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Administration of the Irish Jesuits Dublin City File
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Correspondence relating to Fr Joseph Lentaigne SJ

Correspondence relating to Fr Joseph Lentaigne SJ, who was Irish Vice Provincial, 11 February 1858-7 December 1860 and the first Provincial of the Irish Province of the Society of Jesus, 8 December 1860 - [ ] 1863. No index.

Lentaigne, Joseph, 1805-1884, Jesuit priest

Letters to Irish Fr Provincial Edmund J O'Reilly SJ

A file of letters to Irish Fr Provincial Edmund J O'Reilly SJ (term as Fr Provincial 1863 - 19 April 1870). Includes an index/précis to the letters by [ ]. Other letters including undated letters have been added to, but not described, Fr E O'Reilly's list, J455.

Letter from Irish Fr Provincial Timothy Kenny SJ, asking Fr James Murphy SJ

Letter from Irish Fr Provincial Timothy Kenny SJ, asking Fr Alfred Murphy SJ to make a request to Fr Nicholas Walshe SJ to let Fr Charles Lynch SJ have a room at Milltown, as he is unhappy at Tullabeg. Refers to the death of Fr McElroy. Reports the visit of Fr Carbery and Fr Gallwey. Describes the college as being immense, dark and ‘on the whole very fine’.

Kenny, Timothy J, 1843-1917, Jesuit priest

Will of John Timothy Donnelly

A file relating to the will of John Timothy Donnelly, Denmark Street, Dublin in which he bequeathed the residue of his estate, amongst others to Rev. Robert Haly SJ and Rev. Henry Joseph Rorke SJ, Clongowes, County Kildare and appoints Rev. Robert Haly SJ, as one of his executors.

Will of John C. Mackey

A file relating to the will of John C. Mackey, Nenagh, County Tipperary, father of Fr Ernest Mackey SJ in which he names his son as one of his beneficiaries (one fifth of his property).

Case Daniel Ryan deceased, Kenny versus Ryan

A file relating to a case Daniel Ryan deceased, Kenny versus Ryan. Includes a letter from [ ], Solicitor, Galway to Irish Fr Provincial Patrick Keating SJ concerning '...Delahunt's affair.' Continues 'The parties I got the money from are now pressing for payment.' (22 September 1897, 1p).

The estate of Catherine Cleary and litigation

A file relating to the estate of Catherine Cleary and litigation between Raphael Ambrose Biale, Plaintiff and Frs Timothy Kenny, Alfred Murphy and Christina Hodgens, Alice Chamberlain, Anne Healy, Mary Lentaigne, Emily O'Brien, Mary Anne Cleary and Jane Denehey.

Letters concerning the Dromore property belonging to the Society of Jesus

A file of letters concerning the Dromore property (Loyola House) belonging to the Society of Jesus. At the time the Jesuits were not occupying Dromore, but leasing the land for grazing. The estate was eventually sold in 1918. Includes a note, written on the back of an Income Tax Assessment form, concerning the names vested in the Dromore estate.

Legacy of Josephine Keshan

Correspondence mostly between two sisters and the Irish Fr Provincial concerning the sisters’ efforts to contest the will of their late cousin, Josephine Keshan, decd., 1910, who left the administration of her entire estate to the Society of Jesus. The matter was settled amicably.

Material relating to 35 Hardwicke Street, Dublin

A file relating to 35 Hardwicke Street, Dublin. Includes deeds relating to this property (25 March 1810-17 June 1854). Includes a letter from Maxwell, Weldon and Company Solicitors, 40 North Great George's Street, Dublin to Fr Thomas Wheeler SJ, The Presbytery, Upper Gardiner Street, Dublin concerning the deeds '..for the purpose of enabling us to report on the title of you community to the premises, 35 Hardwicke Street' (5 March 1912, 1p). Includes:

  • lease by Richard Warren, Hardwicke Street, Dublin, Attorney-at-law to Thomas Higgins, Dublin, Attorney-at-law, 25 March 1810;
  • assignment of house on Hardwicke Street, Dublin by Thomas Higgins, Dublin, Attorney-at-law, to Owen Nowlan, Waterstown, County Kildare, 27 April 1815;
  • deed of assignment by Owen Geoughehan Nowlan, Waterstown, County Kildare to Rose Delahoyde, widow, Dublin, 24 August 1815;
  • settlement on the intermarriage of James Lecky [soldier[, Eight regiment of Foot, with Miss Elizabeth O'Grady, Temple Street, Dublin [1810]-[1850];

In 1814, a Jesuit community took over the vacant Poor Clare convent in Hardwicke Street, Dublin. St Francis College was established at Hardwicke Street in 1832 however it proved to be too small for this emerging school. New premises were needed and Belvedere House, Great Denmark Street was bought in 1841.

