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A file of letters from Fr Daniel E. O'Brien SJ, Norwood, Adelaide to the Irish Fr Provincial concerning his work and the community.

Letter from Fr Henry E. Cock SJ to Fr John Ryan SJ concerning the death of Fr Dan O'Brien SJ, and asking to be relieved of the position of Superior of Manresa, Norwood, Adelaide due to ill health.

A file relating to Fr Daniel E. O'Brien SJ, his health and details concerning how he would like his property to be distributed.

Photograph of ordination at St Mary’s, North Sydney, featuring Fr Henry Johnston SJ with Eris O'Brien, then auxiliary bishop in Sydney and Dr Hugh Ryan, Bishop of Townsville with Fr Austin Kelly SJ (Australian Provincial, and scholastics following behind. Taken by The Leciagraphy Co, Pty. Ltd, Sydney.

Letter from Fr Francis O'Brien SJ (Rector), St Aloysius College, Milson's Point, Sydney to Irish Fr Provincial John Fahy SJ concerning Mr William Hughes, a member of the St Aloysius College Community, the question of whether Australia should become a Vice-Province, a retreat he gave in Brisbane during which the Archbishop (Dr Duhig) referred to the Society's refusal of his invitation to open a college in Brisbane. Refers finally to the possibility of a college in New Zealand.

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.

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

A file of letters from Mr Basil Loughnan SJ to Irish Fr Provincial Thomas V. Nolan SJ concerning his teaching work in Australia.

Letter from Fr George Kelly SJ, St Mary's Presbytery, North Sydney, Australia to Irish Fr Provincial J Murphy SJ concerning a letter written by a priest in Rome 'which has been taken up amongst certain laymen who are in the confidence of Ecclesiastical circles.' Refers to a Cardinal Moran and remarks '...there has been much gossip about the probability of his remaining in Rome.' Refers to Fr [Michael] Dooley and remarks 'It had been...a matter of public notoriety and some amusement amongst Ours that for years Fr Dooley has been in the habit of writing constantly to Propaganda...about anything...in the Ecclesiastical world and lately...about the Cardinal's future.' Includes a note written by Fr Provincial concerning a meeting he had with Cardinal Moran about the letter.

Letter from Fr James Cleary SJ, St Francis Xavier's College. Kew, Melbourne to Irish Fr Provincial Thomas Browne SJ, as Consultor for the college. Describes the progress of the college.

Public examination results of the junior university examinations, St Ignatius College, Riverview.

Letter from Fr Joseph Dalton SJ to Fr Aloysius Sturzo SJ concerning suitable names for the position of Rector at St Ignatius College, Riverview and St Aloysius, Auburn, Sydney.

Group photograph at Canisius College, Werribee, Australia, featuring Fr Henry Johnston SJ (Rector) and John Fahy (Australian Jesuit Provincial). Printed by Harringtons.

A file of Consultor's letters from the various communities of the Australian Mission to Mission Superior, Fr John Ryan SJ.

Letters from Fr John F. O'Brien SJ, St. Aloysius, Sevenhills to Irish Fr Provincial Thomas V. Nolan SJ. Includes a letter referring to the drought and the effect on the wine production (9 December 1914, 1p).

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).

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.).

