Booklet commemorating 100 years of the Society of Jesus in Australia entitled 'A Century of Jesuit Achievement 1865-1965.'

Account by Fr Sturzo of the novices in Australia.

Account of the Australian Mission by Fr Michael J Watson SJ.

Account sheet for the Australian Mission.

A file of general account statements for the Australian Mission.

Series of articles bound into book format concerning the history of the Jesuit mission to Australia:

• 'The Woodstock Letters'. Vol. XXXVII. No. 3 'The Society of Jesus in Australia' pp303-318; Vol. XXXVIII. No. 1 pp1-9; Vol. XXXVIII. No. 2 pp161-176; Vol. XXXVIII. ? pp341-349; Vol. XXXIX. No. 2 pp145-160; Vol. XXXIX. No. 3 pp304-318; Vol. XL. No. 1 pp1-16; Vol. XL. No. 2 pp145-160; Vol. XL. No. 3 pp274-288; Vol. XLI. No. 1 pp1-6;

• catalogue of the Adelaide residence of the Australian Mission (1862; 1869-1870; 1874; 1877; 1880; 1886; 1889) and the Australian Mission (1887; 1893; 1902; 1912);

• contemporary newspaper clippings of Jesuit houses in Australia;

• copy of 'Edmund Campion’s History of Ireland' by the Rev. John Hungerford Pollen SJ with an inscription to Fr John Conmee SJ by J. H. Pollen SJ reprinted from ‘The Month’, December, 1905, and February, 1906.

• articles by Fr Matthew Devitt SJ on 'Summerhill, County Meath and its neighbourhood', published in Kildare Archaeological Society;

• 'Irish University Education: A plea for Fair Play' by Fr William Delany SJ (1904);

• 'Brief memoir of Fr Patrick Duffy SJ' (1904);

• 'The Annual Report of the Apostolic School of Ireland' (Society of Jesus) 1884-1885, 1886, 1895;

• extracts from the diary of Mungret College (1884-1885);

• copy letters from Rev. F. Ronan to the Fathers and Students of Mungret College during the journey through the United States (September 1884- Christmas 1885).

The Irish Jesuit Mission to Australia was initiated due to the will of Fr John Joseph Therry (1790-1864), who named the Irish Jesuits as beneficiaries to his property in Australia, and by an invitation to the Irish Province by James Alipius Goold, Bishop of Melbourne (later Archbishop) (1812-1886) to set-up a mission in his diocese. The first two Irish Jesuits, Frs William Lentaigne (1805-1884) and William Kelly (1823-1909), arrived in Melbourne in September 1865. Previously, two Austrian Jesuits, Frs. Kranewitter (1817-1880) and Klinkowstroem (1819-1896) had arrived in 1848 after Jesuit expulsion from Austria. The Austrian Mission centred on South Australia and the Northern Territory. In 1901, the Austrian and Irish missions amalgamated. Australia was made a Vice-Province in 1931 and Fr Austin Kelly SJ (1891-1978) was named the first Provincial of the Australian Province in 1950.

The papers of the Australian Mission provide a comprehensive history of the Irish Jesuit Mission, concentrating on the years 1865-1931. The Irish Jesuits worked as missionaries, educators, writers, chaplains, theologians, scientists, pastors and directors of retreats, mainly in the urban communities of eastern Australia.

Subjects touched upon include: agreements with Archbishops in establishing Jesuit houses in a particular diocese; reflections on the journey to and from Australia; administration of schools, colleges, universities and Jesuit residences - (St Patrick’s, Melbourne; St Francis Xavier College, Kew, Melbourne; St Aloysius, Dunedin (NZ); St Aloysius College, Sydney ; St Ignatius College, Riverview, Sydney; St Louis, Claremont, Western Australia; Newman College, University of Melbourne); parishes - (Norwood and Sevenhills in South Australia; Invercargill (NZ); Melbourne; Sydney; Toowong and Indooroopilly in Queensland); financial documents; expansion of the Mission; and correspondence between Father Provincial in Ireland and Jesuits in Australia. By far the greatest number of letters sent to Father Provincial in Ireland was from Fr John Ryan SJ (1849-1922) (Superior of the Mission from 11 February 1901-14 June 1908; 9 April 1913-24 October 1917). Until the creation of the Australian Mission as a Vice-Province, the Irish Provincial was kept informed of every minor detail about the Mission and often decision making in Australia was delayed until approval from Dublin was given.

Although this collection provides a comprehensive history of the Australian Mission, there are some gaps. For example, the collection does not contain any deeds or other legal documents relating to property obtained by the Society of Jesus in Australia and it is presumed that these documents would have been kept by the Superior of the Mission and later the Vice-Provincial of the Vice-Province in Australia, where they remain today.

