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Letter from Michael Browne, Bishop of Galway, Mount St Mary's, Galway to Irish Fr Provincial John R. MacMahon SJ asking him to allow Fr Edward J Coyne SJ devote as much time to the Vocation Organisation Committee over the coming months so that the report may be compiled; includes a copy reply from Fr MacMahon remarking that Fr. Coyne will '...devote to the preparation of the report of the Commission all the time and energy available.' (20 March 1942, 1p).

Letters and telegrams to the Irish Fr Provincial from Fr Thomas J Martin SJ written while serving as chaplain with the 4th King’s Own Scottish Borders in Alloa, Clackmannonshire and Buckie, Banff, Scotland; with the 155th Infantry Brigade in Scotland; the 12th Heavy Anti-Aircraft Regiment in Essex, France and Holland and while based in Palace Barracks, Holywood, Northern Ireland. Fr Martin was sent home from Holland as a result of an eye infection and was released from the Army on health grounds at the end of 1945/beginning of 1946.

Letters from Fr Francis Browne SJ, many written from St Mary’s, Emo, Portarlington, County Laois, to the Irish Provincial on various matters (mostly seeking permission to travel to different locations for the purposes of giving retreats, lectures, visiting friends and family), including his health and his photographic work. Includes letters:
– referring to his securing photos of ‘the ruins on Inniscaltra in Lough Derg…(and)…Castletown at Celbridge’ (29 June 1944, 2pp);
– referring to his eldest sister, Mother Josephine in the Ursuline Convent, Blackrock, County Dublin (17 and 20 September 1944, 2 items);
– concerning his travelling expenses (28 October and 2 November 1944, 2 items);
– his making ‘a set of photographs in Curraghmore House … because I am collecting a set of Georgian Houses & Curraghmore was on the list given me by the Georgian Society’ (9 April 1945, 3pp);
– regarding his ‘camera work’. ‘As you know, I am supplying a series of pictures of “Historic Mansions” each month to ‘Irish Tatler & Sketch’. The first of the series were photos of Shelton Abbey for which the present Lord Wicklow gave his very willing approval…he proposes utilising c as a kind of Hotel or “Country Club” He asked me whether it would be possible for me to go there again to take further photos before the necessary alterations are made’ (8 April 1947, 3pp);
– stating ‘…the editor of ‘Tatler & Sketch’ is pressing me for a further series of “Historic Mansions” to be published in the Autumn. Apparently he found that the first series – Jan. to May – was very popular. Would you permit me to do some journeys for this purpose & to debit them to a “Villa” account: not, as usual, to my Camera account?’ (23 June 1947, 3pp) and
– stating ‘I enclose a list of places I wish to photograph for my next series of “Historic Mansions” – which is due to begin in October. The last set – January – May, brought me £25, & the next will be even more profitable, because the Editor told me that he is so satisfied with the results, that he will print more pictures of each house in the next series’ (14 July 1947, 2pp).

Documents relating to the wording of forms of charitable bequests to the Society. Includes examples of different bequest forms, memorandum for Irish Fr Provincial on charitable bequests and letters to Irish Fr Provincial on the matter.

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.

Material relating to Fr Patrick G Kennedy SJ including correspondence with Irish Fr Provincials and memorandum of agreement for the publication of 'Birds of Ireland' by P.G. Kennedy SJ, Robert F. Ruttledge and C.F. Scroope.

Documents relating to Fr Richard Kennedy SJ as a Japanese prisoner of war in Taiwan. Includes:
– cutting from The Times listing Fr Richard Kennedy SJ as a POW (1 December 1942, 1p.);
– postcard from Fr Richard Kennedy SJ in a POW camp in Taiwan to Fr Provincial (1943);
– letters from Fr Kennedy’s brother, Denis P. Kennedy SJ to Irish Fr Provincial, informing him of letters received by Fr Kennedy’s family (13 July, 30 September 1944, 2 items).

A file relating to the imprisonment of Frs Patrick Joy and Gerard Casey by the Japanese.

Correspondence with Dr John Charles McQuaid, Archbishop of Dublin (mainly holograph letters from the Archbishop and copies of Irish Fr Provincial’s replies) on various matters. Includes letters concerning :

