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Gahan, Matthew, 1782-1837, Jesuit priest File
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Enquiry from Miss Zena M. Carns to concerning Fr Matthew Gahan SJ

A file relating to an enquiry from Miss Zena M. Carns, Stonyhurst Preparatory School, Hodder Place, Stonyhurst, Lancashire to Irish Fr Provincial Brendan Barry SJ concerning the re-establishment of the Catholic Church in the Isle of Man and Fr Matthew Gahan SJ. Includes a letter from Fr Francis Finegan SJ to Fr Barry answering the query and including copies of letters relating to Fr Gahan and the Isle of Man (24 July 1829 - 10 December 1838, 46pp).

Carns, Zena M, teacher

Historical research undertaken by Fr Kevin Laheen SJ into the Isle of Man Mission

File of documents related to historical research undertaken by Fr Kevin Laheen SJ into the Isle of Man Mission. Includes a letter from David C. Sheehy, Diocesan Archivist, Diocesan Offices, Archbishop’s House, Dublin 9 to Fr Laheen concerning Fr MacPharlan. Remarks ‘…not been able to establish where Fr was ordained…some time between 1787 and 1793’ (19 October 1999). Includes map of the Isle of Man with ecclesiastical sites marked. Includes two articles related to Fr Matthew Gahan SJ ‘Apostle of the Isle of Man’ by Rev. William S. Dempsey and ‘To the Greater Glory of God’.

Laheen, Kevin A, 1919-2019, Jesuit priest

Letter from James O'Shaughnessy to Fr Robert St Leger SJ

Letter from James O'Shaughnessy to Fr Robert St Leger SJ (Vice-Provincial), Upper Gardiner Street, Dublin concerning Fr Gahan's will. Remarks that he has only found a copy of the will and remarks 'I look upon the case a quite a hopeless one.' Continues 'The original will and whatever title deeds were in existence, I conclude from these letters, went into the possession of Father Aylmer - what became of them since there is nothing to inform us.' Concludes 'Should you think it necessary to write to this gentleman now in the Isle of Man to Dr Briggs or to any other of the inheritors, I take the liberty of telling you not to do so, till you previously allow me to wait on you…'

O'Shaughnessy, James

Letter from William and James Duff, Douglas, Isle of Man to Fr Matthew Gahan SJ

Letter and copy of a letter from William and James Duff, Douglas, Isle of Man to Fr Matthew Gahan SJ, Hardwicke Street Chapel, Dublin expressing their satisfaction that Fr Gahan is to live and administer in the Isle of Man. Remarks 'we feel that in regard to pecuniary matters you will be a sufferer to a considerable extent by the change. But if the satisfaction of having done an important service to religion as well as to its followers, can be any compensation for this sacrifice you must certainly have an ample recompense.'

Duff, James

Letters from Bishop John Briggs to Fr Charles Aylmer SJ, concerning the chapel property in Douglas

A file of letters from Bishop John Briggs to Fr Charles Aylmer SJ, Catholic Chapel House, Douglas, Isle of Man concerning the chapel property in Douglas and the wish of the Bishop, Dr Penswick, that the property should be '…vested in Trustees of whom the Bishop should name one.' (22 December 1835, 3pp). Remarks that Fr Gahan is not correct in stating that the Bishop agreed that the chapel would be put in Fr Gahan's name alone. Remarks '…I believe Mr. Gahan is mistaken. For I was present when Dr Penswick refused his assent to this proposal made personally by Mr. Gahan.' (22 December 1835, 3pp).

Briggs, John, 1788-1861, Roman Catholic Bishop of Beverley

Letters from Dr Thomas Youens to Fr Charles Aylmer SJ concerning the mission on the Isle of Man

A file of letters from Dr Thomas Youens to Fr Charles Aylmer SJ concerning the mission on the Isle of Man. Dr Yovens was appointed by Dr Briggs to visit the Isle of Man and assess matters following the death of Fr Gahan and to arrange the opening of the new chapel in Douglas. Includes a letter informing Fr Aylmer that he has full permission from the Bishop (Dr Briggs) to bless the new chapel in Douglas and perform divine service in it (28 February 1837, 1p). Includes a letter expressing the Bishop's wish that the mission of the Isle of Man pass into his own hands. Remarks that he does not know who the Bishop has in mind to take over the mission (27 April 1837, 3pp). Includes a letter relating to the sum of money paid by Dr Briggs to the Society of Jesus in respect of the Isle of Man. (16 May 1840, 1p).