Purchase and adaptation of Rathfarnham Castle

Letters and memorandum relating to the purchase and adaptation of Rathfarnham Castle for use as a Novitiate and House of Studies for Scholastics and Retreat House for Working-Men. Includes general survey of the premises and list of alterations and costs involved in refitting the Castle; copy of letter sent by the Irish Fr Provincial to Archbishop William Walsh concerning the purchase and purpose of the Castle; letters from contractors and insurers relating to the fixtures and fittings of the Castle.

Belgian refugees in Ireland

Letters, telegrams, memoranda and notes relating to Belgian refugees in Ireland. Irish Fr Provincial Thomas V. Nolan SJ was a member of the Distribution Committee ‘appointed by the Local Government Board to look after the welfare and distribution of the Belgian Refugees arriving in Dublin’. Most of the letters comprise offers to house refugees or concern schemes to aid them, both physically and spiritually. Includes:
– letter from Dr Bernard Coyne, Bishop of Elphin (1913-1926) to Lady Moloney seeking her assistance in the securement of a disused barracks in order to provide shelter for Belgian refugee families (21 Oct. 1914, 1p.);
– bills from drapers and household stores for items purchased for the refugees;
– letters relating to troubles between Protestants and the Catholic refugees in Portadown;
– letters to Fr Nolan from refugees and members of the Belgian Refugees Committee;
– lists of names and locations of refugees in Ireland and names and addresses of people who housed refugees.

On 17 October 1914, the Father Provincial of the Irish Province of the Society of Jesus, Thomas V. Nolan, received a letter from the Local Government Board to go down to the North Wall at 7.30am on the 18th and meet the 100 Belgian refugees ‘and one hundred each of the following days’. This was due to ‘a few of your Order, who speak Flemish’. Subsequently, the Irish Provincial became a member of the Distribution Committee which looked after the welfare and distribution of refugees arriving in Ireland. The Irish Jesuits received offers to house the refugees and organised schemes to aid them, both physically and spiritually.

Letters regarding admissions to the Society of Jesus

Letters to the Irish Fr Provincial from possible candidates and various parish priests seeking information on and interviews to discuss, the possibility of entrance into the Society of Jesus. Also includes applications to join the Society; letters from those who have been accepted and letters concerning financial support from novices’ families.

Walsh, William Joseph, 1841-1921, Roman Catholic Archbishop of Dublin

Letters to the Irish Provincial on various matters, including financial

Letters to the Irish Provincial on various matters. Includes letters concerning financial matters and;
– a complaint about an individual Jesuit with regard to his behaviour while conducting a retreat for nuns (See also ADMN/3/36);
– a draft deed of trust for the Father Delany Exhibition (See also ADMN/3/13);
– the health and financial affairs of various scholastics;
– the proposal for the establishment of a [school] at Tullabeg by the Society of Pious Missions;
– a conference of Jesuit Fathers in Chicago for the purpose of adopting a Provisional Constitution of the ‘Frequent Communion Guild’;
– requests for money from various individuals;
– the campaign to appoint a Catholic Director to the Board of Directors of the Clogher Valley Railway (the Society are shareholders in the Railway);
– the appointment of Jesuits to various offices;
– a petition to the British government ‘to show mercy to Roger Casement’;
– a proposed portrait of Archbishop Walsh by Sir John Lavery;
– a profit and loss account of the Irish Monthly for year ending 31 August 1914 (See also ADMN/3/20; 66; 67);
– the work of St. Joseph's Young Priests (See also ADMN/3/53);
– lists of locations of Retreats and names of priests giving Retreats for 1912 and 1913 (See also ADMN/3/36; 41);
– suggestions for Retreats given by Jesuits, by Dr Patrick Foley, Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin (1896-1926) and memorandum on the scheme to establish a small lending library in Milltown Park for priests (See also ADMN/3/12; 38).