Superiors of the Irish Jesuit Mission to Australia (1865-1931)
Fr Joseph Lentaigne SJ 1865-1866
Fr Joseph Dalton SJ 1866-1872
Fr Thomas Cahill SJ 1872-1879
Fr Joseph Dalton SJ 1879-2 September 1883
Fr Aloysius Sturzo SJ 2 September 1883-5 April 1890
Fr Patrick Keating SJ 5 April 1890-1 February 1895
Fr Timothy Kenny SJ 1 February 1895-11 February 1901
Fr John Ryan SJ 11 February 1901-14 June 1908
Fr Thomas Brown SJ 14 June 1908-9 April 1913
Fr John Ryan SJ 9 April 1913-24 October 1917
Fr William Lockington SJ 24 October 1917-20 June 1923
Fr Jeremiah Sullivan SJ 20 June 1923-19 March 1931

Vice-Provincials of the Vice-Province of Australian (1931-1950)
Fr John Fahy SJ 19 March 1931-25 August 1939
Fr John Meagher SJ 25 August 1939-1 October 1947
Fr Austin Kelly SJ 1 October 1947-1 November 1950

Booklets entitled 'Problems which Christ alone can solve: IV The flame of passion V. The tyranny of pain' (1925); 'The Inspiration of the Bible' (1945) and ‘The Great Quest and Other Papers’ by Fr Albert Power SJ.

A file relating to the Burses offered to Mungret for the training of priests for the Diocese of Wilcania Forbes, Australia (by donor from Rhode, County Offaly, home-place of Bishop John Dunne).

Also includes typed list of gifts and burses to Mungret (1882-1965).

Typescript calendar of letters relating to the Australian Mission detailing date, writer and recipient.

Catalogue for the Australian Mission.

Chronology of Fr Edward Sydes’ life.

Copies of articles (taken from catalogue/souvenir) concerning the history of the Jesuit mission to Australia (1871-1964). Includes note from Fr Stephen Redmond SJ to Tom (20 July 1991).

Copy letters from Fr General Peter Beckx SJ to the Superior of the Australian Mission Fr Joseph Dalton SJ.

Copy of a letter from Bishop Patrick Moran, Dunedin, New Zealand to Fr Aloysius Sturzo SJ (Superior of the Mission) concerning Fr Thomas McEnroe SJ and the withdrawal of all Jesuit Fathers from New Zealand. Remarks that abandoning the Mission would be a 'calamity'. Continues 'I cannot expect you to permit Fr McEnroe to remain here alone and I there fore propose you should send some one of your Fathers to work with him in Invercargill...'

Copy of a letter from Irish Fr Provincial James Tuite SJ to Fr Joseph Dalton SJ concerning a brother novice (John Flynn SJ) he is sending out to Australia. Remarks that Br Flynn has been in delicate health and is hoping that Australia may suit him better.

Correspondence between the Irish Fr Provincial Thomas V. Nolan SJ, the War Office and T. Stratton, Staff Officer to Principal Chaplain (R.C.), concerning the demobilisation of various Irish Jesuits and the need for chaplains for transport ships to Australia.

Cuttings from 'The Catholic Press' of an article entitled 'How the Irish Came to Queensland. The Voyage of the "Erin-go-bragh" and a tribute to Fr Aloysius Sturzo SJ'.

Document which briefly outlines the history of the beginnings of missions in Australia, Hong Kong and Northern Rhodesia.

Draft cable from Irish Fr Provincial John Fahy SJ, St Francis Xavier's, Upper Gardiner Street, Dublin 2 to the Australian Mission concerning the finances of one of the colleges.

A file of envelopes, stamped (Queen Victoria) and postmarked from Australia to Ireland.

Extract from the Australian Dictionary of Biography for Fr William Kelly SJ.

A file containing copy extracts from letters to Irish Fr Provincial concerning the question of Australia becoming a Vice-Province.

Rough financial accounts for various houses in Australia.

Form letter allocating money to the Australian Mission.

Pamphlet entitled 'Jesuit Pioneers: A page of Australian Mission History 1848-1901' by Fr Austin Kelly SJ (1948 32pp), photograph of Fr Austin Kelly SJ in a group on the front cover of 'News from India of the Australian Jesuits in Hazaribagh' (May 1972) and mortuary card for Fr Austin Kelly SJ.

Photocopy of newspaper cutting reporting the death of Fr Luke Murphy SJ in Australia.

Hand-written index/precis to the Australia collection, 1835-1903. It is not known who prepared this precis (perhaps Fr James Rabbitte SJ, check handwriting).

Honour roll of past pupils of St Ignatius College, Riverview, Sydney who were killed during the war.

Index librorum for the Australian Mission, which list books by Jesuits in Australia.

'Informationes' for Br Vincent Johnson SJ and copy letter from St Francis Xavier Residence, Upper Gardiner Street, Dublin indicating that materiel sent is incomplete.

A file of letters from Joseph Alipius Goold, Bishop of Melbourne, Bishop's House, Melbourne, Australia to Irish Fr Provincial Edmund O'Reilly SJ concerning an invitation to the Irish Province to set up a mission in his diocese.