Correspondence mainly between Irish Fr Provincial, Fr Leonard Sheil SJ and the English Provincial, relating to Fr Sheil’s Mission work in England. Includes:
– incomplete letter from Fr Sheil to the Provincial referring to a Mission he and Fr Robert L. Stevenson SJ are to give in Peterborough, ‘We will run one mission in a hostel, and another in the church at the same time. There are 180 Irish in the hostel; and there are believed to be about 400 in lodgings around the town. We may, or may not, be able to get at them.’ Also describes his recent travels on the Continent (third page of letter is missing) (12 Sep. 19--, 2pp);
– letter from Fr Sheil to the Provincial describing a ‘country mission in Northampton’ where he “was told to take a different village every day, say Mass in some Catholic house, visit every house – Catholic or no, and ‘hold a service’ on the village green in the evening” (2 September 19–, 7pp);
– covering letter and note (January 1953, 2pp) from Fr Sheil to the Provincial enclosing a memorandum entitled ‘Relations between Irish and English Jesuit Missioners’ (n.d., 3pp);
– covering letter from Fr Sheil (13 April 1953, 1p.) to the Provincial, enclosing a letter he received from the Archbishop of Cius and English Apostolic Delegate following Fr Sheil’s report to him of 1952 Mission work. The Archbishop writes ‘I have read with deepest interest the reports sent to me by the Reverend Father L. Sheil, S.J. and I have informed the Holy See of all the splendid work that has been accomplished. For this most necessary apostolate, certainly the Delegate of the Holy Father must send a cordial blessing in the name of His Holiness and he is confident that, with God’s help, more and more will be achieved for those who stand so much in need of the ministry of their own priests’ (9 April 1953, 1p.);
– copy letter from the Irish Fr Provincial Thomas Byrne to the English Fr Provincial Desmond Boyle SJ, regarding Fr Boyle’s ‘wishes concerning the activities of the Irish Mission staff in England’. States ‘I have…instructed Father Leonard Sheil to confine his activities in future to Camp Missions during the autumn months, and, once he has fulfilled his programme in London this autumn, to approach no parish priest about a parish Mission nor to accept any parish Mission without a specific request from Father Farrell.…I think he (Fr Sheil) has done good work for the Irish in England, some of which, such as the Confraternity in Birmingham, may be of permanent worth. But whatever good he has achieved is due in no small measure to the co-operation of the English Province and the support he received from the English parish clergy’ (22 Apr. 1953, 1p.);
– Fr Boyle’s reply thanking Fr Byrne for his co-operation and stating ‘I only hope that we of this Province have not seemed too difficult or dog-in-the-manger-ish. The position was getting rather confused and it seemed desirable to regularize it. Your mission Fathers have done wonderful work in England, and I am quite sure that Fr Sheil will be approached either directly or through Fr Farrell for further missions’ (29 Apr. 1953, 1p.);
– letter to Fr Sheil from Dr James Staunton, Bishop of Ferns in which he remarks ‘I was glad to know that you are going to St. Wilfrid’s York, and I hope your Fathers and yourself will be invited to give many missions in the secondary modern schools, and pioneer in this sphere’ (20 Aug. 1958, 2pp);
– letter to the Provincial from Fr Sheil describing the work of two Irish chaplains in London – Fr Cullen in Warwick Street and the chaplain in Bayswater (Sep. 1967, 2pp).
Also includes list drawn up by Fr Sheil of Jesuits who ‘should give a very good priests’ retreat’ (n.d., 2pp).

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

Letter from T. J. O'Brien, General Secretary, Australian Catholic Federation, Melbourne to Fr John Ryan SJ expressing his disappointment that Fr Bernard Vaughan will not be able to take the lecturing tour due to ill health.

Photograph taken on the occasion of the jubilees of Fr Francis O'Keefe SJ and Fr Thomas Montague SJ. All individuals are named. Taken by Allan Studios, Collingwood, Victoria.

Letter from Fr Paul O'Flanagan SJ, Manresa, Hawthorn, Victoria to to Irish Provincial Fr Thomas Byrne SJ concerning news from Australia including Fr Kennedy's illness and the giving of missions.

Letter from Fr Peter O'Flinn SJ, Manresa, Hawthorn to Fr Patrick Keating SJ concerning the acceptance of an offer of Norwood, Sevenhill and a site for a church college and residence in Adelaide.

Letter from Fr Eustace Boylan SJ, Xavier College, Kew, Melbourne to Irish Fr Provincial John Conmee SJ concerning his life in Australia and his work as Prefect of Studies in the College.

Letter from Fr James O'Dwyer SJ, Xavier College, Kew to Fr Maher SJ concerning news from the Australian Mission and asking Fr Maher for items (chalices and vestments) for the altar.

Letter from Thomas O'Dwyer SJ, St Patrick's College, Grey Street, East Melbourne to Irish Fr Provincial Thomas V. Nolan SJ concerning news from St Patrick's college. Refers to the question of closing St. Patrick's and discusses general administrative and community matters.

A file of Consultor's letters from the following to Irish Fr Provincial:
Fr Patrick Keating SJ St. Ignatius College, Riverview, Sydney;
Fr William Hughes SJ, St. Francis Xavier's College, Kew, Melbourne;
Fr J. R. Murphy SJ, St. Ignatius College, Riverview, Sydney;
Fr Lucas Murphy SJ, Glenferrie Presbytery, Melbourne;
Fr C. Morrogh SJ, St Ignatius, Richmond, Melbourne;
Fr Francis Ryan SJ, St Patrick's College, East Melbourne;
Fr Thomas O'Dwyer SJ, St Patrick's College, East Melbourne;
Fr J. C. Hartnett SJ, St Patrick's College, East Melbourne;
Fr Patrick McGrath SJ, St. Ignatius, Richmond, Melbourne;
Fr J. Martin SJ, Xavier College, Kew, Melbourne
Fr Michael Egan SJ, Xavier College, Kew, Melbourne and a general summary of points raised by Consultors.

