Lithuanians." He organized a "God and Country" parade in 1912 that drew over 100,000 people.

Here is a schedule of Irish Heritage Month activities in Lawrence this March.

Find year round information on Irish cultural events in Massachusetts at IrishMassachusetts.com.

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