Letters to the Irish Fr Provincial and printed pamphlets relating to the First World War

Letters to the Irish Fr Provincial and printed pamphlets relating to the War. Includes: circular sent to the Irish Fr Provincial from the Irish Volunteers protesting against the proposal to introduce conscription in Ireland;
– letter from the Irish National Aid and Volunteer Dependants’ Fund seeking contributions towards their ‘Gift Sale’ in order to raise funds [for the administration of the campaign against the introduction of conscription];
– circular and printed matter from the Irish War Savings Committee seeking support for their ‘Thrift campaign’;
– letter from the Lord Lieutenant’s Private Secretary regarding a proposal to establish a fund ‘to be devoted to the purchase of literature suited to be despatched to Irish Regiments at the front’, also includes copy of Irish Fr Provincial’s reply;
– copy letter from Andrew Bonar Law (Treasury Chambers, Whitehall) to the Irish Fr Provincial seeking a subscription to ‘the new War Loan’.
Also includes printed matter on ‘Catholicism and War’; ‘Voluntary Women Patrols’ and an ‘Address From the French Catholic Association for Young People. To the young Catholics – Allies and Neutrals’.

Documents relating to the Visitation of the Irish Province by Fr Visitor in 1922

Documents relating to the Visitation of the Irish Province by Fr William Power SJ, from 9 July 1921 to the end of September 1922. Includes:

  • memorandum ‘Puncta quaedam ad Instructionem particularem Visitatoris Hiberniae’ (n.d., 4pp);
  • ‘Relatio Visitationis Factae Provinciae Hiberniae a Reverendo Patre Gulielmo Power a die 9 Julii 1921, usque ad finem Septembris 1922’ (19[22], 17pp);
  • ‘Memorial of the Visitation of the Irish Province made by Revd. Wm. Power from July 9th 1921 to the end of September 1922’ (19[22], 11pp) and
    – pamphlet entitled ‘Letter addressed to the Fathers and Brothers of the Irish Province by the Very Rev. William Power, S.J., Visitor’ (17 Sep. 1922, 8pp).

Will of Charles Kennedy

File containing extensive documentation concerning the will of Charles Kennedy and his bequest to the Society of Jesus. The Society used the proceeds from this bequest to construct University Hall, Hatch Street. The extent of the file can be explained by the numerous properties owned by Charles Kennedy and the necessary documentation that inevitably accompanies ownership of property, receipts and vouchers from professional companies involved in the construction of University Hall and the fact that the will of Charles Kennedy was contested by his brother Frank Kennedy. His legal action was unsuccessful (29 January 1909 & 30 January 1909 & 30 May 1912, 3 items).

Correspondence in connection with the administration of the ‘Father Delany Exhibition’ Trust

Correspondence between Irish Vice-Provincial Fr John Keane SJ (Fr Provincial is in Rome for six months), J.W. Bacon (Secretary and Bursar of University College, Dublin) and Fr Michael Egan SJ in connection with the administration of the ‘Father Delany Exhibition’ Trust.

Keane, John J, 1867-1954, Jesuit priest

Will of Philip Francis Little

A file relating to the will of Philip Francis Little. Bequeaths £50 to the Society of Jesus. Includes a copy of the will. Remarks in a postscript 'I do not include my dear brother the Rev. Robert J. Little SJ under any benefit in my will. Professing as he does the holy virtue of poverty, it is useless conferring benefit upon Robert of which he can not avail. (23 September 1916, 3pp). Includes a letter from Patrick J. Little, executor of his brother's will. Enquires '...I would like to know whether a claim would be advanced on behalf of Father Robert to a share on technical grounds.' (27 January 1927, 2pp).

Will of Matilda O'Donnell

A file relating to the will of Matilda O'Donnell in which she bequeathed the residue of her property to her trustees and executors, Fr. Thomas V. Nolan SJ and Fr Michael Browne SJ, Upper Gardiner Street, Dublin. The file contains extensive background material that appears to have little to do with the Society of Jesus and their bequest. However, as Frs. Nolan and Browne were appointed as trustees and executors of the will it may have been necessary to acquaint themselves fully with Miss Matilda O'Donnell's affairs.