Letter from Fr Patrick Keating SJ to Irish Fr Provincial John Conmee SJ concerning his handing over of the Rectorship of Xavier College to Fr James O'Dwyer SJ.

A file of letters from Fr Albert Power SJ to Irish Fr Provincial concerning his voyage to Australia via America. Includes letters referring to William Tucker SJ and his health (6 October 1918 & 7 October 1918, 2 items). Includes a letter concerning his journey to San Francisco. Remarks 'At San Francisco there is a Priest (Fr O'Neill) who is Rector of Newman Hall in the University at Berkeley...a Catholic Hall like the one I am going to be acquainted with. I have a letter of introduction to him and hope to get some lights from him. They say he has done a great deal for his Hall...' (21 November 1918, 2pp). Includes a letter concerning his new position as Rector of Newman College. Refers to Fr O'Dwyer SJ. Remarks 'The poor man has had a v. heavy trial over this Newman College affair - and I think he has been dealt with rather unceremoniously.' Refers to an offer by the Archbishop of Perth inviting the Jesuits to establish a see also residence in Perth. Remarks 'I would remind your Reverence that we are very much undermanned out here - and unless you can send us out a good few subjects, it might be better not to extend the frontier that we have to garrison.' (21 January 1919, 2pp). Includes a letter reporting on Newman College after 18 months as Rector of the College (19 August 1920, 4pp). Includes a letter referring to a consult of the mission at which the proposal of Australia becoming a Vice-Province was discussed. Summarises the points raised (13 October 1924, 3pp).

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

Historia Domus for St Ignatius, Richmond, Melbourne.

Letter from Fr Joseph Dalton SJ (Superior of the Mission), St Ignatius College, Riverview, Hunter's Hill, Sydney to Fr Joseph O'Malley SJ (Superior), New Zealand remarking that he cannot send anybody else out to help in New Zealand. Details health of Jesuit scholastics and Jesuits.

A file of letters from Fr Aloysius Sturzo SJ (Superior: 2 September 1883 - 5 April 1890) to Irish Fr Provincial concerning the Mission in Australia. Includes a letter asking permission to open a novitiate if he felt it was needed (12 November 1883 , 6pp). Includes a letter expressing his frustration over the delay in receiving answers to his letters. Remarks 'I feel very much embarrassed when there is anything to be done that requires the signing of a contract. I think that Fr General should give me as much power as he can communicate...' Refers to the lack of men and remarks that Fr Bietal SJ, an Austrian Jesuit is likely to be recalled to his own Mission in Adelaide (17 December 1883, 4pp). Includes a letter referring to the type of person suitable for the Mission in Adelaide (17 December 1883, 4pp). Includes a letter referring to the type of person suitable for the Mission. Remarks 'I hope you will not send to Australia anyone who is in any way weak concerning drink and the other fault that comes after drinking to excess. In this country...our dealings are more before the public and any fault in those two matters would ruin our character entirely.' (14 October 1886, 4pp). Includes a letter referring to Fr Joseph O'Malley's return from New Zealand. Remarks that Fr Thomas McEnroe SJ remains in New Zealand but that he is not certain whether the Mission has been closed or not. Includes a letter referring to the election of Fr Clancy as Rector of St John's College. Remarks that his election has been declared invalid. Describes how this has occurred. (10 January 1889, 4pp). Includes a further letter concerning Fr Clancy and the Rectorship of St. John's College. Remarks that they have consulted a lawyer who felt the election was invalid '...we saw that this was the best opportunity for us to retire with honours and without offending our friends from the truly dangerous battlefield...' (7 February 1884, 6pp). Includes a letter referring to the need for more Fathers to be sent out particularly a German or French Father that could be employed as a prefect in one of the colleges (17 September 1884, 8pp). Includes a letter concerning a decision to publish the Messenger of the Sacred Heart in Melbourne. Refers to the sale of land at St Patrick's Melbourne for the construction of a portion of the railway. Remarks that Fr Christopher Nulty SJ (Rector) has paid off all debts and wishes to spend the remainder on finishing the college (9 August 1886, 3pp). Includes a letter referring to the closure of Tullabeg and the possibility of Fathers being sent out to Australia. Remarks 'I hope that even independently from the closing of Tullabeg you will send me some good prefects and masters who are wanted here very badly...' (20 August 1886, 3pp). Includes a letter concerning an offer by the Bishop of Tasmania to the Society of a house for the purposes of opening a seminary for the Bishop's diocese and that it could also be used as a sanatorium for Jesuit Fathers '...I wrote to him that...it would not be prudent...for us to accept an offer...which we could not accomplish through want of men and money (1 October 1886, 10pp).

