Anthony (Tony) Nother
President, Irish Benevolent Society of London & Area

Well we certainly have had a harsh winter, much different from last year. Nevertheless, we are already half way through February and before we know it, St. Patrick's Day will arrive. I believe this is always the breaking point as we get ready to embrace the milder weather. As we come out of the winter doldrums, our spirits are lifted once more to welcome the rejuvenating warmth of Spring. It is time for renewal and fresh beginnings, as nature awakens the blossoms and vibrant greenery.

The Irish Benevolent Society is ready to host our Annual St. Patrick's Day Luncheon on Monday, March 17, 2025 at the Lamplighter Inn on Wellington Road, London, ON. We are pleased to announce an expanded menu to include the traditional corn beef and cabbage, chicken, or a vegetarian plate to suit the tastes of all. Choices may be made when purchasing your ticket on line. Details can be found further down in this newsletter.

May the luck of the Irish be with you as you embrace the beauty of Spring and the joy of St. Patrick's Day!

Do Chara,

Anthony (Tony) Nother
President, Irish Benevolent Society of London & Area

🍀Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with us.🍀

The countdown is on for one of the biggest Irish celebrations of the year. The Irish Benevolent Society’s Annual St. Patrick’s Day Luncheon is on, and we can’t wait to welcome you for an afternoon of Irish spirit, camaraderie, and plenty of craic.

📅 Date: Monday, March 17, 2025
📍 Location: Lamplighter Inn
⏰ Time: 11:30 AM

This luncheon has been a beloved tradition in our community for years, bringing together friends, family, and business leaders to celebrate our shared Irish heritage. Each year, it gets bigger and better—and 2025 promises to be the best one yet.

Why You Can’t Miss It:

✅ Fantastic Food & Drinks – A delicious meal shared in great company.
✅ Live Entertainment – Enjoy traditional Irish music, lively performances, and maybe even a surprise or two!
✅ Unbeatable Atmosphere – There’s nothing like celebrating St. Patrick’s Day surrounded by fellow lovers of Ireland.
✅ A Growing Tradition – This event keeps selling out, and this year will be no exception.

Whether you have deep Irish roots or just love the spirit of the day, this luncheon is a must-attend event. Gather your friends, spread the word, and get ready to raise a glass to Ireland.

🎟️ Tickets are limited, so don’t wait! Secure your spot and let’s make this St. Patrick’s Day one to remember. 💚☘️

Get your tickets here.

A Grand Day of Fun – Thanks to You! ☘️

We’re thrilled with the number of people who have offered to volunteer for our St. Patrick’s Day Luncheon—your generosity and enthusiasm make this event truly special. Go raibh míle maith agaibh! (A thousand thanks to you!)

The day is always filled with music, laughter, and plenty of craic—our Irish dancers and choir will keep us entertained, and of course, we’ll have door prizes galore (we do love giving them out).

If you’d like to donate a prize, we’d love to hear from you—just connect with us, and we’ll add you to the list.

And let’s not forget one of the crowd favorites—our Heads and Tails game! It’s always great fun, and the lucky winner will walk away with a great big bucket of booze. 🍀🍻

We can’t wait to celebrate with you all—a heartfelt thank you to everyone helping make this day a success. See you on March 17th! 🎶💚

Celebrating St. Brigid’s Day – The Legacy of Ireland’s Beloved Patroness

On February 1st, we celebrated St. Brigid’s Day, honoring one of Ireland’s most revered figures. St. Brigid, often considered Ireland’s second patron saint alongside St. Patrick, is known for her kindness, wisdom, and deep connection to both faith and the land.

Born in the 5th century, Brigid dedicated her life to helping others, founding Kildare’s famous monastery, which became a center of learning and hospitality. She is also closely linked to spring, renewal, and fertility, carrying forward traditions from Ireland’s ancient past.

One of the most recognizable symbols of St. Brigid is her woven cross, traditionally made from rushes. Many Irish households still craft these crosses and hang them in homes to bring protection and blessings for the year ahead.

St. Brigid’s Day also marks Imbolc, an ancient Celtic festival signaling the arrival of longer days and the promise of spring. Today, celebrations of Brigid are experiencing a revival, with the day recognized as a new Irish public holiday since 2023.