• information for the Commission established to ‘investigate and report upon the existence and title of all collections for pious purposes in the Diocese of Dublin’;
• the supply of Altar wine to the Society;
• the appointment of Fr Thomas Counihan SJ to the Commission on Youth Unemployment;
• his request ‘not to use candles at the end of Retreats and Missions during the present war-circumstances’;
• the death of various Jesuits including Frs [Thomas Counihan], Michael Kirwan, James Tomkin, Laurence J. Kieran (former Provincial) and Vincent Byrne;
• circular comprising the decisions of the 1942 October Meeting of the Hierarchy;
• 1944 Decree concerning the education of Catholics in non-Catholic Schools, Colleges or Universities of the Dublin Diocese (See also ADMN/3/38);
• the proposed visit of Fr Adelard Dugré SJ, ‘formerly an Assistant of our late Father General and now an Assistant of our Father Vicar General’ to Ireland and his appointment with the Archbishop;
• the granting of diocesan faculties to various Jesuits and the results of diocesan examinations;
• the ‘Solemn Votive mass’ to be celebrated in the Pro-Cathedral on 25 June 1945 on the occasion of the Inauguration of the President, Seán T. Ó Ceallaigh (See also ADMN/3/59 and 76);
• copies of letters concerning the Archbishop’s instructions as to the ‘attitude to be adopted in regard to the strike declared by the Central Executive Committee of the Irish National Teachers’ Organization’ and the restoration of ‘normal conditions’ in the schools following the Teachers’ Strike;
• the collection by secondary schools of used clothing ‘for the very destitute young people of Europe, especially the Catholics of Hungary’;
• the answers of the Milltown Theological Faculty to certain questions posed ‘concerning the question of defining as a dogma of the Faith the doctrine that the Blessed Virgin Mary was assumed bodily into Heaven’;
• statistical reports on the Society in Ireland required for the ‘Relatio Status’ of the Archbishop to the Holy See and for the Annuario Pontificio;
• the appointment of Fr Thomas Counihan SJ to conduct the Thirty Days’ Exercises at Holy Cross College, Clonliffe in October 1947 and September 1948;
• proposals to purchase Churchtown House, Dundrum for use as a secondary school and the alternative plan to build a school on grounds adjoining Milltown Park (See also 1950s correspondence with Archbishop McQuaid);
• the institution of the ‘Tribunal for the Ordinary Informative Process in the Cause of the Beatification and Canonisation of the Servant of God, John Sullivan, Priest of your Society’ (24 October 1947, 1p.) (See also ADMN/3/24; 48 and 49);
• the purchase of Baymount Castle, Dollymount for use as a Retreat House (Manresa House) (See also ADMN/3/6 and 74) and
• letter of condolence following the fire at Milltown Park in 1949 (11 February 1949, 1p.).

Correspondence, mostly between Irish Fr Provincial, Edward Kissane (President of St Patrick’s College, Maynooth) and Fr James Duff of St Patrick’s College relating to the attendance at Maynooth by Jesuit scholastics and the Irish Hierarchy’s Appeal on behalf of the College to the clergy and laity of Ireland, a fund to which the Province donated £500.

Letter from Fr Joseph Hurley SJ, Clongowes Wood College, Naas, county Kildare to Irish Fr Provincial John R MacMahon SJ acknowledging receipt of a letter from him.

Note from Irish Fr Provincial John R MacMahon SJ to Mr. Hollis, Burns, Oates and Washbourne Ltd., London ‘with reference to an Australian edition of Jesuits under Fire’.

Irish jesuit Mission bequest from Joseph Carroll, 50 Shandon Park, Philsboro, Dublin.

Letters from Fr Joseph Hurley SJ, Clongowes Wood College, Naas, county Kildare to Irish Fr Provincial John R MacMahon SJ.

Memorandum of Agreement between Irish Fr Provincial John R. MacMahon SJ, St Francis Xavier's, Upper Gardiner Street, Dublin and Burns, Oates and Washbourne concerning Fr Thomas Ryan SJ's book 'Jesuits Under Fire'.

Airgraph from Fr John B Moyersoen SJ, 32, Park street, Calcutta, India to Irish Fr Provincial John R MacMahon SJ, Dublin, replying to ‘Your airgraph of 27th ult.’. Mentions writing to Fr Marin and Fr Donnelly and ‘We often see Fr Naughton’.

Letters to the Irish Fr Provincial from Fr Matthias Bodkin SJ written during his time as chaplain in the Royal Navy based at R.N. Base, Derry, Northern Ireland (refers to trips to the Arctic Circle and Western Australia) and serving on the battleship H.M.S. Anson in the East. Includes;

• Letter concerning his finances (February 1945, 10pp) and draft of Fr Provincial’s reply (25 February 1945, 2pp);
• Letter from Sergeant Major D.J. Fitzgerald (R.M. Detachment) of H.M.S. Anson describing Fr Bodkin’s activities in Malta (4 June 1945, 3pp);
• Letters describing his trip to Hong Kong, his visit with the Mission there (12 August – 25 October 1945, 12 items);
• News of the various Jesuits in Hong Kong and how they have fared during the occupation;
• Description of Tokyo (December 1945, 2 items); a ‘rough memory draft’ of his expenditure (1p.)
• Draft copy of letter from the Provincial to Fr Bodkin concerning his finances (5 January 1946, 2pp) (letter was never sent).