A file of letters from Fr Joseph Dalton SJ, (Superior: 1866 - 1872; 1879 - 2 September 1883) to irish Fr Provincial concerning the Australian Mission. (Note: undated fragments - 17 items).

14 May 1866 - 6 December 1869, 52 items
Includes a letter concerning a 'serious hitch' with the Bishop over the boundaries of the Mission (24 May 1866, 4pp). Includes a letter concerning a successful agreement between the Society and the Archbishop. Remarks that the Archbishop is very anxious that the Jesuit Fathers obtain the best sites for their houses and to this end has applied to the government for a 'church reserve.' (26 June 1866, 4pp). Includes a letter referring to an invitation by Dr Murphy for the Jesuits to set up a Mission in Tasmania. Remarks that he discussed the matter with his Consultors who felt it was not a desirable offer 'But the real danger is - if Dr. Murphy calls in the Marists or any other body and if they open a community in...Tasmania before we shall have opened one here we may be "cut out" by them; a college in Tasmania even if not a great success might interfere seriously with our college here..' (22 August 1866, 10pp). Includes a letter expressing his disappointment that Fr Provincial can provide neither men nor money for the Australian Mission. Remarks 'It is a great delusion to imagine that gold in Australia is like coal in Newcastle - would it were! The lucky golden days out here are all past and gone and it now requires great capital and great machinery to work the mines... which...lie out here some 200 or 300 feet underground.' Refers to Sir Charles Gavan Duffy lately arrived in Australia. Remarks that he (Fr Dalton) is his Parish Priest and that he has called to see him (26 November 1866, 7pp). Includes a letter referring to the laying of the foundation stone of the church of St Ignatius. Includes a rough plan of the design (25 July 1867, 4pp). Includes a letter marked private concerning the crisis over appointing a new Bishop. Remarks that Dr Goold is acting as administrator temporarily but asks if one of the Jesuit Fathers could be appointed. Remarks 'The laity were about sending a petition to Rome for one of us - I dissuaded them...it will ruin the Melbourne Mission and I intend to impress this on Dr Goold...' (nd, 2pp). (Note: this letter is see also filed after the letter dated 27 July 1867). Includes a letter referring to the litigation over Fr Therry's will. Remarks that this is hindering their plans to secure a site for a new college (26 August 1867, 6pp). Includes a letter describing a visit he made to Fr Therry's sister in Hobart. Remarks that everything has been settled '..I found Miss Therry and her brother most favourably disposed towards us and most anxious that Fr Therry's will and "instructions" should be carried out: they were under the impression however that the Trustees were making away with the property and hence the lawsuit.' (25 September 1867, 8pp). Includes a letter referring to the building of the churches at Richmond and Hawthorn. Remarks 'The two churches are going on well TG - Hawthorn mason work will be completed in a month TG - the Richmond church ("dear and ugly") is rising more slowly and winning admiration as it grows..' (4 January 1868, 8pp). Includes a letter concerning Fr Therry's property and the various allotments left to the Society of Jesus (28 February 1868, 4pp). Includes a lengthy letter replying to a series of charges levelled against the Mission by Fr Lentaigne. Remarks '...I feel that Fr Lentaigne's bill of indictment is greatly exaggerated and in some respects childish - it is almost entirely made up of charges against Fr Nolan...' (11 September 1868, 14pp). Includes a letter referring to the Benedictines in Sydney. Remarks '...(they) are broken down completely - they have failed in every way, their school, their convent - their priests and their Lay Brothers - all a failure. The laity and some of the clergy are very anxious that the Archbishop should give us Lyndhurst for a college, the Marist too are most anxious to see us there..' (4 December 1868, 10pp).