Letters to the Irish Fr Provincial from Fr John MacErlean SJ on various matters

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).

MacErlean, John C, 1870-1950, Jesuit priest, historian and archivist

Correspondence on the republican procession at Bodenstown, County Kildare

Correspondence between the Irish Fr Provincial and various Jesuits regarding an incident which took place at the graveyard in Bodenstown, County Kildare during a Republican procession from Sallins to the grave of Wolf Tone, in which Fr Daniel Fitzgibbon SJ played a prominent role in preventing an outbreak of violence.

Revisions to the Custom Book of the Irish Jesuit Province

A file relating to revisions of the Custom Book of the Irish Jesuit Province. Includes a manuscript entitled 'Some hints for Reading' (nd, 2pp). Includes a letter from Irish Fr Provincial James F Murphy SJ, St Francis Xavier's, Upper Gardiner Street, Dublin to Fr Rector concerning the consumption of spirits. Remarks 'Owing to grave representations made to me from many quarters and regrettable facts that have come to my knowledge...I have decided that for the future of the Province the following points should be observed as obligatory customs of the Province.' (12 March 1901, 4pp). Includes a typed supplement to the Custom Book of the Irish Jesuit Province entitled 'Customs of Serving Mass and Benediction(13pp, [1935-]); regulations for the Villa menu (1919, 1p); revision of Custom Book by Fr John J Coyne SJ, St Mary's, Emo, County Laois (12 April 1933);

Letter from Irish Fr Provincial relating to a letter from Fr General ‘On the combating of modern Atheism’

Two circulars from Irish Fr Provincial L.J. Kieran SJ relating to a letter from Fr General, ‘On the combating of modern Atheism’ and how the Jesuit community in Ireland should assist special celebrations being held in Lourdes in 1935.

Kieran, Laurence J, 1881-1945, Jesuit priest

Retrenchment in expenses

Letters and circular letters concerning a circular letter from Fr General on economy measures and assisting the poor during the ‘severe economic crisis’. Includes draft of circular letter sent by Irish Fr Provincial to Jesuit houses on ways and means of economising in order to carry out the wishes expressed in Fr General’s letter and replies following House Consultations from Belvedere College; Milltown Park, 35 Lower Leeson Street; St Francis Xavier’s, Upper Gardiner Street; St Ignatius’ College, Galway; S. Stanislaus’ College, Tullamore; Clongowes Wood College, Naas; Sacred Heart College and Mungret College, Limerick and St Mary’s, Emo Court. Also includes circular list of economy measures issued to all houses.

Material on the promotion of 'Catholic Action’

Documents relating to a report prepared by the Irish Fr Provincial for Fr General on the activities of the Irish Province for ‘the promotion of Catholic Action’. Includes covering letter and questionnaire sent out by the Irish Fr Provincial to Jesuit houses and individuals with detailed replies from: St Francis Xavier’s, Upper Gardiner Street; Milltown Park, Dublin; Rathfarnham Castle, Dublin; St Stanislaus’ College, Tullamore; St Mary’s, Emo Court; University Hall, Hatch Street; Belvedere College; Clongowes Wood College; St Ignatius’ College, Galway; Sacred Heart College, Limerick; the editors of the following periodicals: 'Madonna', 'The Messenger of the Sacred Heart', 'An Timire' (The Gaelic Messenger), and 'Studies'. Also includes handwritten draft report entitled ‘The Society of Jesus in Ireland and Catholic Action’ (Summer 1936) and final printed Latin version 'De Actione Catholica in Hibernia'.

Proposed articles for the commemorative issue of 'Studies' for the fourth centenary of the foundation of the Society of Jesus

Proposed articles for the commemorative issue of 'Studies' for the fourth centenary of the foundation of the Society of Jesus. Includes a letter from Aubrey Gwynn SJ, 35 Lower Leeson Street, Dublin to Irish Fr Provincial Laurence Kieran SJ concerning the commemorative issue.

Gwynn, Aubrey, 1892-1983, Jesuit priest and academic

Letters concerning the appointment of a Professor of Catholic Theology to the National University in succession to Fr Peter Finlay SJ

Copy letter from the Irish Fr Provincial to Dr Robert Browne, Bishop of Cloyne and the Bishop’s reply concerning the appointment of a Professor of Catholic Theology to the National University in succession to Fr Peter Finlay SJ who had resigned the post. Includes letter from Dr David Keane, Bishop of Limerick to Fr John Hannon SJ, Fr Finlay’s successor.

