Famine Anniversary Observance Saturday

The county’s Ancient Order of Hibernians on Saturday will commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Irish Potato Famine, one of history’s greatest misnomers, according to Irish Americans who say the famine was caused by the British government.

“The most significant thing is that millions of Irish people perished in what textbooks describe as a famine, but it wasn’t a famine,” said Chris Kelly, Division 1 president of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, one of two Orange County divisions of the Irish American fraternal organization.

“It was just a blight on the potato crop. All the other crops survived but were exported out of Ireland as millions starved,” he said.

Organizers said Irish Americans from across Orange County are expected to attend what is being called the “solemn commemoration,” set for 1:30 p.m. Saturday at St. Michael’s Abbey in Silverado.

A lone piper will lead a “procession of the faithful” to the Mass, accompanied by the Ancient Order of Hibernians color guard carrying the flags of the four provinces of Ireland.

Consul general of Ireland Declan Kelly will speak following the Mass.

The event is open to the public. Participants are encouraged to bring donations of nonperishable food items for distribution by the outreach services of Catholic Charities of Orange County.

Information: (714) 833-5823 or (714) 898-4568.