3 January 1870 - 11 May 1879; 87 items
Includes a letter referring to the endowment by Dr McEnroe of a Chair in St John's College (27 March 1870, 11pp). Includes a letter concerning the General Elections and the Education Bill and the Bishop's directive that the clergy should use all their power to ensure the Bishop's directive that the clergy should use all their power to ensure that men opposed to the Government's Education Bill should be returned. Remarks that he did as much as he could quietly. Continues 'We all abstained from voting tho' the B(isho)p was very anxious - Fr General has already forbidden ours to vote under any pretence.' (23 March 1871, 8pp). Includes a letter discussing the pros and cons of the Mission's first attempt at convictus. (20 May 1871, 8pp). Includes a letter describing a visit he paid to South Australia to give a series of retreats. Describes the Mission of the German Fathers of the Society of Jesus in detail. Remarks 'I have had a special reason for giving you...(a) very detailed...account of the Mission of our German Fathers (because... our German Fathers...are very anxious for an amalgamation of the two missions - theirs and ours).' Remarks that he would not approve of an amalgamation and sets out his reasons for this opinion.' (22 August 1872, 8pp). Includes a letter referring to his attempt to raise money for the new colleges. Remarks that he is in Castlemain '...begging for our new colleges, I fear I shall not make my fortune - the place is poor and I am not a good walker and a beggar should be a good walker and a good rider also - I am neither...' (25 February 1873, 4pp). Includes a letter referring to the new secular Education Bill coming into operation. Remarks that it is the Jesuit Father's duty to provide for the schools 'Xtian Brothers for our boys and nuns for our girls are only hope..' (2 January 1974, 4pp).

16 October 1880 - 17 June 1889; 21 items
Includes a letter regarding his health and requests to be relieved from his position as Superior of the Mission as soon as possible. Refers to a meeting of Land League sympathisers at which Fr Joseph O’Malley SJ spoke very strongly. Remarks that he wrote to Fr O'Malley SJ on the matter. Continues 'To make matters worse I learned that the "Land League" had arranged to have 5000 copies of Fr O'Malley's speech...printed...I wrote at once to the printers but was too late...Fr Mulhall and Fr Clancy...agree with me in looking on the speech as very imprudent.' (24 July 1881, 12pp). Includes a letter concerning the conduct of Fr James Kennedy SJ at the graveside of Archbishop Steins which caused great upset to the Jesuit Fathers and members of the diocese. Remarks that he had to severely reprimand Fr Kennedy SJ ([September 1881], 6pp).

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).

Group photograph at St Francis Xavier’s College, Kew, Melbourne, featuring Mr Patrick O'Mara SJ, scholastic (front row, left).

Photograph of a group of students in Melbourne with Fr Patrick McCurtin SJ (front row, centre) and Mr Patrick O'Mara SJ, scholastic (front row, right).

Photograph of Xavier College Community, Melbourne. Names are given on attached photocopied sheet taken from ‘The Australian Dictionary of Jesuit Biography’, 2006, p114.

Letter from Mr Thomas J. O'Mara SJ, St Ignatius College, Riverview to to Irish Fr Provincial Thomas V. Nolan SJ concerning money left to him by his father. Remarks that he would like to use the money to repair the cricket ground at the college.

Photocopy letter from Irish Fr Provincial Patrick Keating SJ, The Presbytery, Upper Gardiner Street, Dublin to Fr General concerning a letter Fr Keating received from John O'Reily, Archbishop of Adelaide and the suggestion that the Austro-Hungarian and Irish Mission should unite in Australia.

A file of letters from Fr Thomas Keating SJ, St Aloysius College, Auburn, Bourke Street, Sydney to Irish Fr Provincials Edmund O'Reilly and Fr Thomas Brown, concerning the college and its administration. Includes a letter with another letter written on the back by Fr Sturzo SJ (Superior of the Mission) to Fr Thomas Brown SJ concerning the names of those he feels would be unsuitable for the management of St Aloysius College (3 February 1887, 1p).

A file of letters from Fr Joseph Lentaigne SJ to Irish Provincial Fr Edmund J O'Reilly SJ concerning the Australian Mission. Includes a letter describing the voyage to Australia (18 September 1865,4pp). Includes a letter referring to the Archbishop's wish that the Jesuit Fathers 'take up the absolute care of this (St. Patrick's) college and he will give us two additional things viz.: the parish of Richmond and the ground for a University College...The Bishop will sign a document giving it over to us exclusively and declaring that it can never be taken from us unless we wish to give it up.' (25 September 1865, 4pp). Includes a letter expressing his delight that two more Fathers are to be sent out to St. Patrick's College. Describes the pupils that attend the college (24 March 1866, 8pp). Includes a letter concerning Fr Dalton's arrival in Melbourne. Refers to Miss Therry's threat of legal action concerning her brother's will (25 April 1866, 2pp). Includes a letter referring to his return to Ireland and his travel arrangements. Remarks 'I have often written in fulfillment of what I believed to be my duty as a Consultor and expressed a difference in opinion from Fr Dalton and some of his advisers in many points of importance.' Continues by referring to various matters he feels need attention.' Remarks '...I cannot but despond at the prospects of this mission.' (3 March 1868, 8pp).