Letters and telegrams to the Irish Fr Provincial from Fr Laurence Kearns SJ written during his time as a chaplain serving with various anti-aircraft units: 117 Z.A.A. Battery, 7 (M) Z.A.A. Regiment, Royal Artillery: Stockton-on-Tees; 107 Anti-Aircraft Brigade, Surrey; 32 Light Anti-Aircraft Brigade: France; 52nd Lowland Scottish Infantry Division, 157 Infantry Brigade: Holland, Germany, Belsen and in Garrisson Catholic Church, Bordon, Hants. Includes:

• his first letter to the Provincial from Edinburgh (18 September 1943, 2pp);
  – photographs of Fr Kearns blessing the graves of British falen 1940 and his driver, Liet. Joseph McPatlan (November, December 1944, 6 items: 8½cm x 6cm);
  – copies of extracts from Irish Province News on the chaplains (14 – 28 January 1945, 2 items, 1p. each);
  – letters describing his car accident (24 June 1945, 8pp), operations to rebuild his damaged face and his convalescence (11 July – 21 December 1945, 5 items).

File of correspondence between Fr Seán Turner SJ and Irish Fr Provincials.

Letter from Au Sik Ling, 22 Danby Grove, Thornaby-in-Tees, Yorkshire to Irish Fr Provincial John R. MacMahon SJ concerning a letter he brought from Fr Ryan in Kweiliu, the capital of the southern province of Kwangsi in China.

Copy of a letter from Irish Fr Provincial John R MacMahon SJ, St Francis Xavier's, Upper Gardiner Street, Dublin to Rev James E. Walsh MM, Bishop of [ ], Superior General, Catholic Foreign Mission, Society of America sympathising over the death of the Vicar General of Maryknoll.

Letter from Irish Fr Provincial John R MacMahon SJ to the Rector of St Francis Xavier's, Upper Gardiner Street in the appointment of Rev. Alexis Magni to the office of Vicar-General which entitles him to ‘the full powers of a General till such time as a successor to the late Fr Ledochowski has been appointed’ and ‘the powers of Visitor granted Fr Dugre on 9 April 1939 will remain in force till they are revoked’.

Letters to the Irish Fr Provincial, mostly from Fr Leonard Sheil SJ, relating to his Mission work throughout Ireland. Includes:

• letters concerning a Retreat given by Fr Sheil in Killorglin, County Kerry, a lecture in Cashel, County Tipperary and Missions in Cobh, County Cork and Harrington Street, Dublin (24 November 1943 - 7 August 1945, 6 items);
• letter from Fr Sheil offering to ‘go to any country where…I would be of use in the service of God, Africa, Australia, China or the Continent.’ Also seeks permission to become the Spiritual Director of the International Catholic Girls’ Protection Society (see also J16/5). ‘Their work (they are some thirty years in existence in Dublin) was chiefly the meeting and protecting of girls travelling, especially to England. Now it includes a registry office of which the object is to find work for girls in Ireland and so obviate the necessity of going to England.…They hope to start a small training hostel for domestics. The Archbishop is very favourable.…I have given their radio broadcast for the past five years, bringing in £100 more or less each year. The work of the Spiritual Director would be to attend the monthly meeting of the Committee…and on these occasions to give what assistance he can as a priest.…In favour of it,…it offers a field of work for youth; and…perhaps no class of youth needs help more than the young country girl, perhaps from a convent orphanage, who comes to Dublin to domestic service…’ (21 Feb. 1946, 3pp);
• letter from Socius Fr John Coyne SJ to the Irish Provincial relating to a report in the 'Irish Press' of a lecture on ‘Friends of Soviet Russia’ given by Fr Sheil to the Ringsend C.Y.M.S. in which Fr Sheil referred to Dáil Éireann members as ‘frightful loafers’. Encloses clipping of report (2 Dec. 1946, 1p.) and letter from Fr Sheil to Fr Coyne explaining the circumstances of the lecture (n.d., 2pp);
• letter from Fr Sheil reporting on a number of young men who wish to join the Society and his activities on a recent visit to the North of Ireland (2 Apr. 1947, 4pp) and
• letter to the Irish Provincial Fr Thomas Byrne SJ from Dr Edward Doorly, Bishop of Elphin stating ‘Father Sheil did not give any offence worth mentioning and further…he gave a splendid Retreat to the priests’ (18 May 1949, 1p.).

Letters to Irish Fr Provincial John MacMahon SJ from Fr Alan Birmingham SJ written during his time as a chaplain attached to the 2nd Battalion, The Loyal Regiment in Sussex and Northern Ireland; 32 Casualty Clearing Station in England and France; 4 Army Group Royal Artillery, B.L.A. in France and Germany; 150th Infantry Brigade in Southern India and the Indian Artillery Centre, Kamaredi. Includes description of his role in the D-Day landings on 6 June 1944 (16 November 1944, 4pp) and his last letter written on his way home (29 September 1946, 2pp).