Letter and postcard to the Irish Fr Provincial Thomas V. Nolan SJ from Fr Joseph Hearn SJ, written during his time serving as chaplain attached to the Australian Expeditionary Force, Dardanelles and the 7th Infantry Battalion, II Infantry Brigade, A.I.F., Mediterranean.

Letter from the Irish Fr Provincial Edmund O'Reilly SJ, Milltown Park, Dublin to [ ] concerning two fathers setting out from Ireland to establish the Australian Mission (Fr William Kelly SJ and Fr Joseph Lentaigne SJ). Refers to Fr Therry's brother in Cork who has agreed to co-operate in anyway so that the Jesuit fathers may secure their bequest.

Copy letter from Albert Gardiner (Acting Minister of Defence), Department of Defence, Commonwealth of Australia concerning an amendment to the war service regulations and theological students.

Letter from Brother Aubury, De La Salle Retreat, Castletown, Queen's County (County Offaly) to Fr John Ryan SJ Gardiner Street, Dublin concerning a foundation of Christian Brothers in Australia. Remarks that he raised the matter a number of years ago with his superiors who were not supportive of the proposal. Continues '...I fear it would be rash for me to hold out hopes of being able to offer Your Reverence a community of Brothers for your interesting schools for a few years to come.'

Letter from Fr Charles Plater SJ to Irish Fr Provincial Thomas V Nolan SJ.

Copy letter from Fr General concerning mass stipends. Includes a note by Fr John Ryan SJ to Irish Fr Provincial Thomas V Nolan SJ seeking advice.

Copy letter from Fr General concerning the appointment of only four Mission Consultors. Includes a note by Fr John Ryan SJ to Irish Fr Provincial Thomas V Nolan SJ asking him to correct the status for Australia.

Letter from Fr George Porter SJ, writing from Fiesole, to Irish Fr Provincial James Tuite SJ. Conveys the Fr General's desire that Fr Joseph Clery SJ is to be dismissed from the Society in Ireland, and not in Australia. Refers to Fr John O'Carroll's claim to a share of his aunt's property, and also to Fr Saurin's position in relation to property and his father's will. Adds that reports from America do not give accounts of the success of Fr Murphy’s expedition there.

Letter from Fr George Porter SJ, writing from Fiesole, to Irish Fr Provincial James Tuite SJ. Thanks his correspondent for ‘the paper & for the good news’. Sends the congratulations of the Fr General, who was particularly pleased by the part played by Fr Delany. Hopes that ‘the business of the college may be brought to an equally favourable termination’. Refers to the case of a member of the Limerick community, whose removal is left to the discretion of Fr Weld's correspondent. Adds that the Fr General is anxious that the man in question should be removed as his behaviour could cause scandal. Also refers to the ‘Montgret lease’, and states that if this Limerick diocesan seminary succeeds it ‘well may lead the way to very important work for the Society in Ireland’. Discusses the importance of helping the development of the Australian province, and refers to the sending of Frs Thomas Keating and Joseph Brennan there.
Note: The name of the man in Limerick, who may be removed from there is blacked out in this letter. The letter is accompanied by an envelope marked: ‘F. Rabbitte; 1. Letter enclosed for archives. 2. I am keeping the other (two) letters; [ ]’.

Letter from Fr George Porter SJ, writing from Fiesole, to Irish Fr Provincial James Tuite SJ. Thanks the latter for sending a copy of the Catholic Directory. States that the Fr General gives his consent to Fr Dalton to accept the 10 acres of the Catholic reserve. Advises Fr Tuite that the Fr General wishes that ‘more important matters’ be addressed to himself and in Latin. Refers to the Australian mission and its need for ‘some young blood’. Reminds Fr Tuite that he and the Fr General are awaiting his letter about 'Montgret'. Also refers to the Dublin College, and to Cardinal McCabe, to whom Fr Armellini is to visit; and to a proposed convent of the Sacred Heart at Sydney.

Letter from Fr George Porter SJ, writing from Fiesole, to Irish Fr Provincial James Tuite SJ. Refers to the latter's letter on 12 March, and addresses some of the points in it. Refers to Fr Tuite's proposals in relation to Montgret, and passes on the Father General's authorisation to send Fr Brennan to Australia. Also discusses the Terna for Australia, and an offer to the Society of 10 acres of the Catholic Reserve. With regard to the question of the New Zealand mission raised by Fr Dalton in his letter, asks Fr Tuite's opinion on the proposed removal of the missioners from there to Australia. Asks for a copy of the Irish Catholic Directory for 1882.

Letter from Fr George Porter SJ, writing from Fiesole, to Irish Fr Provincial James Tuite SJ. Refers to the terna for the successor of Fr Thomas Kelly SJ, and asks Fr Tuite to observe Fr Donovan to see whether he would make a good superior. Also requests that he names a Prefect of Studies for Milltown Park. Explains about a reminder for ‘extra [wines]’. Reports that complaints have reached the Fr General about the fathers at Upper Temple Street. Refers also to Fr Denis Murphy’s leave of absence, to the Frs Kelly’s visits to externs, and to Fr E. Murphy's missions in America. Reports on the Fr General’s views in relation to the new College.