A file relating to Fr Laurence O'Neill SJ, his entry into the Society of Jesus, his ill health, his four years in Australia as a scholastic and his death.

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 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.

An extensive file of letters from Fr John Ryan SJ to Irish Fr Provincial. As Superior of the Mission (11 February 1901 - 14 June 1908 & 9 April 1913 - 24 October 1917), Fr Ryan wrote to his superior, the Irish Fr Provincial on all matters concerning the administration (including visitations he made to the various communities) of the Mission and members of the Society living and working in see also Australia. Includes a letter to Fr J. Murphy SJ concerning Fr John O'Neill's health. Remarks '...there is only one proper course open to us viz. to send Fr O'Neill to Europe where he will have, at least, a chance of recovery...He is a source of constant anxiety, and we have no institution in Australia where we can put him, except the public Lunatic Asylum.' Remarks that following discussion with his Consultors he has decided to send Fr O'Neill home. (8 December 1902, 2pp). Includes a memorandum concerning the mission of the Jesuit Fathers in North Sydney. (5 March 1912, 7pp). Includes a letter concerning the Sydney Synod. Remarks 'It seems the secular clergy are urging His Grace to dock more and more the missionary districts of Regulars and apparently he means to satisfy them as much as possible.' (6 August 1913, 2pp). Includes a letter discussing the proposed additions to St. Aloysius College (6 August 1913, 5pp). Includes a letter referring to the war and the difficulty of sending letters. Remarks '…it is a blessing that so far none of our mail boats have been sunk'. Refers to Sevenhills and remarks that he will do his best '…to work up the Altar Wine Industry which I hope will be of great help to Loyola. And I do hope you will succeed in getting some Bros. That understand the making of wine.' Concludes by remarking that more chaplains are needed by the Military Authorities and remarks that he cannot supply even one Father. Refers to Fr Hearne SJ, at the front and remarks '…everyone who has met him is loud in his praises.' (9 February 1914, 2pp). Includes a letter concerning a loan for Riverview (a second mortgage on the property) (18 February 1914, 3pp). Includes a letter regarding the reopening of the Novitiate at Loyola (18 February 1914, 4pp). Includes a letter concerning the proposed administration of St. John's College in the University of Sydney by the Jesuit Fathers (23 - 25 February 1914, 3pp). Includes a letter (with rough drawings) regarding the alterations made at Loyola for the reopening of the Novitiate (16 June 1914, 3pp). Includes a letter referring to a statement sent to Fr General concerning the lax discipline at Riverview. Remarks that the statements made by Fr General were too sweeping (1 September 1915, 2pp). Includes letters concerning an offer made by Archbishop Dunne (Archbishop of Brisbane), Toowong Parochial District, Brisbane. In a letter from Fr Ryan to Fr Thomas V Nolan SJ he remarks that Toowong would be the most suitable district in Brisbane for the work of the Jesuits (29 August 1915 - 18 June 1916, 9 items). Includes letters see also concerning the property Ellangowan (Adelaide) and the desire of the Society of Jesus to secure the property (9 March 1916, 3pp). Includes a number of letters concerning a new Superior for Norwood and problems with Fr McCurtin over the matter (8 March 1916 - 27 March 1916, 6 items). Includes a letter expressing his surprise at the employment of female cooks at Xavier College, Kew, Melbourne. Remarks that he challenged Fr O'Dwyer SJ (Rector) about it at once as 'It was well known that I would not consent without referring the matter to Your Reverence.' Includes a letter from Fr O'Dwyer to Fr Ryan explaining the reasons why he employed female cooks (1 April 1917 & 2 April 1917, 2 items). Includes a memorandum concerning the sending of Juniors to Ireland and opposition of the Consultors to sending them to Ireland. Outlines various reasons why the Consultors are opposed to this (2 May 1917, 1p). Includes a letter referring to a meeting with the Consultors at which the question of a Juniorate in Australia was fully discussed (30 October 1917, 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 relating to the will of Rev. John Joseph Therry. The Irish Jesuits are named as beneficiaries. He bequeathed the management of his entire property in Australia to the Irish Jesuits for religious, charitable and educational purposes.

Letter from Br James Jackson SJ, RMS 'Omrah', Fremantle concerning the voyage to Australia and arrival in Fremantle.

Letter from Fr William Moloney SJ, St Patrick's College, East Melbourne to Irish Fr Provincial thanking him for sending him to Australia. Remarks how much he likes Australia and his work there.

A file of letters from Fr William Kelly SJ to Irish Fr Provincial concerning news from the Australian Mission. Includes a letter relating to the community in New South Wales and financial difficulties they are experiencing (12 October 1880, 4pp).