Letter from J. E. Walsh, Superior General, Maryknoll, New York to Irish Fr Provincial John R. MacMahon SJ, St Francis Xavier's Church, Upper Gardiner Street, Dublin concerning notes sent from China intended for the Irish Province.

Letter from the Maryknoll Fathers, Maryknoll, New York addressed 'Dear Friend' offering the services of the Maryknoll Fathers in Chungking, Free China in forwarding mail to people in China.

Letter from Thomas Keogh, Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin, Braganza House, Carlow to Irish Fr Provincial John R MacMahon SJ complimenting Fr Counihan's retreat to priests in Carlow.

Letter from Fr Hilary Lawton SJ, Clongowes Wood College, Naas, county Kildare to Irish Fr Provincial John R MacMahon SJ asking permission to spend a few nights in Dublin.

Letter from Fr Arthur Little SJ, St Stanislaus College, Tullamore, County Offaly to Irish Fr Provincial agreeing to carry out a task assigned to him by Irish Fr Provincial.

Letter from Fr Lawton, Rathfarnham Castle, Dublin to Irish Fr Provincial John R MacMahon SJ declaring his willingness to act as a chaplain to the forces.

Letter from Irish Fr Provincial John MacMahon SJ, St Francis Xavier's, Dublin to Fr Thomas Ryan SJ, Chungking, China relating to news about Jesuit works, Irish Jesuits and their travels and work, recent deaths, schools and contemporaries of Fr Ryan.

A file relating to an article written by Fr Patrick Gannon SJ in the 'Irish Ecclesiastical Record' supporting a fellow Jesuit's interpretation of a passage in St. Mark. This article sparked a controversy as Fr Gannon's views were disagreed with by Cardinal MacRory (and other eminent scripture scholars). Includes a letter from Fr John R MacMahon SJ (Fr Provincial), St Francis Xavier's, Upper Gardiner Street, Dublin to Fr Byrne SJ concerning the controversy. Remarks 'In reply to a letter from Fr Gannon, I wrote to him to say that I could not allow him to pursue the discussion about St. Mark III, 20 - 21 any further…that I would not approve of his seeking an interview with the Cardinal; that he might write to the Cardinal, but that I would have to see a draft of the letter beforehand.' Remarks that he received a reply from Fr Gannon and includes a passage from the letter describing it thus 'He is taking a most extravagant view of the situation.' (15 April 1945, 1p). Includes a copy of a letter from Fr Provincial (Fr MacMahon SJ) concerning a letter Fr Gannon wishes to write to Cardinal MacRory regarding the difference of opinion between the two men. Remarks 'Let me assure you (and I wish I could convince you) that you are taking far too tragic a view of the whole business. If you could put it out of your mind for a month, you would, I am confident, take a more tranquil view of things.' (26 January 1945, 1p). It would appear from the file that Fr Gannon was not able to put the matter out of his mind and that it was only as a result of his death in 1953 that the matter was laid to rest. It would also appear that Fr Gannon's view was gaining some support amongst scripture scholars when he died.

Letters to the Irish Fr Provincial from Fr Anthony MacSeumais SJ written while serving as chaplain in the R.A.F. at R.A.F. Stations in Cosford, Wolverhampton, Staffs. and Leuchars, Fife, Scotland; with the 5023 Airfield Construction Squadron in Holland and Germany and 124 Wing in Lübeck. Includes his first letter to the Irish Fr Provincial written from Belfast (March 1944, 2pp) and letter in which he lists all the places he has served since arriving in Belgium (1 June 1945, 4pp). This letter also contains Fr MacSeumais’s only reference to Belsen Concentration Camp. Also includes Fr MacSeumais’s memorial card (with photograph) (Fr MacSeumais died on 13 January 1989).

A file of letters from Christopher Hollis, Burns, Oates and Washbourne Ltd., 28 Ashley Place, London to Irish Fr Provincial John R. MacMahon SJ, St Francis Xavier's, Upper Gardiner Street, Dublin concerning Fr Thomas Ryan's book. Refers to a proposal to publish the book in Australia. Includes reviews of the book.

A file relating to a proposal by Dr Fehily of the Colonial Office that some Jesuits be incorporated in the Welfare Mission which he is leading to Hong Kong following the liberating army.

Group photographs of Irish Provincial Fr John MacMahon SJ, Fr Adélard Dugre SJ, Fr Joseph Garland SJ, Fr Robert Tyndall SJ, Superior, St Francis Xavier's, Upper Gardiner Street and Fr John Coyne SJ planting a tree in the garden of Gardiner Street.

A file of letters from Fr Patrick Grogan SJ to Irish Fr Provincial written from India where many of the Irish Jesuits went to from Hong Kong during the war. Describes the work he has been assigned to in India.

Letter from Fr Joseph McSweeney SJ, Milltown Park, Dublin to the Irish Fr Provincial concerning the death of his mother.