Letter from Fr George Porter SJ, writing from Fiesole, to Irish Fr Provincial James Tuite SJ. Refers to Dr Goethals, a bishop in Calcutta, who runs a newspaper there. Discusses the question of the ‘Dublin College’ and Fr Delany's involvement in the matter. Refers to the negative attitude of Cardinal McCabe to the latter, and to his (Delany's) extravagant tendencies in relation to the College. Believes that ‘the very best professors should be engaged (even Protestants, in cases where no Catholic professor was prominent)’. Suggests that the studies at Miltown be put ‘on a more satisfactory footing’, through the use of the various Jesuits that Fr Tuite has in Dublin, including Fr Finlay, who Fr Porter sent back to Ireland ‘after his grand act’. Asks if he has heard anything about the terna from Australia.

Letter from Fr H Walmesley SJ, Via S. Nicola da Tolentino, Roma to Irish Fr Provincial William Delaney SJ concerning a representative from the Australian Mission to the Provincial Congregation. Includes a copy of a reply on the same issue from the XXV General Congregation (1906).

Letter from Fr Jeremiah Sullivan SJ, St Ignatius College, Riverview, Sydney to Fr Thomas Wheeler SJ concerning the voyage to Australia and news from Riverview. Refers to retreats given by Fr Edward Sydes and Fr Tom Walsh. Remarks '...(they) are Sydney's great rival preachers...(Fr Walsh) is to give a retreat to the St. Vincent de Paul Society this week and is styled on their posters and handbills as "one of the most attractive and eloquent of the younger Jesuits" '.

Letter, written in Latin from Fr Joannes Hinteroecker SJ to [ ] describing his work amongst the Aboriginal people (Indigenous Australians) in Australia.

Letter from Fr John J. Nerney SJ, The Queen's Work, A Magazine of Catholic Activities, 3220 Russell Avenue, Saint Louis to Irish Fr Provincial Thomas V. Nolan SJ concerning his visit to America to observe the work of the magazine so that he can start a similar enterprise in Australia.

Letter from Fr John McEncroe, Archdiocese, Sydney, Australia to Fr John Callan SJ concerning the introduction of Fathers from the Society of Jesus into the Diocese of Sydney.

Letter from Fr Oliver Daly SJ to Fr John Ryan SJ concerning his voyage accompanying Fr John O'Neill back to Ireland. Refers to an incident that took place after Mass on board the ship. Remarks 'I went into the cabin to make my acts of thanks just as I had finished I heard screams of "passenger overboard". The brave captain stopped the steamer at once lowered a boat he (Fr O'Neill) was picked up in 20 minutes. Had he not swam so vigorously...the [ ] hawks who gathered in numbers around him would have picked out his eyes.' Refers to other attempts to commit suicide and remarks: 'There is no doubt that had I known him as well before starting as I do now I should have been afraid to volunteer my services.'

Letter from Fr Thomas McEnroe SJ, St Mary's, Invercargill, New Zealand to Fr Joseph Dalton SJ (Superior of the Mission) concerning his health and expressing himself willing to take on any task to which he is appointed.

Letter from Fr Thomas McEnroe SJ, St Mary's, Invercargill, New Zealand to Fr Aloysius Sturzo SJ (Superior of the Mission) concerning the finances of the New Zealand Mission and expressing his opinion on working in New Zealand.

Letter from Fr Willie Doyle SJ to his Aunt Jane. Refers to his ordination, and to his departure for Belgium the following day to complete his education in Belgium, and states that he may have a chance of going to Australia in the future. Also refers to his parents’ Jubilee celebrations.

Letter from Frances [ ] to Fr John Conmee SJ on board the R.M.S. ‘Orizaba’, on which Fr Edward Corrish SJ, Fr John O'Neill SJ, and some Loreto nuns are also travelling to Australia.

Letter from John Fitzpatrick, Vicar General, Melbourne to Fr Joseph Dalton SJ, Superior of the Mission, requesting him, on behalf of the Bishop, to make the annual collection for the Ecclesiastical Seminary, Melbourne. Includes a copy reply from Fr Dalton. Remarks 'Don't you think it places us in a... false position before the diocese? It makes the "Jesuit Fathers" the applicants for the money whereas the collection is in reality not for us but for his Lordship...'

Letter from Joseph Alipius Goold, Archbishop of Melbourne, writing from Brussels, Belgium to Fr Joseph Lentaigne SJ concerning an urgent request by Fr Joseph Dalton SJ for a community of teaching nuns to go to Australia.

Copy letter from the Superior of the Australian Mission Fr Joseph Lentaigne SJ to Father General Peter Beckx SJ concerning the Australian Mission.

Copy letter from the Superior of the Australian Mission Fr Joseph Lentaigne SJ, St Patrick's College, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia to Father General Peter Beckx SJ, Rome, Italy concerning the Australian Mission and his visit to Australia.