A file of letters from Fr David McKiniry SJ, St James', Richmond and St Patrick's College, Melbourne, Australia to Fr Edmund O'Reilly SJ. Includes a letter written from Melbourne describing Prince Alfred's visit to the city. Describes the situation in St Patrick's College and remarks that its reputation is rising but that further money is needed. Remarks 'We will not be able to work the college even as a day-school for another year without help.' (26 November 1867, 4pp). Includes a letter concerning remarks made by Fr Lentaigne SJ to Fr Dalton SJ (Superior of the Mission). Refers to the estrangement between the Bishops and some of the priests and remarks 'It appears to me...that neither the Bishop nor the leading priests in the city were ever friendly, but that they required of us to work for them and to perform those duties especially which demanded a great deal of time and labour and for which there was no remuneration whatever...' (11 September 1868, 6pp). Includes a letter referring to a lecture delivered by Dr Bromby, headmaster of the Church of England Grammar School on Scripture. Remarks that the lecture was 'most heretical' but that Fr Moore SJ gave the vote of thanks. (13 August 1869, 3pp).

A file of letters from Fr Joseph Mulhall SJ to the Irish Fr Provincial concerning the mission in Australia. Includes a letter concerning the upkeep of ecclesiastical students. Remarks that he does not agree with Fr Kelly that '...we have no right to accept...money for (their) maintenance...' Continues '...in the written contract with us the Bishop promises to pray us for their maintenance. They teach for 3 hours and during Mr. Lentaigne's time, they got lectures for 2 hours now these 2 things may be said to balance each other...' (DATE). Includes a letter referring to the establishment of a boarding school in Australia. Remarks that the Society accepted St. John's University and that the Board has promised not to interfere. Remarks '...they are most anxious that we should have it - for they are most apprehensive that the government will take it into their own hands...' (29 January 1870, 6pp). Includes a letter referring to the need to build a house for the community beside St Ignatius church, Richmond (6 November 1871, 6pp). Includes a letter concerning Fr James Cullen SJ and remarks that he would welcome him to Australia. Remarks '...he is a very zealous missioner, one that would save a great number of souls here living in this parish entrusted to our care - he is exactly the father we want in Richmond...' (29 January 1884, 4pp)

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 (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).

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

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

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.

Invitation to Fr Provincial to attend a garden party at Xavier College, Kew, Melbourne, Australia to celebrate the jubilee of the Archbishop of Melbourne.

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

Copy of a letter from Irish Fr Provincial Edmund O'Reilly SJ, Milltown Park, Dublin to the Bishop of Melbourne, James Alipius Goold, concerning the arrival of Frs Lentaigne and Kelly in Australia in order '...to take preliminary steps for the establishment of our Society in Melbourne.'

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.

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

Letter from the Superior of the Australian Mission, Fr Joseph Dalton SJ, Villa Maria, Hunters Hill, Sydney to Fr Joseph Lentaigne SJ concerning the Australian Mission. Refers to a number of topics he wishes to be passed on to Irish Fr Provincial Edmund O'Reilly SJ when Fr Lentaigne returns to Ireland.

Letter from the Superior of the Australian Mission, Fr Joseph Dalton SJ, St Patrick's, Melbourne to Fr John Ffrench SJ regarding the Australian Mission and worries expressed by Father General concerning the observance of spiritual matters and the customs of the Society.

Letter from Fr General Peter Beckx SJ to the Superior of the Australian Mission, Fr Joseph Dalton SJ discussing the Australian Mission.

Notes written by Fr Joseph Dalton SJ on the Sydney Mission.

Book entitled 'The Society of Jesus in Australia.'

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

Copies of a publication entitled 'Our Australian Missions', 31 July 1896 (2 copies) and 1 September 1898

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'.

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 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 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.

Letter from Joseph Alipius Goold, Archbishop of Melbourne, Archbishop's Residence, St Patrick's, Melbourne to Fr Thomas Cahill SJ (Superior of the Mission) concerning the procurement of a community of religious to take charge of schools for girls.

Copy of a letter from Roger Bede Vaughan, Archbishop of Sydney to Fr Joseph Dalton SJ concerning the conditions imposed by the Archbishop for the Society of Jesus' entry to the Archdiocese of Sydney.

Letter from Roger Bede Vaughan, Archbishop of Sydney, St John's College, Sydney to Fr Thomas Cahill SJ (Superior of the Mission) concerning the establishment of the Society in Sydney. Remarks that he has no objection but wishes to discuss a number of conditions. Refers to the closure of Lyndhurst College. Remarks 'The result of this very painful duty will be at all events to clear away complications and you will have no reason for feeling any delicacy in accepting the offer I am going to make to you when you come.