Correspondence, mainly between Irish Fr Provincial and Monsignor James Moynagh, Prefect Apostolic at Kiltegan, County Wicklow, concerning Mgr. Moynagh’s proposals to establish a Catholic hostel for West African students attending the National University in Dublin. Includes copies of letters: from Archbishop McQuaid and others, to Mgr. Moynagh; from Mgr. Moynagh to Fr S. Harrington (Provincial of The Society of African Missions) and to Irish Fr Provincial John McMahon SJ and Fr Provincial’s reply.

Letters to the Irish Fr Provincial mostly from various Jesuit Superiors/Rectors seeking Irish Jesuits to fill teaching and other posts left vacant following and during the War. Includes requests from Bombay, Madeira, Calcutta, Ceylon and Malta.

Irish Jesuit Mission bequest from Rose Coulter, Limerick.

A file relating to the road widening scheme at Rathfarnham and work carried out by Dublin Corporation on part of the boundary wall of Rathfarnham Castle and the subsequent problems that arose due to the Corporation's failure to complete the work. Includes a letter from Tom Bacon, Solicitor (acting on behalf of the Jesuit Fathers), 9 Clare Street, Dublin to Fr McDonald SJ Remarks 'This matter has taken a new and interesting turn... Mr Beausang (Dublin Corporation).. .explained his predicament. Apparently in his final anxiety to get the work through he agreed our terms without obtaining any additional estimates as to the cost... Mr Beausang states that there is a deficiency of at least £7,000...There is no fund out of which this deficiency can be met...Mr Beausang's first suggestion was that the Jesuit Fathers would make a grant to the corporation of half the increased cost namely £3,500. When he was told that this was out of the question it was then suggested that you might disclaim the acquisition money £2,000.' (11 October 1956, 3pp).

Biographical information, obituaries and memorial card of Fr Cyril Perrott SJ (4 items). Military file 3601/CH(RC) which contains various documents belonging to Fr Cyril Perrott taken from Irish Provincialate (2010). Includes:

• 6 black and white photographs of unknown people (perhaps niece and brother who lived in Western Australia, and brother who was a Jesuit in Western Australia);
• details of his successful application for rate of pay increase;
• release certificate;
• details of medical prescription;
• receipt for demand for civilian clothing;
• document outlining principles and priestly duties;
• tax requests;
• request and reply for contingency allowance;
• documents outlining ration cards and national registration on return to the United Kingdom and instructions to personnel released or invalided during release period to Eire who are granted leave with pay and who are eligible for medical attendance etc, under army regulations (1945/46);
• claim for award of 1939/45 Star/Burma Star/Defence Medal;
• obituary (1952);
• card to be shown by celebret whenever a Chaplain wishes to say Mass;
• officers’ kit insurance;
• copy of gospel in funeral Mass and
• letters from Captain George P. Grossmith.

Letter from Fr Ladislaus Zabdyr SJ, Chikuni, PO Chisekesi, Northern Rhodesia to Irish Fr Provincial John R MacMahon SJ, St Francis Xavier's, Upper Gardiner Street, Dublin imploring him to respond to his request for Irish Jesuits to be sent to the mission (1p). With airgraph copy.

A file relating to assistance obtained by the Irish Province from the Irish Red Cross in sending telegrams and money to the Irish Jesuits in Shanghai.

Letters from Jeremiah Hogan SJ, Canisius College, Pittwater Road, Pymble, NSW to Irish Provincial Fr John R. MacMahon SJ concerning the results of the Irish Province, Theologians and to the Mission in Hong Kong. Remarks 'There are some civilians in Sydney who were in the prison camps at Hong Kong and gave us some more news. Besides Fr Bodkin has written about his experiences there.'

Correspondence between Fr John Foley SJ and his Irish Provincials.

A file relating to army chaplains. Includes letters and memoranda relating to the non-payment of their salaries to the Hong Kong mission. Includes extracts from letters by Fr Matthias Bodkin SJ, a naval chaplain concerning news of the Irish Jesuits in Hong Kong.

Christmas greetings from Fr Acácio Casimiro SJ R. de Lapa 111, Lisbon to Irish Fr Provincial John R. MacMahon SJ.

Letters from Fr Leonard Sheil SJ to the Irish Fr Provincial John R MacMahon SJ and his Socius, Fr John Coyne SJ seeking permission to visit his brother’s widow and children. His brother was killed in the war, 1945.

