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A file of letters from Fr Charles Plowden SJ (novice master at Stonyhurst) concerning Society matters to to Fr Charles Aylmer SJ. Many of the letters relate to the Irish novices studying in Stonyhurst and English novices studying in Ireland and general Society matters.

• Includes a letter concerning the appointment of Fr Lavizzario as the agent of the Society in Rome (11 February 1818, 3pp).
• Includes a letter concerning an official letter received from the Bishop re-affirming that the Society of Jesus had not been restored. Remarks that their property in London is under threat '…Dr Poynter has employed a lawyer to claim our property in London. He has means of succeeding and his success will complete our ruin. We are in fact in a very dangerous crisis.' (23 July 1818, 2pp).
• Includes a letter concerning three scholastics from the English Province he proposes to send to Ireland for their studies. Describes the three (1 September 1818, 3pp).
• Includes a letter referring to a refusal to ordain students from Stonyhurst 'who do not renounce their religious state.' Continues 'very probably a requisition to us all to make such renunciation will soon arrive and this will bring the matter to an issue. Our refusal will be followed by censures, suspension…' ( 10 September 1818, 1p).
• Includes a letter remarking that the Society of Jesus in England has no way of obtaining Holy Orders except by going to Clongowes. Remarks 'The candidates must be adopted there as students of your college in order to be presented by you.' (29 September 1818, 2pp, incomplete).
• Includes an account of money owed to Stonyhurst College for the upkeep of Irish scholastics studying there (18 February 1819, 4pp).
• Includes a letter referring to Fr Kenney's voyage to America (15 July 1819, 3pp).
• Includes a letter referring to lay brothers and the observance of the various customs in the colleges where he (Fr Plowden) studied (19 September 1819, 2pp).
• Includes a letter concerning Fr General's displeasure at having received no communication from Fr Aylmer. Includes details about Fr Kenney's visit to America and the state of affairs in America (22 November 1819, 3pp).
• Includes a letter concerning orders from Fr General to Fr Kenney to remain as visitor to America. Remarks that he heard that Fr Kenney had already set sail for Liverpool (30 July 1820, 3pp).
• Includes a letter remarking on his ill health (30 July 1820, 3pp).
• Includes a letter written from Rome concerning Society matters and directions from Fr General. Refers to Spain, remarks 'In Spain all seems to be lost for the Society excepting their religious spirit. Their letters and petitions for directions how to act show that they retain the full spirit of their vocation…on the other hand God sends comfort from Vienna, where the Austrian Emperor openly protects the Society and settles it in Gallicia and with generous allowances for subsistence and many privileges and exemptions.' Refers to Fr Kenney's return from America (23 September 1820, 2pp).
• Includes a letter referring to the sudden introduction of the Catholic Bill. Remarks '…the Catholic Bill fills my head, heart and time…In this crisis we must have an agent here…there must be somebody to speak in our cause. The General must decide this point before Easter, and he go with me to the Pope...' (7 April 1821, 3pp).

Letter from Br Edward Sinnott SJ, Portuguese Church, Calcutta to Br Peter J Plunkett, Upper Gardiner Street, Dublin, Ireland, describing his voyage to India. See transcription J406/8.

Letter from Br Edward Sinnott SJ, College of St Francis, Calcutta to Rev. Peter Kenney SJ, Upper Gardiner Street, Dublin.

Letter from Fr Patrick Meagher SJ, writing from Gardiner Street, Dublin, to Fr Patrick Bracken SJ, Vice Provincial, St Stanislaus College Tullabeg, King's County (County Offaly). Refers to the case of a young [novice] – ‘H.T.’, who is suffering from some sort of illness. Reports that he (Meagher) consulted a surgeon on the state of the man’s health. Reports that he received a letter that morning from Fr Bartholomew Esmonde SJ in Rome, who wrote about the church re-decoration in which he was involved, and also, more extensively, about a lecture given in Rome, which cast aspersions on the Catholic clergy of Ireland. Also refers to a letter he received from Fr Aylmer. Describes preparations for the ‘Festival’, including the recruiting of clergy to say Mass. Reports on the progress of building work also.

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).

Letter from Fr Peter Kenney SJ, writing to Fr Patrick Bracken SJ Church of St Francis, Upper Gardiner Street, Dublin. Suggests that the latter hold his Consultation at Clongowes, and that it be deferred until after Easter. Refers to the books brought back from Paris by Mr O'Grady, and asks Fr Bracken to let him know which ones to keep. Reports on a Novena he participated in, and also on the exercise he has been taking recently.