Letters and postcards to the Irish Fr Provincial Thomas V. Nolan SJ from Fr William Gwynn SJ written during his time serving as a chaplain attached to the 8th Australian Infantry Brigade, A.I.F.

A file of letters concerning Fr Michael Mansfield SJ and the legitimacy of his stay in the United States. Fr Mansfield had been en route to Australia but had remained in America without permission. Includes a letter from F. A. McQuade SJ, Provincial's Office, 501 East Fordham Road, New York City to Irish Fr Provincial John R. MacMahon SJ, St. Francis Xavier's, Upper Gardiner Street, Dublin remarking 'He seems to have a terrible aversion to the Australian Jesuits and he feels unwanted there.' (17 July 1947, 1p).

A file of letters from Fr Edward Corish SJ to the Irish Fr Provincial concerning the voyage to Australia and his appointment to St Francis Xavier's, Lavender Bay, North Sydney.

A file of letters from Fr Edward Nolan SJ to Irish Fr Provincials concerning the Australian Mission. Includes a letter describing the voyage to Australia (16 April 1866, 4pp). Includes a letter referring to St Patrick's College and the poor reputation it has. Remarks '...I am sorry to say that the college was fast losing ground in the estimation of the public for want of management and even yet the evil is not completely checked...we have been informed lately by the priests that we had not succeeded as was anticipated...the college has been looked upon as a failure.' Refers to Fr Dalton and his position as Superior of the Mission. Remarks '...he seems to me to want firmness of purpose and resolution to face the difficulty...My conviction is that if he goes on we cannot succeed.' (26 April 1867, 8pp). Includes a letter describing a trip to Ballarat to preach a sermon and a visit he paid to one of the gold mines called "the Band of Hope". Remarks 'The yield on the day I was there was 437 oz; a few days before it had been 1637 oz for one day, the largest yield ever obtained in a gold mine in Australia and worth over £6,500.' Remarks that he was presented with a nugget which he sold '...for the benefit of Richmond Church.' Continues 'Four hundred miners are employed at this one mine...the close bad air of the mines tells very quickly on them and they die off rapidly. Three batches of them relieve one another every eight hours...the work goes on night and day - Sunday and holiday - otherwise the water would go in upon them and flood the mine.' (22 August 1867, 8pp). Includes a letter referring to a plot of ground made available for the construction of a church at Hawthorn (24 October 1867, 4pp). Includes a letter describing the church at Hawthorn. Remarks '...the...church is greatly admired by all - Catholic and Protestant. It will be...one of the prettiest in the colony (11 October [1868], 12pp). Includes a letter, describing, in detail, a trip to New Zealand, the people he met there and the landscape. Remarks 'There is a complete dearth of good respectable Catholic boys-schools throughout the whole of New Zealand.' Remarks that there is a lack of clergy and as a result many people have lost their faith. (12 August 1870, 12pp). Includes a letter referring to the opening of a boarding school. Asks Fr Provincial for more fathers who can teach in the school (28 March 1872, 4pp).

A file of letters from Fr Edward Sydes SJ to Irish Fr Provincial Thomas V Nolan SJ concerning his work in Australia.

A file of letters (six are undated) from Fr Isaac Moore SJ to Irish Fr Provincial Edmund O'Reilly SJ concerning the Australian Mission. Fr Moore spent time in Australia (1867-1870; -1890).

A file of letters from Fr Joseph O'Malley SJ, Australia to Irish Fr Provincial concerning his voyage to Australia and the Mission. Includes a letter referring to Fr Dalton SJ (Superior of the Mission). Remarks 'Fr Dalton has no firmness of character. Even when he sees most clearly what is to be done, the slightest opposition makes him abandon it.' (16 July 1870, 1p). Includes a letter concerning the Bishop's offer of the parish of Invercargill, New Zealand (8 June 1881, 4pp). Includes a letter referring to a manuscript he wrote entitled 'Complete Theory of Music' which he sent to Fr Sturzo in the hope of having it published (19 September 1881, 3 items).

Letters from Fr Michael Browne SJ to William Stephenson SJ:

• from St Stanislaus College, Tullamore, County Offaly to Willie Stephenson SJ, Maison St Louis, Jersey apologising for not writing sooner and expressing his hope that the shamrock reached Jersey on time. Writes about news from home (17 March 1905, 4pp);
• from St Stanislaus College, Tullamore, County Offaly to Willie Stephenson SJ concerning William Stephenson's impending departure for Australia (15 August 1905, 3pp);
• from Sacred Heart College, Limerick to Willie Stephenson SJ, Australia. Apologises for not replying sooner. Encourages Willie Stephenson to 'leave yourself in His (God's) hands - where better can you be - and follow blindly the direction that brings you peace of soul.' Writes about news from home (2 January 1909, 4pp);
• from St Stanislaus College, Tullamore, County Offaly to William Stephenson SJ. Refers to Fr McDonnell's publications on Holy Communion, which he sent to Willie Stephenson. Refers to the small number of novices entering and remarks 'I hope you are sending us Novices from Australia this year, I fear our home supply will be small'. Writes about news from home (21 June 1909, 4pp);
• from St Stanislaus College, Tullamore, County Offaly to Willie Stephenson SJ. Refers to the novices from Australia and remarks how well they are doing. Continues 'I wish heartily you could send us more. The work you are engaged in promoting devotion to the Virgin Mother, will, I hope, produce as its special fruit subjects for the Society.' Encourages Willie Stephenson to continue his work. Remarks 'Your Australian experience will be invaluable to you in the harvest time.' (3 July 1910, 3pp);
• from St Stanislaus College, Tullamore, County Offaly to Willie Stephenson SJ, concerning a marble altar erected in the Lady Chapel of Riverview College Chapel. Remarks 'I am delighted that you are able to do so much for the honour of the Great Mother of God.' Writes of news from home, remarks that Tertianship for the Irish and English Provinces will be in Tullamore in 1912 and that preparations are being made (21 April 1911, 4pp);
• card from St Francis Xavier's, Upper Gardiner Street, Dublin to Fr Stephenson SJ thanking Fr Stephenson for his booklet for Altar Servers. Compliments him on the layout (4 February 1921,1 item);
• from Rathfarnham Castle, County Dublin to Fr Stephenson SJ thanking him for his letter and congratulations (2 May 1930, 3pp) and
• from Rathfarnham Castle, County Dublin to Fr Stephenson SJ congratulating him on his booklet of Fr Baxter's Meditations (10 November 1931, 1p).

A file of letters from Fr Oliver Daly SJ to Irish Fr Provincial Fr James Murphy SJ concerning his voyage from Ireland to Australia and back to Ireland again accompanying Fr John O'Neill SJ.

A file of letters from Fr Patrick Duffy SJ to Sr Mary Agnes (later Mother Prioress), Carmelite Convent, Firhouse, Tallaght, Dublin concerning his life and work as a priest. The majority of these letters are written from Australia and describe his work in this mission. The letters also discuss news from the convent of Firhouse and Fr Duffy offers constant encouragement in spiritual matters and discusses the numbers of novices in the convent. Many of the letters were written while his sister (Sr Mary Gabriel) was ill and could not write herself. Includes a letter concerning his sister's health. Remarks that he is glad to have been told how serious her attack was. Remarks 'I am anxious about her, of course I am, we are brother and sister and the last remaining two of a family of eleven. No wonder, then, that we should look towards each other - now especially, when we are both coming so near to the end of the journey.' (21 June 1894, 4pp). Includes a letter congratulating Sr. Mary Agnes on becoming Mother Prioress of the Carmelite Convent in Firhouse. Remarks 'And so the burden of authority has been laid upon your shoulders! Well - God's will be done. And that it is God's will that you should be put into your present position.' (25 April 1895, 4pp). Includes a letter enclosing a cutting from The Argus concerning Edward Grennan who took part in the Charge of the Light Brigade during the Crimean War. Advises Sr Mary Agnes to read the cutting to the novices. Remarks 'The lesson taught is grand! I would advise the Mistress of Novices to read both (cutting and letter) to her novices and give them a lecture on obedience. The analogy between the two warfares, the warfare of this world and the warfare of the soul is very close.' (22 November 1896, 2 items).