Telegrams and letters to the Provincial from various sources following the death of Fr John Hayes SJ from typhus on 21 January 1945. Includes: telegram from the Rector of Crescent College Limerick to the Provincial (John McMahon SJ) informing him that the War Office had ‘wired Mrs. Hayes that Father John died of typhus Jan 21st’ (26 January 1945, 1p.);
– note of acknowledgement to the Provincial from Frank G. Hayes (Fr Hayes’ brother) (27 January 1945, 1p.);
– copy of letter sent to the Rector of Belvedere College (James Gubbins SJ) from Old Belvederian (1923-1931) and comrade of Fr Hayes, Captain W.A. Ward following the death of Fr Hayes (27 January 1945, 1p.);
– copy of letter sent by Joseph Gardner, S.C.F. (R.C.) (Senior Catholic Chaplain, Allied Land Forces, South East Asia) to Mgr. John Coghlan (Principal R.C. Chaplain, War Office, London) giving further details of Fr Hayes’ death (28 January 1945, 1p.);
– letter from Mgr. Coghlan to the Irish Fr Provincial John R MacMahon SJ (29 January 1945; 2pp);
– letters from Rev. A. Clancy (Senior Catholic Chaplain, H.Q. 36th Division, South East Asia) and from Rev. J. Gardner, S.C.F. (R.C.) to Irish Fr Provincial John R McMahon SJ (29 January 1945, 2 items, 1p. each);
– copy of letter sent to Mrs. Hayes by her son’s Commanding Officer, Major-General Francis Festing, following his death (23 January 1945, 2pp);
– letter from Agnes Hayes to Irish Fr Provincial (13 February 1945, 1p.);
– letter to Irish Fr Provincial John R McMahon SJ from George Hickson, the chaplain who was with Fr Hayes before he died (15 February 1945, 3pp);
– copy of letter from Rev. J. Gardner to Fr D. Donnelly SJ (St. Stanislaus High School, Bandra, Bombay) listing the articles of ecclesiastical equipment of the late Fr Hayes, which Fr Gardner is sending to Fr Donnelly (17 March 1945, 1p.);
– copy of an Appreciation of Fr Hayes written by Rev. Terence M. Hogan, C.F. (R.C.)(Fr Hayes’ Senior Chaplain for six months) (19 March 1945, 1p.) and
– label tags ‘O.H.M.S. Deceased Officer’s Kit’ for Fr Hayes’ property (n.d., 3 items).

Letters to the Irish Fr Provincial from Fr Richard Kennedy SJ from the 5th Replacement Camp, Manila, Philippines, Military Hospital, Moira, County Down and the College of the Rhine Army, Göttingen, following his time as a Japanese POW. immediately

Letter from Fr Joseph Hurley SJ, Clongowes Wood College, Naas, County Kildare to Irish Fr Provincial John R MacMahon SJ seeking permission to visit relatives.

Letter from Fr Hilary Lawton SJ, Clongowes Wood College, Naas, County Kildare to Irish Fr Provincial John R MacMahon SJ asking permission to be admitted to Solemn Profession a little earlier.

Letter from Fr Hilary Lawton SJ, Clongowes Wood College, Naas, County Kildare to Irish Fr Provincial John R MacMahon SJ concerning a query about his last vows.

Letter from F. I. Little, 28 Rathgar Road, Dublin to Irish Fr Provincial thanking the Provincial for his kind letter regarding Fr Arthur Little SJ. Remarks ‘I quite understand and sympathise with you and his position in the matter. So long as his health remains...things will be fairly satisfactory and we can only be patient till circumstances improve.’

File of correspondence between Fr Patrick J O'Brien SJ and his Irish Provincials. Material mainly relates to his departure to and arrival at the Chikunii Mission, Northern Rhodesia, 1946.

Letters from Rt. Rev. R. O. Hall, Lord Bishop of Victoria, Hong Kong and The Home Farm, Lewknor, Oxford to Irish Fr Provincial John R. MacMahon SJ, St Francis Xavier's, Upper Gardiner Street, Dublin concerning grant in aid schools and the possibility of obtaining an advance of the grants in order to get schools started. Includes a copy of a reply from Fr MacMahon SJ.

Letter from Fr William Hackett SJ, Xavier College, Kew, Victoria to Irish Provincial Fr John R. MacMahon SJ thanking him for his telegram on the occasion of his jubilee. Refers to his work as assistant to Catholic Action.

A file of letters from Rev. John Moyersoen SJ, 32 Park Street, Calcutta to Irish Fr Provincial John R. MacMahon SJ concerning the Irish Jesuits who took up positions in the Indian mission following their temporary departure from Hong Kong during the war.

Irish Jesuit Mission bequest from James Daly, St Jarlath’s Place, Bishop Street, Tuam, County Galway.