Youens, Thomas, priest

Letters from Fr Charles Aylmer SJ to Fr Patrick Bracken SJ concerning Fr Gahan's death

A file of letters from Fr Charles Aylmer SJ, Douglas, Isle of Man to Fr Patrick Bracken SJ (Vice-Provincial) concerning Fr Gahan's death. Includes a letter discussing the value of the two chapels and the residence and school in Douglas and an inventory of the objects in the chapels (24 March 1837, 4pp). Includes a letter concerning Dr Youens proposed visit to the island '…for the purpose of making an arrangement respecting the affairs of this mission.' Asks for Fr Bracken's instructions telling him how he should discuss matters with Dr Youens. (14 April 1837, 3pp). Includes a letter informing Fr Bracken that Dr Youens arrival has been delayed. Remarks 'The disappointment of his not being able to come this week is a great annoyance to me as I promised the creditors and the tenants of the old chapel house and here in Douglas that matters would be settled with them.' (25 April 1837, 4pp). Includes a letter describing his discussions with Dr Youens. Remarks that the Bishop did not empower him to make any final decisions. Remarks 'After all our conferences Doctor Yovens has awarded to the Society as compensation the sum of eight hundred pounds to be paid to you by Dr Briggs - and considers this sum less than the Society is entitled to…He means to prove to the Bishop…that a considerable sacrifice has been made of property to his Lordship and to this mission by the Society…' (12 May 1837, 3pp). Includes a letter concerning the appointment of Fr McGrath to the Isle of Man. Remarks that he has only recently been ordained '…and is more like a boy from school… not perhaps quite calculated for such a place as this…' (19 June 1837, 3pp).

Aylmer, Charles, 1786-1849, Jesuit priest

Letters from Fr Charles Aylmer SJ to Fr Peter Kenney SJ concerning the Isle of Man mission

A file of letters from Fr Charles Aylmer SJ, Douglas, Isle of Man to Fr Peter Kenney SJ concerning the Isle of Man mission. Includes a letter discussing the finances of the mission and how much money is required to run the mission (24 November 1835, 3pp). Includes a letter concerning some opposition to the opening of the chapel in Douglas. Remarks that if Dr Youens visits the island he will explain the full matter to him and if he does not visit the island he will visit the Bishop himself. Remarks '…it comes exactly to this: that we either succeed or give up the whole and throw the responsibility on the Bishop and the English. Since last Sunday I have received for the new chapel subscriptions and donations…and except Captain Haggeston, not one of the rich have given one shilling - the Duffs and some others amongst whom I am sorry to name John Kelly…have combined and written against the new chapel thro' dislike to poor Fr Gahan and because they cannot do everything as they please - these withhold their subscriptions in the expectation that the opening of the chapel will be prevented by the Bishop.' (7 December 1835, 4pp). Includes a letter remarking that the Bishop (Dr Penswick) has given his permission for the new chapel to be opened as long as three conditions are complied with. Lists the three conditions (18 December 1835, 2pp). Includes a letter referring to the three conditions laid down by Dr Penswick. Refers to the ownership of the chapel property. Remarks '…Mr. Gahan has actually paid £295 (for converting and fitting out the chapel buildings) - one penny of which he never got from any person in the Isle of Man - and consequently he fairly claims that sum as his property.' Continues 'The delay in opening the new chapel is I feel very unpleasant and causes great feeling and disappointment even amongst liberal Protestants and gives a kind of triumph to the bigoted party and to the few Catholics who are adverse to Fr Gahan and wish to have power.' (26 January 1836, 4pp). Includes a letter concerning Fr Gahan's will and medical and funeral expenses. Refers to Fr Gahan's debts. Remarks '…are we to take all this responsibility on ourselves, to discharge all these debts and then to be dismissed at Doctor Briggs' pleasure. If he is to have the whole without any remuneration to the Society or to its benefactors let him take it and become responsible for it with all its encumbrances…' (3 March 1837, 3pp).

Aylmer, Charles, 1786-1849, Jesuit priest

Letters from Fr Matthew Gahan SJ to Fr Charles Aylmer SJ on chapel build progress

A file of letters from Fr Matthew Gahan SJ to Fr Charles Aylmer SJ concerning the progress of establishing a chapel for the Catholic community on the Isle of Man. Two of the letters are written to Fr Aylmer while Fr Gahan was travelling [to raise funds] and Fr Aylmer was supplying for him on the island.