A file of letters from Fr Patrick Duffy SJ to his sister Sr Mary Gabriel, Carmelite Convent, Firhouse, Tallaght, Dublin concerning his life and work as a priest in Australia and elsewhere. The vast majority of the letters (over 50) are written from Australia describing in detail his work and life in this mission. Includes letters discussing his health, his sister's health, family matters, retreats and missions he gave in Australia and masses and prayers offered for the convent and community at Firhouse. Includes a letter from Fr Duffy, Ursuline Convent, St Joseph's, Sligo to Sr Mary Gabriel. Remarks 'Now that you and I are alone left of all we must, from this on, take on more than ever special interest in each other.' (6 August 1888, 4pp). Includes a letter informing his sister of his departure for Australia. Remarks 'Say God's will be done for it is the will of God. Don't fret about me, for before very long you and I will meet in a happy eternity.' (15 August 1888, 4pp). Includes a letter concerning his sister's health and the loss of sight in one of her eyes. Encourages her not to read if she finds it a strain. Refers to the noviceship in her convent. Remarks 'Put away those gloomy thoughts about the noviceship. There is nothing wrong in your convent. Just let us keep on praying and trusting and leave the future to God.' (22 August 1891, 4pp). Includes a letter concerning his move from North Shore to Hawthorn. Remarks that he has more work to do in Hawthorn and that it is 'more pressing'. Remarks 'As I write the weather is harsh and we have much sickness - the influenza - and many deaths.' (7 October 1891, 4pp). Includes a letter referring to the death of Fr General (Fr Anderledy SJ) at Fiesole. Remarks 'He and I were fellow students in the Roman College of the Society, some 44 years ago! He was about my age. A warning to look out!' Refers to his change of address and remarks that he will be working at Kew, Melbourne. (letter dated 4 December 1891, 4pp, section dated 20 January 1892). Includes a letter written from New Zealand where he was conducting retreats. Remarks 'I am in my element.' Continues 'I like New Zealand very much a fine country and climate - greatly superior to Australia. Every one is kind to me and I get on well. Wellington is a nice clean city with a fine harbour and a brisk trade.' Describes a journey to Reefton to give a retreat to the Mercy nuns. Remarks that he made the journey on top of a stage coach 'Pretty smart going! Through the bush and over the mountains! Five horses to the coach and galloping all the time for nearly 4 days! What say you to that? But young men like me don't mind these things.' (this section dated 8 January 1893) (29 December 1892, 4pp). Includes a letter referring to his duties at St. Francis Xavier's College in Kew. Remarks that he is in charge of the Sodality of the B V Mary 'Tis from the sodalities in our colleges that the noviceship is recruited.' (7 February 1892, 4pp). Includes a letter describing a visit he made to one of the Melbourne hospitals to see an old friend, Edward Grennan, '…Irish and Catholic a native of Mountrath, Queen's county. He had been in the army - a cavalry regiment - Lord Cardigan's Light Brigade - had ridden in the famous charge - 25 October 1854. He is now the remnant of a well looking man - was then a youth of 20. Well we fraternized of course - he and I old Crimean-and fellow-soldiers. We chatted of the war, and of the Charge of the Light Brigade, his brigade in particular. Step by step we got along until I stood with him and his companions 600 strong - in thought and imagination - at the end of the valley - at the other end of which was the Russian Battery of some 10 or 12 pairs of canon.' Describes how the order was given to seize the guns. Continues 'Without a moments hesitation, the 600 are in their saddles and away they go…Oh! My poor fellows, my poor brave fellows! Over 600 they commence their ride to return later on all that was left of them about 200 men! Half an hour did the whole business.' (21 November 1896, 4pp).

A file of letters from the Superior of the Australian Mission Fr Joseph Lentaigne SJ, St Patrick's College, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia to Fr Daniel Jones SJ (Socius) concerning the Australian Mission and the work being carried out.

A file of copy letters from Irish Fr Provincial Thomas Nolan SJ, St Francis Xavier's, Upper Gardiner Street, Dublin to the Presiding Officer, Passport Department, Ministry of National Service, Victoria Street, London SW seeking passports for Frs Thomas J Moore, John Nerney and Albert Power to travel to Australia.

Letters to the Irish Fr Provincial from Fr John MacErlean SJ on various matters including:
– Fr MacErlean’s censure on a Society Appeal for Funds;
– the progress of his historical research, news from Rome and news about the Society in Australia;
– the establishment of the Society in Ireland including a ‘list of whatever documents exist to my knowledge regarding the establishment of the Society in Ireland…What exactly the establishment of the Society in Ireland means I do not know. It may be a question for a canonist to solve. The canonical succession of the New Society to the Old is disputed, and Rome has never decided the point’;
– the proposed purchase of a volume consisting of ‘the indexes of the first eleven volumes of the Bollandist Acta Sanctorum down to the 3rd volume of April’ and the binding which is ‘much older than the contents…the binding of a Missal that was presented to Father (Nicholas) Leynach in 1613 - 14 by Francis Bray, at a time when Fr Leynach was trying to establish a chapel or oratory of the Society in Clonmel’;
– the Irish College in Rome;
– lists of books the Province could present to ‘the library to be established for the use of the Coll(egium) Scriptorum and a ‘list of those members of our Province who might now or hereafter be fit to cooperate with the Collegium Scriptorum in the production of works’ and a
– ‘Brief Sketch of the Work of the Irish Jesuits from the foundation to the Suppression of the Society 1540 – 1773’ (11pp).

Letters to the Irish Fr Provincial Thomas V. Nolan SJ from Fr Patrick Tighe SJ written while serving as chaplain with the 15th Battalion, A.I.F., B.E.F. and on his way to Australia. Named places have been cut out of a letter (24 January 1917).

A file of letters written by Fr John McInerney SJ, Chaplain to the Australian Forces fighting in the Boer War, South Africa describing his work with the troops and his experiences of the war. Includes a letter describing the peace conference. Remarks that a telegram from Lord Kitchener announcing the peace deal was read to the troops '...many of our Australians regret the war is over. Their recent drive and its spoils have only whetted their appetite for the fray - They have smelt and tasted blood and they long for at least "another good cut in" - to use their own term. Our recent "drive" turns out to be the last of this long, costly and bloody war.'

List of deceased Jesuits, on the Irish Jesuit mission to Australia, 1866-1898.

List of Jesuit Fathers in Australia and the illnesses they are suffering from.

List of staff in the residences in Australia (curates and priests).

A file containing Litterae Annuae (annual letters) of the Australian Mission.