Browne, Robert, 1844-1935, Roman Catholic Bishop of Cloyne

Correspondence, mainly between Irish Fr Provincial and the Director of 2R, relating to the broadcast of Christmas Mass

Correspondence, mainly between Irish Fr Provincial and the Director of the Irish Free State Broadcasting Station (2RN), relating to the broadcast of Christmas Mass from Milltown Park in 1936 and the Lenten Lectures from St Francis Xavier’s Church, Upper Gardiner Street, Dublin in 1937. Also discusses the participation of Jesuit scholastics in the preparation of a special broadcast to be aired following the death of His Holiness Pope Pius XI (Pius XI died on 10 February 1939).

Kieran, Laurence J, 1881-1945, Jesuit priest

Charitable Work of Province

Memoranda, notes and letters to the Irish Fr Provincial describing the types of charitable work performed by various sections of the Irish Jesuit community, in response to letters regarding the organisation of an exhibition associated with the 34th International Eucharistic Congress. Includes reports from St Francis Xavier’s, Upper Gardiner Street; Milltown Park; Rathfarnham Castle; Belvedere College (includes information on the Belvedere Newsboys’ Club); Clongowes Wood College; St Ignatius’ College, Galway; the St Vincent de Paul Night Shelter in Back Lane and pastoral work of Jesuits at the Royal Hospital for Incurables, Donnybrook, Dublin. Includes Irish Fr Provincial’s copy covering letter and report on ‘the charitable works for the poor and distressed undertaken by the Fathers of the Irish Province of the Society of Jesus, for…(the)…International Exhibition of Charity.’

Correspondence between the Irish Fr Provincial and various Jesuits concerning proposals for collections for the Jesuit Mission in Estonia and a school for Russian boys in Shanghai

Correspondence between the Irish Fr Provincial and various Jesuits concerning proposals by two English Jesuits, Fr Frederick Wilcock and Fr Ryder, to visit Ireland in order to lecture and collect money for the Jesuit Mission in Estonia and a school for Russian boys in Shanghai. Irish Fr Provincial opposes both proposals.

Correspondence on retreats (and missions) to priests, nuns and the laity

Correspondence on retreats (and missions) to priests, nuns and the laity. Includes correspondence concerning the drafting, by Irish Fr Provincial, of a confidential circular concerning the ‘principles which were to direct Ours when treating, whether in missions or retreats, the 6th & 9th Commandments. I judged…direction necessary because complaints had been made to me that some of Ours had said rather gross things in the pulpit, and because there seemed to be a want of uniformity amongst our preachers and confessors in their manner of treating this difficult subject.’ (See also ADMN/3/11)

Correspondence between the Irish Fr Provincial and successive editors of the 'Irish Monthly'

Correspondence between the Irish Fr Provincial and successive editors of the 'Irish Monthly'. Includes: letters, memoranda and notes relating to deliberations on the future of the magazine in November 1932, discussions on the terms upon which the management of the 'Irish Monthly' could be changed and letters concerning the controversy caused by an article entitled ‘The Papal Encyclicals and the Banking Commission’ by Fr Edward Coyne SJ in which Fr Coyne was said by Mr Peter O'Loghlen, T.D. to have made ‘gravely misleading and damaging’ comments with reference to Mr O'Loghlen’s Report as a member of the Banking Commission.

Works in progress by various Irish Jesuits on the 'Fourth Centenary of the Foundation of the Society of Jesus'

Documents, mainly letters to Irish Fr Provincial reporting on works in progress by various Jesuits, to be published during the fourth centenary year of the foundation of the Society. Includes letters from Frs John Ryan, Timothy Mulcahy, Charles Scantlebury, Henry Gill, Joseph Canavan, Michael McGrath, Patrick Gannon, Stephen Brown, Arthur Little, John MacErlean, Edward Coyne (See also ADMN/3/37; 39; 42; 57), Timothy Corcoran, Aubrey Gwynn and Seán Ó Catháin. Also includes lists of titles and authors and a memorandum on historical publications of the Irish Province by Fr Aubrey Gwynn SJ (See also ADMN/3/18; 37; 40).