Gahan, Matthew, 1782-1837, Jesuit priest

Letters from Fr Patrick Bracken SJ to Fr Charles Aylmer SJ on the Isle of Man mission

A file of letters from Fr Patrick Bracken SJ (Vice-Provincial) to Fr Charles Aylmer SJ concerning the administration of the Isle of Man mission following the illness and death of Fr Matthew Gahan SJ. Includes a letter referring to the death of Fr Gahan. Refers to an article in a newspaper concerning his death. Remarks '…it is stated that Fr Gahan had died from the effects of the religious persecution which he suffered. This will be understood as persecution on the part of the Bishop and will I fear make a bad impression on the English and Irish clergy, for many will attribute the article directly or indirectly to us.' Asks Fr Aylmer to send a detailed statement of Fr Gahan's debts and rents and a valuation of the property on the Isle of Man (9 March 1837, 4pp). Includes a letter referring to Fr General's instructions to give up the property to Bishop Briggs on the Isle of Man. Remarks 'I have no doubt that he will award us some compensation; but the amount will depend on his own generosity…what the Society has in property I trust she will gain in reputation, at least in the eyes of the inhabitants of the island.' (18 March 1837, 4pp). Includes a letter referring to the problems with Fr Gahan's will (10 July 1837, 4pp).

Bracken, Patrick, 1795-1867, Jesuit priest

Letters from Fr Peter Kenny SJ to Fr Charles Aylmer SJ concerning the Isle of Man mission

A file of letters from Fr Peter Kenny SJ (Vice-Provincial April 1834-May 1836) to Fr Charles Aylmer SJ concerning the Isle of Man mission and the difficulties that arose in its administration following the illness and death of Fr Matthew Gahan SJ. Includes a letter informing Fr Aylmer that he may go ahead with the opening of the new chapel at Douglas. Expresses his opinion that this should be done without delay. Discusses the finances of the mission (12 November 1835, 8pp). Includes a letter referring to the opposition amongst some residents of the Isle of Man to the opening of the chapel. Remarks 'I hesitated…before I resolved to show your letter to Mr Gahan… I feared that the ingratitude and treachery of his people might annoy him.' (13 December 1835, 4pp). Includes a letter referring to a delay in opening the new chapel. Remarks 'Of course we cannot comply with the conditions proposed and therefore you must let the chapel stay as it is…I should not as yet be inclined to say what we might propose; but from the Bishop making the opening of the chapel dependent on these conditions he seems determined to drive us out of the island…' (20 December 1835, 3pp). Includes a letter asking to be kept fully informed of any communication with the Bishop. Remarks 'It is necessary that we know what is said or proposed by you or Mr Gahan or we may fall into many mistakes…' (29 December 1835, 4pp). Includes a letter referring to Fr. Gahan's headstone and the difficulty in sending it to the Isle of Man. Remarks that it is '…a very commendable piece of work…' (7 May 1837, 3pp).

Kenney, Peter J, 1779-1841, Jesuit priest and educator

Letters from John Duff, Castletown, Isle of Man to Fr Matthew Gahan SJ

Letters from John Duff, Castletown, Isle of Man to Fr Matthew Gahan SJ.[Douglas, Isle of Man]. The first letter thanks Fr Gahan for officiating at his marriage. The second letter refers to a debt of money due to Fr Gahan. Remarks that he is not pleased with the tone of Fr Gahan's letter in which he requests repayment. Remarks that he is not liable for the debt and advises Fr Gahan to contact Robert Duff of the late firm owned by Robert and John Duff for repayment of the debt.

Duff, John

Letters from Richard Thompson, Vicar General to Fr Charles Aylmer SJ

Letters from Richard Thompson, Vicar General to Fr Charles Aylmer SJ concerning Fr Aylmer's offer to give temporary assistance to the Catholic community on the Isle of Man due to Fr Gahan's illness. Includes a postscript remarking that the Bishop has appointed Dr Yovens to visit the Isle of Man on his behalf.

Thompson, Richard, priest

Letters to Fr Charles Aylmer SJ

  • IE IJA J/470/1
  • File
  • 5 April 1811 - 23 July 1838
  • Part of Irish Jesuits

A file of letters to Fr Charles Aylmer SJ. A brief précis to the letters is included in the file, and list of Irish Jesuits (1831).

Statement by Fr Matthew Gahan SJ on his decision to go to the Isle of Man

Statement and a copy of a statement by Fr Matthew Gahan SJ describing the events surrounding his decision to go to the Isle of Man to administer to the Catholic population on the island and his work on the island. Lists names of people who supported him financially and the amounts paid.

Gahan, Matthew, 1782-1837, Jesuit priest