Letters to the Irish Fr Provincial John R McMahon SJ from Mgr John M. Coghlan (Principal Chaplain (R.C.) concerning the chaplains’ release from the Army; the War Office’s request to retain the services of a number of them and the urgent need for Jesuits to work on the Hong Kong Mission. Includes copy letter to Fr Edward J. Warner SJ (Staff Chaplain to Mgr. Coghlan) from the Irish Fr Provincial in reply to the War Office’s request to retain the services of Fr Conal Murphy SJ. ‘I am sorry to say that I am worse off than ever for men, having received the other day a cable from Fr Joy, the Superior of our Hong Kong Mission, asking me to send out twelve men. As he and his fellow-missioners have been through a very rough time, as you can well imagine, I am anxious to send this help as soon as possible…I regret very much, then, that I cannot spare Fr Murphy, as I know by experience what it means to have vacancies yawning wide around one and none to fill them!’ (1 October 1945, 2pp).
Also includes letters to Irish Fr Provincial concerning Fr Richard Kennedy ‘ex P.O.W. from (the) Far East’ (7 January 1946 – 17 January 1947, 5 items).

Letter from Fr Ladislaus Zabdyr SJ, Chikuni, PO Chisekesi, Northern Rhodesia to Irish Fr Provincial John R MacMahon SJ, St Francis Xavier's, Upper Gardiner Street, Dublin concerning the news that the Irish Province is to send Irish Jesuits to Northern Rhodesia. Explains the situation in the mission. Remarks 'Any man that can be spared and is willing to come will be welcome because at any time one can expect that some one of those still at work here may break down…'.

Telegram from Fr James McNamara SJ, Australia to Irish Fr Provincial remarking 'All safe and well'.

A file of correspondence relating to an article by Séamus O'Neill on Irish Maritime History submitted for publication in 'Studies'. Includes letters from the author enquiring why there was a delay in communicating a decision concerning the publication of his article.

Letters to the Irish Fr Provincial from Fr Joseph McSweeney SJ written while serving as a chaplain in the R.A.F. at R.A.F. College, Cosford, Wolverhampton and at R.A.F. Station, Colerne, Chippenham, Wiltshire. Includes his first letter to the Irish Fr Provincial written from Cosford (June 1945, 1p.).

Letter from Fr Joseph Hurley SJ, St Stanislaus College, Tullamore, County Offaly to Irish Fr Provincial John R MacMahon SJ seeking permission to attend the funeral of his cousin, Mother M Teresa. Refers to his need for a typewriter to keep up to date with his writing.

A file of letters from Fr Joseph Hurley SJ, Ahakista, Bantry, County Cork to Irish Fr Provincial John R MacMahon SJ concerning his father's death.

Note by Irish Fr Provincial John R MacMahon SJ concerning Fr Dan Donnelly SJ and his MS on the war years in Hong Kong.

Letters to the Irish Fr Provincial from Jesuit Fathers and Provincials seeking help in various matters relating to post-war travelling arrangements and material aid. Includes letters from Jesuits from Germany, Austria, Belgium, Greece, Poland, Czechoslovakia and Hungary seeking opportunities to study in Ireland and correspondence between Irish Fr Provincial and the Department of External Affairs concerning the visit of a German scholastic to Ireland to complete his studies.

Letter from Fr Eugene Ward SJ, Rathfarnham Castle, Dublin to Irish Fr Provincial John R McMahon SJ asking him to say Mass for the promoters of the Retreat House and to have dinner afterwards.

Letter from Fr Joseph Hurley SJ, St Stanislaus College, Tullamore, County Offaly to Irish Fr Provincial John R MacMahon SJ seeking permission to visit his cousin, Mother M. Teresa, St Louis Convent who is dying of cancer.

Copy letter from [Irish Fr Provincial John R MacMahon SJ], St. Francis Xavier's, Upper Gardiner Street, Dublin to Fr Joseph Hurley SJ instructing him to cease working on the organisation of local branches of the Gaelic League. Remarks '...I think that it would be better if you did not even write on this subject...' Includes a reply from Fr Hurley, St. Stanislaus College, Tullamore, County Offaly.

Letter from Fr Ladislaus Zabdyr SJ, Chikuni, PO Chisekesi, Northern Rhodesia to Irish Fr Provincial John R MacMahon SJ, St Francis Xavier's, Upper Gardiner Street, Dublin thanking him for sending two Irish Jesuits to the mission. Asks if more men can be spared for work in the mission. Includes a copy of a reply remarking that more men cannot be spared.

Points discussed and agreed between Irish Fr Provincial John R. MacMahon SJ and Fr Patrick Joy SJ (Superior of the Hong Kong mission) concerning financial arrangements for the mission.

Letter from Dr J. P. Fehilly, 5 Aigburth Hall, Hong Kong to Irish Fr Provincial John R. MacMahon SJ concerning Fr Joy's return to Hong Kong. Remarks that he feels it would be a mistake for him to return without a proper rest.

Letter from Fr John Stephen Bourke SJ, Manresa, Hawthorn, Victoria to Irish Provincial Fr John R. MacMahon SJ concerning the possibility of Fr Sydney Lennon SJ being made available for work in Australia.

Letter from Fr Francis X. O'Brien SJ, Headmaster, St Aloysius College, Milson's Point, Sydney, NSW to Irish Provincial Fr John R. MacMahon SJ concerning Fr Michael Morrison, his demobilisation from the army and his assignment to Australia.