Correspondence between the Irish Fr Provincial and Jesuits on formation, finance, libraries, holidays and Trinity College Dublin

Correspondence between the Irish Fr Provincial and Jesuits on various matters such as

  • the censure of those in various stages of formation;
  • the proposal to purchase books dealing with the missions in order to establish ‘the nucleus of a useful missionary library’ in Milltown Park (See also ADMN/3/11);
  • Catholics and Trinity College Dublin (See also ADMN/3/43; 76);
  • villas;
  • the introduction of legislation granting a rebate of income tax to parents having children at school;
  • the ‘desirability’ of a ‘recognised uniform’ way of expressing ‘Society of Jesus’ in initials in English and Irish;
  • the introduction of dancing classes ‘under the guidance of a certain number of lady instructresses’ without the permission of Irish Fr Provincial at Belvedere College;
  • Irish scholastics in Jersey and
  • examinations in ‘air raid precautions and anti-gas measures’ for male members of religious orders at the Air Raid Precautions School, Griffith Barracks, Dublin.

Proposal to found a Jesuit Weekly Paper

Documents examining ‘the question of the advisability or otherwise of our…(the Irish Jesuit Province)…founding & running a Weekly Paper’ following Fr General’s letter asking the Provincial to “find out the views of ‘peritorum Patrum’ on this subject.” Includes copy of circular letter and questionnaire sent by the Provincial to sixteen ‘knowledgeable’ Jesuits and replies from the following Fathers: Patrick Connolly (Editor of 'Studies'), Michael Kirwan, John Ryan, Aubrey Gwynn (ADMN/3/18; 29; 40), Timothy Corcoran, Michael Egan, Edward Cahill, Joseph Canavan, Timothy Mulcahy (Editor of 'Madonna', 'Irish Monthly' and 'The Jesuit Directory'), Edward J. Coyne (See also ADMN/3/29; 39; 42; 57), John McMahon, George Roche, John Keane, Charles Doyle (includes two unsigned replies from Frs Stephen Brown and Charles Scantlebury). Also includes tables of summaries of the views expressed.

Revisions to the Custom Book of the Irish Jesuit Province

A file relating to revisions of the Custom Book of the Irish Jesuit Province. Includes a letter informing of the decision taken by Fr General to revise the Custom Book of the Irish Jesuit Province (15 December 1934, 1p). Includes two minutes books of the Custom Book Commission. Details suggested changes. The minute books are in the handwriting of Fr John MacErlean SJ who was the secretary of the Commission (15 December 1934 - 7 June 1935, 51pp; 18 January - 7 June 1935, 43pp). Includes a letter from Fr John MacErlean SJ, Milltown Park, Dublin to the Irish Fr Provincial concerning protests against altering the Custom Book. Remarks 'I put in (a notebook) everything that came into my head that might be made use of in building up our protest.' (10 April 1940, 1p). Includes a notebook containing details of protests against changes to the Custom Book (handwriting of Fr John MacErlean SJ).

MacErlean, John C, 1870-1950, Jesuit priest, historian and archivist

Letters to the Irish Fr Provincial concerning the celebrations for the fourth centenary of the foundation of the Society

Letters to the Irish Fr Provincial concerning the celebrations for the fourth centenary of the foundation of the Society. Includes:

  • letter and notes by Fr Aubrey Gwynn SJ (See also ADMN/3/18; 29; 37) concerning a discovery he made in the course of reviewing a German History of the Jesuit Missions under Fr Roothaan, written for the centenary – ‘I found that the four years spent by Fr Robert St Leger at Calcutta (1834-38) mark a turning-point in the whole missionary policy of the new Society. He and Fr Roothaan differed on a fundamental point, and he was recalled after four years. But Fr Roothaan was later compelled by wider experience to adopt the policy which he had opposed in Fr St Leger’s case – i.e., the policy of permitting our Fathers on the missions to accept promotion to episcopal dignity.’ (26 February 1940, 2 items);
  • copies of circular letters sent to Jesuit schools and to scholastics by Irish Fr Provincial informing them of the date and form of the celebrations for the centenary in each community (11-12 May 1940, 3 items) and
  • copies of newspaper cuttings, congratulatory letters to the Irish Fr Provincial from Galway Corporation and the Catholic Social Service Conference and copy replies ([22 August] – 29 September 1941, 9 items).