On St. Brigid’s Day, take a moment to reflect on her legacy of generosity and resilience—qualities that continue to inspire the Irish spirit around the world.

Make it stand out

Exciting Opportunity for Students Aged 13-17: Experience the Celtic Irish Academy.

This year, the Irish Benevolent Society invites you to help us create an unforgettable experience for a deserving Canadian high school student.

Keep the Dream Alive – Support a Student’s Journey to Ireland! ☘️

There’s still time to make a difference! The Irish Benevolent Society is sponsoring a young Canadian student (aged 13-17) to attend the Celtic Irish Academy in Ireland next summer—a life-changing opportunity to:

✅ Immerse in Irish culture through history, language, music, and traditions.
✅ Strengthen their connection to Irish heritage and identity.
✅ Experience the deep pride of what it means to be Irish.

This program isn’t just a trip—it’s a gift of cultural connection and personal growth.

💚 How You Can Help:
Your donation, big or small, helps provide this once-in-a-lifetime experience for a deserving student. Every contribution brings us closer to making this dream a reality!

📢 Donate Today and be part of this incredible journey.

Thank you for your generosity and for keeping the Irish spirit alive in Canada! 🍀

Exciting Upcoming Events – Join Us

We’re thrilled to announce a series of exciting events happening in the coming months, and we’d love for you to join us as we celebrate Irish culture and community here in London and surrounding area.

London Irish Folk Club

Irish Cultural Celebration
Time: 10:00AM - 2:00PM
Saturday March 1, 2025
Location: The Market t Western Fair
4 hours of Live music, Dance performances, and opportunities to learn ceili dancing! We will have information on all the wonderful events that happen year round in London.

London Irish Canadian Cultural Society

Tis all Irish
Time: noon - midnight
March 15th, 2025
Entry: Day time $10 + fees; Evening $30 + fees; Full Day $35 + fees
Location: German Canadian Club, 1 Cove Rd., London
Day time events: Come and experience Irish music workshops, kids crafts, Irish dancing, set dancing, face painting, Irish history, Celtic design, Irish sports, whiskey tasting and the best Irish food, Irish live music and vendors.
In the evening: live music from Irish Folk Club, Alan Lynch, Three Penny Piece and the Devil's Drink

Celtic Chapters

Book Club
Time: 7:30
Second Thursday of every month (March 13, 2025)
Location: 1 Cove Rd
Get ready to chat about Foster by Claire Keegan
Monthly

**St. Valentine’s Relics at Whitefriar Street Church**

In the **19th century**, Pope Gregory XVI gifted a collection of **St. Valentine’s relics** to an Irish Carmelite priest, Fr. John Spratt, in recognition of his work. These relics—believed to include some of St. Valentine’s bones and a vial of his blood—were later enshrined at The Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel aka Whitefriar Street Church (est. 1826) in Dublin, where they remain today.
The relics are kept in a **shrine dedicated to St. Valentine**, with an altar and a statue of the saint holding a crocus flower. Every year on **February 14th**, couples visit the church to **seek blessings for their relationships and marriages**. The relics are also displayed for veneration on this day.
While **not as famous as other Irish landmarks**, the relics have a **cult following** among those interested in history, romance, and Catholic tradition. Many visitors to Dublin are surprised to learn that the "Patron Saint of Love" has a resting place there, making it a unique stop for tourists, particularly in February.

🍀 St. Patrick’s Day Quiz🍀

Think you know your Irish history and traditions? First correct answer wins a prize that will be given at the Luncheon on March 17th.

Questions:

· What year was St. Patrick officially canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church?

· What ancient Irish festival is believed to have influenced St. Patrick’s Day traditions?

· The first-ever St. Patrick’s Day parade was held where?

· What was St. Patrick’s real name before he took on the name Patrick?

· Which famous Irish landmark is said to have been visited by St. Patrick, where he fasted for 40 days?

· The Book of Kells, one of Ireland’s greatest treasures, is displayed where?

· What is the traditional Irish toast often said when raising a glass?

St. Brigid, St. Valentine, St. Patrick