Booklet belonging to Fr John R MacMahon SJ containing the names of the Fathers who attended the 29th General Congregation of the Society of Jesus.

Letter from Fr John Hannon SJ, Rome written in Italian containing the signatures of all the Fathers in the Curia Generalizia. A note attached (written by Fr John R. MacMahon SJ) remarks that the letter is probably unique.

File of correspondence between Fr John Moran SJ and his Irish Provincials.

Letter from Fr Jerome Mahony SJ, St Mary's, Emo, Portarlington, County Laois to Irish Fr Provincial John R. MacMahon SJ concerning two mantlepieces and two pairs of mahogany double doors in storage at Emo. Seeks permission to sell these items.

Photographs of the 29th General Congregation of the Society of Jesus. Including photograph of representatives of the English and Irish Province, and Australian Vice-Province.

Back: Helsham, Joseph Canavan (Irish Province)
Front: John Fahy (Australian Vice-Province), John R MacMahon (Irish Province), John Hannon (Irish Province), Martin D'Arcy (English Province),

Letter from Fr Albert Power SJ to Irish Provincial Fr John R. MacMahon SJ concerning the Australian Status.

Letter from Fr Hurley, Clongowes Wood College, Naas, county Kildare to Fr Socius (acting on behalf of Fr Provincial) seeking permission to officiate at a wedding.

Letter from Fr Joseph Hurley SJ, St Stanislaus College, Tullamore, County Offaly to Irish Fr Provincial John R. MacMahon SJ asking permission to attend Fr Kehoe's golden jubilee.

File relating to the return of Fr Harold E Craig SJ to Ireland and his appointment to parish work in England.

Telegram to Irish Provincial Fr John R. MacMahon SJ from London, concerning accommodation on the "Astorias" for Frs Michael Morrison and Sydney Lennon to travel to Australia.

Letter from Fr Joseph Hurley SJ, St Stanislaus College, Tullamore, County Offaly to Irish Fr Provincial John R MacMahon SJ concerning a letter he wishes to send to the Editor of the Irish Times in reply to an 'attack' made on Fr Stephen Brown's book.

A file of correspondence between the Bishop of Galway, Michael Browne, D.D., Mount St Mary's, Galway and Irish Fr Provincial Thomas Byrne SJ, St Francis Xavier's, Upper Gardiner Street, Dublin concerning the attendance of Jesuit Scholastics at University College, Galway. Includes a letter from the Bishop insisting that his permission is sought and remarking that the Jesuit Order is not exempt.

Copy of circular letter sent by the Irish Fr Provincial to Jesuit houses inquiring as to ‘the practice in…(each)…House as regards the serving of whiskey and wine on coffee evenings which are (1) de jure; and (2) ex gratia. Is whiskey allowed on every coffee evening, and what is the quantity of wine permitted to each…is there any special treatment in the refectory for visitors.’ Includes replies to the circular from the Rectors of St Stanislaus College, Tullabeg; Milltown Park; Rathfarnham; Belvedere College; St Ignatius’ College, Galway; Clongowes Wood College, Naas, Co. Kildare; St. Mary’s, Emo Court, Portarlington, County Laois; Sacred Heart College, The Crescent, Limerick; No. 35 Lower Leeson Street; St. Francis Xavier’s, Gardiner Street and Mungret College, Limerick.

Letter from Hugh Kelly SJ, Rathfarnham Castle, Dublin to Irish Fr Provincial John R McMahon SJ concerning the expenditure in Rathfarnham Castle and suggestions on how to reduce the fuel bill.

File relating to the sudden death of Fr John Hannon SJ, including letters of sympathy.

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 containing letters relating to Ternae for Superior of the Hong Kong mission.

A file relating to Fr Arthur Little SJ’s health. Includes a letter from Dr George A. Little (Fr Arthur Little SJ’s brother). Remarks ‘Dr Albert Fagan examined him and agreed with me regarding his condition, namely that it should be operated on without too much delay.’ (7 February 1946, 1p).

Letter from Fr Hilary Lawton SJ, Clongowes Wood College, Naas, County Kildare to Irish Fr Provincial John R MacMahon SJ concerning a legal matter and a sum of money.

Mission material relating to Fr Terence Sheridan SJ. Includes passport photograph, photographs, personal record, announcement of death (December 1970), list of executors of will, newspapers articles on court case involving Fr Sheridan relating to a publication entitled ‘Outlook’ and correspondence between Fr Sheridan and Frs Thomas J. Martin and Vincent Murphy, Mission Office, Upper Gardiner Street, Dublin, Ireland.

Photocopy of a poem by Fr Patrick Gannon SJ 'To Mary Patricia Five Years a Growing'.

A file relating to Fr John Coyne's translation of Valignano's 'Mission Techniques for Japan volume I' by Josef Franze Schutte SJ.