Copy of the agreement between the Archbishop of Sydney and the Society of Jesus and the establishment of the Australian Mission.

Agreement between Daniel Mannix, Archbishop of Melbourne and Fr Jeremiah Sullivan SJ (Superior of the Mission) concerning the administration of Corpus Christi College, Werribee.

Copy of a letter from the Micheal Kelly, Archbishop of Sydney, St Mary's Cathedral, Sydney to Fr John Ryan SJ (Superior of the Australian Mission) concerning two issues raised in letters from Fr Ryan SJ to the Archbishop, namely sanction for a loan to extend St Mary's Church, Milson's Point and the restoration of parish duties to the Fathers at Loyola.

Copy of the agreement between the Archbishop of Brisbane, James Duhig and the Society of Jesus to establish a community in the parish of Toowong, Birsbane.

Letter from Dr Thomas Carr, DD, St Patrick's Cathedral, Melbourne to Irish Fr Provincial John Conmee SJ concerning the introduction of the Loreto nuns into the Hawthorn Mission.

Letter from the Archbishop of Sydney, Patrick Cardinal Moran, The Irish College, Rome to Irish Fr Provincial James Murphy SJ concerning the change of the site of the Jesuit's High School from it's present site to North Sydney.

Letter from Archbishop Thomas J Carr, St Patrick's Cathedral, Melbourne to Irish Fr Provincial Timothy Kenny SJ concerning Fr Kenny's visit to Australia. Expresses his gratitude to the Jesuit Fathers for the work they have carried out. Refers to relations between himself and the Jesuit Fathers and describes them as unsatisfactory until Fr Kenny's arrival. Remarks 'You have met all my representations in an open, disinterested and religious spirit. You have framed wise and salutary regulations...You have carried out...the whole object of your mission in a very successful manner.'

Copy letter from Archbishop Thomas J Carr, St Patrick's Cathedral, Melbourne to Irish Fr Provincial Timothy Kenny SJ thanking Fr Kenny for his letter and expresses the wish that the work of the Jesuit Fathers in the Archdiocese will be a 'great gain both to the diocese and to all their works. This is certainly my wish and desire as I know it is yours.'

Letter from Cardinal Moran, St Mary's Cathedral, Sydney to Irish Fr Provincial Timothy Kenny SJ praising the work of Jesuit priests in Australia.

Letter from Roger Bede Vaughan, Archbishop of Sydney to Fr [ ] praising the work being carried out at St Kilda's.

A file relating to the pacts between the Society of Jesus and the Archbishop and Bishops concerning Newman College and Corpus Christi College, Werribee.

Two letters concerning the question of accepting a college at Oxley, Brisbane, Australia.

Letter from Gibbs, Bright and Co., Melbourne, Australia to Fr Oliver Daly SJ, Hawthorn, Melbourne concerning the cost of a fare to Australia by their company.

Letter from Fr John S. Bourke SJ, St Patrick's College, East Melbourne to Fr Thomas Wheeler SJ, Dublin, Ireland concerning news from Australia. Expresses concern over Fr Patrick Tighe's landing in Australia. Remarks 'consumptives are not admitted nowadays and three who came as far as Fremantle with us were turned back there.'

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.

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

Handwritten account of the sale of property of the late John Lannigan, who in his will left to St Ignatius Church, his property in Drummond Street, Carlton, Melbourne which consisted of four houses, two shops and two cottages. It appears there was some difficulty with the sale.

Sketch of a two-story building with tower - may be St Patrick's College, East Melbourne (1854-1968).

Maps of North Sydney and Mosman (Robinson Street Directory) with Jesuit properties marked in red: St Aloysius College, Lavender Bay Church and residence, St Mary’s, Loyola.

Times of masses held at North Shore, [Sydney].

Letter from Denis Walsh, Bishop's House, Goulburn to Fr Joseph Dalton SJ, Superior of the Mission, expressing an interest in joining the Society of Jesus.

Letter from Thomas Walsh, Catholic Clergyman, Westport, New Zealand to Fr James Dalton SJ, Superior of the Mission, Melbourne expressing a wish to join the Society of Jesus. Seeks Fr Dalton's advice.

Letter from John Cooke, Wellington, New South Wales to Fr Joseph Dalton SJ, Superior of the Mission, expressing a desire to join the Society of Jesus. Includes note from Fr Dalton SJ to Fr Provincial concerning John Cooke's letter.