Edward Lucius Gwynn’s copy of 'A Manual of Prayers for the use of the Catholic Laity'. Prayerbook used by Edward Lucius (Fr Gwynn’s brother, who died in Sydney aged 28 in 1919) in Australia and kept for fifty years by Cornelia Jennings. With a Greek inscription on the flyleaf and the following inscription on the opposite page ‘Love is stronger than Death, but Time is stronger than both. Therefore when we die then Time will be no more.’

Map of the sea journey from Ireland to Australia, via the Cape of Good Hope.

A file relating to Fr Francis X. O'Brien SJ. Includes his Informationes.

A file relating to Fr John Williams SJ, and entry into the Society of Jesus.

A file relating to Fr Joseph Howatson SJ, his entry into the Society of Jesus and his death.

Material relating to Fr Michael Moloney SJ which includes correspondence describing his work in Australia and Zambia and includes correspondence with Irish Fr Provincials and curia, personal record and application to join the Society.

A file relating to Michael O'Mahony's entry into the Society of Jesus.

Miscellaneous letters and notes to the Irish Fr Provincial Thomas V. Nolan SJ. Includes rough notes of wages and expenditure of various Jesuit chaplains (n.d., 3pp),and replies from the Senior Chaplain, Australian Imperial Force on transport to Australia for acting chaplain. Includes a note from Fr William Feran SJ, that he has commissioned him (Fr Henry Gill SJ) to discover and exterminate the influenza microbe' (18 December 1918).

Nine photographic albums belonging to Fr Frank Browne SJ containing positives (his own). Fr Browne has captioned some of the albums:

1. Crosses of Ireland: 94 photographs.
2. English churches: 197 photographs.
3. “People I have seen in many lands”: Scotland, Australia, Africa, Egypt, Tipperary, Ireland, Australia, Ceylon, South Africa. 95 photographs, captioned.
4. Rock of Cashel, Moyne Abbey, Murrisk Abbey, Buttevant Abbey, Kells, Urlaur, Ardmore. 95 photographs, captioned.
5. Ardfert Cathedral, Athassel Priory, Ballysadare, Boyle Abbey, Cashel, Claregalway Friary, Crevalea Friary, Kilconell Friary. 1925-29, 96 photographs, captioned.
6. Religious sites in Clare: Clare Abbey, Ennis, Killaloe, Killone, Quin St Flannan and St Molua. 15-16 August 1930, 96 photographs, captioned.
7. Prehistoric antiquities around Ireland (ringforts, standing stones, ogham stones, dolmens, Grianán Ailigh). 96 photographs.
8. Cistercian Abbeys of Ireland: Volume 1. Mellifont, Boyle, Jerpoint, Holy Cross, Dunbrody, Graiguenamanagh, Tracton, Hore. 1929-1930, 179 photographs, captioned.
9. Cistercian Abbeys of Ireland: Volume 2. Bective, Assaroe, Inniscourey, Tintern, Knockmoy, Kilcooley, Mount St Joseph Roscrea. 1930-1931, 132 photographs, captioned.

Note written by Fr Morgan O'Brien SJ concerning his renunciation and the taking of his last vows.

Handwritten notebook detailing the early history of the Australian Mission (one notebook appears to be missing).

Handwritten notebook detailing the early history of the Australian Mission (Victoria).

Notebook detailing the early history of the Australian Mission (in New South Wales).

Obituary of Fr Edward Sydes SJ, who died 15 November 1918, taken from 'Letters and Notices', Vol.35, January 1919 and Fr Bernard Page SJ, born in India, raised in Australia.

Particulars of Jesuits in Australia for the emigration Office, Australia House, London.

Photocopies of obituaries for Fr Michael Coleman SJ, entry in 'The Australian Dictionary of Jesuit Biography 1848 - 1998' by Fr David Strong SJ, 1999, p53. and research notes by Graham Wilson.

Group photograph that includes Fr Leonard Gallagher SJ, possibly taken in Australia, where he lived 1925-29.

Photographs relating to Australia, taken from Clongowes Wood College. Inlcudes:

• the Jesuit community at Riverview, Sydney, Australia (1890-1891). Includes 2nd from left, seated, Fr John Ryan SJ, Superior of the Mission [1894]-[1917];

• ordination of Rev. Leonard Dew (+1931), Missionary of the Sacred Heart, April 1929, at the Jesuit run-diocesan seminary, Corpus Xti College, Melbourne, Australia. Includes seated, 1st from left, Fr Robert Peterson SJ; 3rd from left, Fr Henry Johnston SJ; Third from right, seated, next to Archbishop Daniel Mannix, Fr Albert Power SJ By C. J. Fraser Photo, Melbourne.

• unknown photograph, maybe in Australia c[1900-1930], but looks Italian.

46 photographs regarding Jesuits in Australia, left behind by Fr Bernard Page SJ, some of the Jesuits spent the rest of their working lives in Ireland.

Plan showing the first class accommodation on the SS Wakool. Includes notes by Fr John Ryan SJ advising which are the best cabins to secure.

A file of plans depicting: Melbourne and suburbs; Adelaide and suburbs; principal railway systems and Australia and New South Wales railway system