Will of Elizabeth Cahill

A file relating to the will of Elizabeth Cahill, Hill View, Meath Road, Bray, County Wicklow and the estates of both Elizabeth Cahill and James Healy. Elizabeth Cahill bequeathed the residue of her estate to Fr Kirwan SJ, Superior of Upper Gardiner Street, Dublin for the charitable purposes of the Jesuit Fathers.

Will of Mr Arthur McCann

A file relating to Mrs Louisa McCann (sister of Fr Laurence Kieran SJ) and the will of her late husband Mr Arthur McCann. The file relates to the financial difficulties experienced by Louisa McCann following the death of her husband, due in part, to the failure of the trustees of her marriage settlement to ensure that £20,000 was put in trust for her widowhood. Her brother Robert Kieran acted as her solicitor. However, it would appear from correspondence between Louisa and her brother Robert and Fr Kieran SJ that Louisa and Robert fell out with each other and she eventually asked Fr Kieran SJ to act as mediator and to look after the legalities of the estate. Includes a letter from Louisa McCann, Teltown, Donaghpatrick, Navan, County Meath to Fr Kieran, S.J. Remarks '...Bob's behaviour has certainly been awful and his letters all trumped up nonsense...he knows my unfortunate position and is taking advantage of it...I could not have believed he would have turned on me as he has done...I have you at any rate - otherwise I am really a very desolate creature now - struggling hard to pull along and trying not to be a burden on anyone.' (15 June 1938, 2pp). Includes a copy letter from Fr Kieran SJ, Clongowes Wood College, county Kildare to his brother Robert Kieran concerning the disagreement that has arisen between Louisa and Robert. Remarks 'I have often asked you to control your temper and your nerves - you have not done so; on the contrary, I regret to say you are getting steadily worse; so much so that I have often asked myself in sorrow where it is all going to end. Are you any the better now do you think for having inflicted this pain upon one who is poor, defenceless and alone in the world, and do you really believe that in doing this act you have given good example to your children?' (19 June 1938, 2pp). Includes a copy letter from Louisa McCann to her brother, Robert Kieran. Remarks 'I appreciate that you have had no end of trouble or worry over the McCann estate...but your recent attitude and behaviour towards me has made it impossible for me to approach you any further - I am sending the documents to Lal (Fr L Kieran SJ)...I have every confidence in him and shall be directed by what he advises...' (n.d., 2pp).

Documents concerning Archbishop McQuaid’s objections to the formation of a Sandymount-Ballsbridge group of Muintir na Tíre

Documents concerning Archbishop McQuaid’s objections to the formation of a Sandymount-Ballsbridge group of Muintir na Tíre and Fr Edward J Coyne’s involvement with the establishment of such a group (See also ADMN/3/29; 37; 39; 57). ‘I am not convinced that this Association has yet proved that it deserves a place in this Diocese, in the country or in the City. Therefore, I have not sanctioned the formation of any group in the Diocese. I should be grateful, if you could give me any help in understanding the Sandymount- Ballsbridge movement.’ (6 November 1941,1p). Includes correspondence between the Archbishop, Irish Fr Provincial and Fr Coyne on the matter. Also includes letter to Irish Fr Provincial from Fr John Hayes, C.C.(Chairman) relating to Muintir na Tíre’s ‘Rural Week’ (29 November 1942, 2pp) and printed advertising leaflets and leaflets concerning National Appeals on behalf of Muintir na Tíre (1940s, 4 items).

McQuaid, John Charles, 1895-1973, Roman Catholic Archbishop of Dublin

Exception taken by the ecclesiastical authorities of the Archdiocese of Dublin to two sentences in a review of a book in the September issue of 'Studies'

A file relating to the exception taken by the ecclesiastical authorities of the Archdiocese of Dublin to two sentences in a review of an American book entitled Religious Instruction and Education in the September issue of Studies (1942). Includes letters from Archbishop John Charles McQuaid to Irish Fr Provincial John R. MacMahon SJ concerning the issue.

MacMahon, John R, 1893-1989, Jesuit priest

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