Stephen Despin

Writer, family man & Irish Catholic. Exploring faith, heritage, culture & life. ☘️📚 @StephenDespinJr

[Stephen Despin @StephenDespinJr]

For many Irish Americans, stories like Major Mac feel deeply personal.

I wrote about County Donegal, immigration, family memory, and why preserving Irish diaspora identity through storytelling matters now more than ever.

New article out now. 🇮🇪

https://t.co/aljMCxftMH

[Knights of Columbus @KofC]

“At the sight of the crowds, Jesus’ heart was moved with pity for them.” — Matthew 9:36

In today’s Gospel, we see the heart of Christ, full of compassion for those who are lost, weary, and searching. He calls His disciples not only to notice this need, but to respond.

The mission continues today. Each of us is invited to be a laborer in the harvest, sharing God’s love through our words and actions.

🙏 Lord, open our eyes to the needs around us and send us forth to serve with generosity and compassion.

[Michael Haynes 🇻🇦 @MLJHaynes]

The streets of Derry are brought to a halt by the Blessed Sacrament today

Part of an international event with hundreds of parishes, Marian shrines holding public processions & prayers today

🎥@MLJHaynes

[Knights of Columbus @KofC]

Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly and his wife, Vanessa, attend Mass at St. Mary’s Church in New Haven, Conn., during the Organizational Meeting of State Deputies on June 5. (Photo by Tamino Petelinšek)

[Knights of Columbus @KofC]

Did Father McGivney buy this statue?

Archbishop William Lori, supreme chaplain of the Knights of Columbus, blessed a Sacred Heart statue that was recently recovered from storage at Immaculate Conception Church in Terryville, Conn., where Father Michael McGivney was pastor in 1886 when he bought a Sacred Heart statue for the parish. Though we may never be sure, the statue may have been purchased by Blessed Michael McGivney.

[Knights of Columbus @KofC]

Supreme Chaplain Archbishop William Lori delivers the homily during Mass at St. Mary’s Church in New Haven, Conn., on June 5. (Photo by Tamino Petelinšek)

[Pope Leo XIV @Pontifex]

"God is love, and whoever remains in love remains in God and God in him” (1 Jn 4:16). This is the heart of the Gospel, the heart of Christ. Whoever immerses themselves in it no longer lives for themselves. I give thanks for the abundant witnesses of faith and charity I have experienced on this #ApostolicJourney to #Spain.

[Stephen Despin @StephenDespinJr]

@HannahDCox Me too 😞

[Stephen Despin @StephenDespinJr]

Irish surnames helped build America.

My latest article explores how families like the McLaughlins, O’Neills, O’Donnells, Kennedys, and Murphys shaped communities for generations. ☘️

#IrishAmerican #Heritage
https://t.co/UVkS7O268F

[Thomas Massie @RepThomasMassie]

I didn’t realize this would be posted, but I’m glad it was. Two hours before I gave my speech honoring the brave sailors on the USS Liberty, I met with about a dozen of them in my office and asked how I could best represent them and those who had perished.

[Stephen Despin @StephenDespinJr]

@Vitus_osst I have epilepsy and struggle with Grand Mal seizures. I thank god everyday that I’m able to spend time with my wife and boys. Many hospital trips, many doctor’s appointments, and a lot of help from my church… very thankful everyday.

[Knights of Columbus @KofC]

Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly received the John Cardinal O’Connor Award from the Sisters of Life at a gala honoring their founder, the late Cardinal John O’Connor, in Rye, New York, on June 5.

“It is a great honor this evening to receive this award on behalf of the Knights of Columbus. It is doubly meaningful because of who it comes from, and in whose memory it’s named,” Supreme Knight Kelly said. “His Eminence John Cardinal O’Connor was a towering pillar of the pro-life movement. With an unshakable resolve, he dedicated so much of his ministry as bishop to proclaiming the sanctity of every human life, made in the image and likeness of God. From the pulpit of St. Patrick’s Cathedral and from the platform that is the Archdiocese of New York, he truly was a great prophet of the culture of life.”

The supreme knight noted the longstanding partnership between the Order and the Sisters of Life, highlighting Villa Maria Guadalupe, a retreat center in Stamford, Connecticut, established by the Knights of Columbus and entrusted to the Sisters in 2004 in fulfilment of Cardinal O’Connor’s vision of a place dedicated to prayer, healing and renewal. He also pointed to Life Fest, the annual youth rally cosponsored by the Order and the Sisters of Life, which for the past several years has brought together thousands of young people for prayer, worship and pro-life witness before the March for Life in Washington, D.C.

“The Knights of Columbus works with all sorts of organizations. But there is no partnership that we cherish more than our close friendship with the Sisters of Life,” Supreme Knight Kelly said.

“Speaking for the Knights, we will keep doing everything we can to support the Sisters of Life, and to protect vulnerable mothers and their children. As we prepare for the work ahead, we take comfort in the knowledge that Jesus Christ will continue to guide us.”

Featured: Supreme Knight Patrick E. Kelly accepts the John Cardinal O’Connor Award on behalf of the Knights of Columbus from Mother Mary Concepta, superior general of the Sisters of Life, during the Sisters of Life gala honoring the late Cardinal John O’Connor in Rye, New York, on June 5. The award recognized the Order’s commitment to building a culture of life. (Photo by Tamino Petelinšek)

[Stephen Despin @StephenDespinJr]

@BuenoForMiami I just started muting the politics topic in my feed and this app has been much less doom and gloom and much more calm and enjoying. I see posts about Catholicism, Ireland, beautiful photos & videos of amazing places around the word and became friends with folks in Ireland!

[Stephen Despin @StephenDespinJr]

Irish identity is about more than shamrocks and St. Patrick’s Day.

My latest article explores why more Irish Americans are rediscovering their roots through genealogy, history, language, and tradition. 🍀🇮🇪

#IrishAmerican #Heritage #Identity
https://t.co/2vjZp6bOY2

[Stephen Despin @StephenDespinJr]

The real weakness in American politics isn’t compromise—it’s tribalism.

Real leadership means putting principles and people ahead of party loyalty.

My latest article explores why America needs more common ground and less political warfare.
https://t.co/SyRpIN0EpC

[Stephen Despin @StephenDespinJr]

Let’s bring that W @WooSox!!

[Worcester Red Sox @WooSox]

BRAIDEN WARD!!!!!!!!!!

[Stephen Despin @StephenDespinJr]

We’re more connected than ever, yet many of us don’t know our neighbors.

My latest article explores what we’ve lost—and how we can rebuild it.

Do you know the people next door?

#Community #Belonging
https://t.co/7HPrGg3Vqf

[Stephen Despin @StephenDespinJr]

@Lee_Dury @realMaalouf If further force is needed to detain then so be it… you now have a weapon and he doesn’t. A good fighting stick and knowledge of knife defense can be HIGHLY effective against many types of weapons. A good walking stick isn’t just for old people or hikes, it’s a effective weapon.

[Stephen Despin @StephenDespinJr]

@Lee_Dury @realMaalouf The stick one of the guys was holding was longer than the machete… take the knees with the wooden stick from the side right at the top of the kneecaps. He’ll hit the ground quick and then you smack the hand with the weapon and kick the weapon away. Then detain 🤷‍♂️

[Stephen Despin @StephenDespinJr]

Everything feels temporary these days.

Products. Communities. Even relationships.

My latest article explores why—and why belonging still matters.
https://t.co/RVlxOvxMhu