From Fr William Stack Murphy SJ, St Mary’s, Lebanon, Kentucky, U.S.A. to Fr Patrick Bracken SJ. Thanks him for the books that were brought out by Dr Litton. Refers to the fact that Fr Peter Kenney SJ had been appointed Rector of Palermo. Asks Fr Bracken to arrange for a subscription to be made to the 'London Tablet'. Refers to the Teetotalism and Partial Abstinence campaign in the US. Answers Daniel O'Connell’s views on America’s tradition of slavery. Gives a brief outline of the establishment of the school (St Mary’s in Kentucky).

Letter from Fr John Grene SJ, Clongowes, to l’Abbé McDonald, [Fr John MacDonald SJ], Louvain. Gives news from Clongowes in relation to both the Community and school, including the progress of the Sodality, plays staged by the students, a meet of the provincial consultors etc. Also reports on Gardiner Street; the progress of building work in St Francis Xavier Church, and the Community there.
Also reports on political and social issues, including Daniel O’Connell’s activities in relation to Repeal, the campaign against landlords, the Lord Lieutenant’s policies, Peel’s new taxes. Refers to Belvedere, which he visited on a recent trip to Dublin, as ‘a splendid Mansion’. Also refers to a letter received from ‘Mr. Cooper of Calcutta’, which gives news of that part of the world.

A file of letters to Fr Bartholomew Esmonde SJ. A brief précis to the letters is included in the file.

File of letters from Fr Henry J Rorke SJ, St Francis Xavier's, Upper Gardiner Street, Dublin to John Bury, Hotel, Portobello, Dublin and various locations in Kingstown (Dun Laoghaire), Dublin relating to religious books, guidance and instructions.

Documents related to the entry of John Bury into the Catholic faith, first Communion and Confirmation.

Invitation card which admits John Bury to ‘A Course of Spiritual Exercises’ given to the members of the Society of St Vincent De Paul by the Jesuits from 26 March - 1 April 1860.

Letter and statement from Fr Matthew MacDonnell SJ, Milltown Park, Dublin to Irish Fr Provincial Joseph Lentaigne SJ, St Francis Xavier's, Upper Gardiner Street, Dublin concerning trusts held in his name. Remarks that he is still waiting for the "Bishop's Exeat" to enter the Society of Jesus.

Letters by Fr Henry J Rorke SJ, St Francis Xavier's, Upper Gardiner Street, Dublin, his brothers, John Rorke, 20 Temple Street, Dublin and Edmund Rorke, Tyrrelstown, Dublin, Andrew Rorke SJ, regarding the accounts and financial affairs of Fr Henry J Rorke SJ.

Note on the death of Fr John St Leger SJ at St Francis Xavier's, Upper Gardiner Street, Dublin, with list of jobs (1869), and photocopy of notice of death (1868).

A file of letters written by various people to Fr Robert Haly SJ:

• Includes a letter from Fr Murphy SJ referring to the polka. Remarks '…I do not consider it, absolutely speaking, a proximate occasion of sin, as I have the assurance of some reliable young persons of both sexes that they never found any harm in it (nd, 4pp).
• Includes a letter from Patrick Drinan SJ, Sant' Andrea, Rome describing his life as a novice in the Society of Jesus. Describes his fellow novices (21 March 1825, 3pp).
• Includes a letter from Fr Charles Aylmer SJ, Hardwicke Street, Dublin referring to Fr Matthew Gahan SJ. Remarks that he has returned from the Isle of Man. Continues '…(he has) done much good amongst those poor neglected Catholics. But now they are without a priest and of course will fall back again into the old way.' (28 August 1825, 3pp).
• Includes a letter from Prout concerning his ordination to Deaconship ([ ] 1828, 1p).
• Includes a letter from Fr St Leger SJ. Refers to the woods at Clongowes. Remarks that new trees have been planted and hundreds of old trees have been cut down. Refers to Daniel O'Connell 'Mr O'Connell hopes to enter Parliament by a clause in the Act of Union which only requires the oath of abjuration, which was abolished…C. Butler of London has published his opinion that Mr O'Connell's admittance to Parliament cannot be refused according to law…' Includes a note from Fr Peter Kenney SJ at the end of the letter concerning the death of Fr Haly's uncle, Robert in Calcutta on 27 July 1826 (30 September, 3pp).
• Includes a letter from [ ], Clongowes Wood College concerning Christmas celebrations in Clongowes. Refers to the church services and remarks that the Parisian Cope made its first appearance and 'dazzled the natives'. Remarks that the number of scholars in the college is small and many vacancies exist. Refers to Fr Aylmer and Fr St Leger and their plans to erect a new chapel in Dublin. Refers to Fr Moran's departure for Buenos Ayres. Refers to the political situation in Ireland and Daniel O'Connell's determination to go to Parliament (5 January 1829, 4pp).
• Includes a letter from George Oliver, St Nicholas' Priory, Exeter containing queries about members of the Society in Ireland for a publication he is preparing (17 July 1838, 3pp).
• Includes a letter from Fr Charles Aylmer SJ concerning his stay in Rome. Describes dining with Fr General on St Stanislaus Day (23 November 1838, 4pp).
• Includes a letter from Patrick Sheehan SJ, Roman College concerning news from Rome and general Society matters. Reports that Fr General is pleased with all the Provinces under his direction and has expressed a wish to open a Japanese Mission (30 November 1838, 4pp).
• Includes a letter from Bartholomew Esmonde SJ, Al Gesu, Rome enclosing a sketch of his design for the altar at St Francis Xavier's Church, Gardiner Street, Dublin (9 February 1842, 3pp).
• Includes a transcription of the same letter, 9 February 1842, by Fr Francis Finegan SJ [1975].
• Includes a letter from Fr Bartholomew Esmonde, SJ, San Calcedonio, Malta concerning the suspension of Fr Rillo by the Bishop. Remarks that the business has become public due to the intervention of Lord Clifford (25 July 1842, 4pp).
• Includes a letter from John Cunningham SJ, Rome. Refers to the political situation in Ireland and Daniel O'Connell. Refers to Fr Rillo and remarks that he is no longer in Malta. Remarks '…after his justification had been fully established he removed to Palermo. Mr Esmonde is authorised to select whom he pleases to succeed the former.' (25 November 1843, 3pp).
• Includes a letter from Fr Esmonde concerning his missionary work in Malta. Remarks 'I have a curious time of it here, strange folks as if all the odd fish of the Mediterranean had climbed up on this rock.' Refers to a new church opened by the Protestants on the island. Refers to the power of the government a governor of the island who control everything (15 November 1844, 2pp).
• Includes a letter from John Lynch, SJ, Church of St Joseph, Willings Alley, Philadelphia, PA describing his surroundings (1 February 1840, 4pp).
• Includes a letter from John Gaffney concerning the Archbishop's (Dr Cullen) decision to prohibit the dancing of the polka. Discusses the implications of this decision and expresses the opinion that the Society should not pursue a different course of action to the clergy of Dublin and rural areas (20 January 1858, 4pp).
• Includes a letter from Bishop George Browne of Elphin concerning a retreat to be conducted by Fr Robert Haly SJ. Refers to the parishioners eagerness for a mission (19 April 1858, 3pp).
• Includes a letter from the Bishop of Clonfert, John Derry agreeing to consecrate the Society's church in Galway (11 May 186[ ]), 4pp).
• Includes a letter from Irish Fr Provincial Edmund O'Reilly SJ granting Fr Haly privileges with regard to his mission work (26 September 1867, 3pp).
  Includes a letter from Irish Fr Provincial Edmund O'Reilly SJ advising Fr Haly on how to deal with confessors who declare they are members of the Fenians (8 December 1869, 4p

Letter from Thomas Furlong, Bishop of Ferns to Fr Robert Kelly SJ. Undertakes to recommend Fr Kelly’s Association to his clergy.

Letter from Thomas Furlong, Bishop of Ferns to Fr Robert Kelly SJ. Explains that more information is needed about the temperance association before he asks the priests of his diocese to promote it.

Letter from Thomas Furlong, Bishop of Ferns to Fr Robert Kelly SJ. Reports that he cannot find the parcel sent by him to Fr Kelly.

Letter from Ulick Joseph Bourke, President of St Jarlath's College, Tuam to Fr Robert Kelly SJ. Refers to a matter discussed by him and Fr Kelly when the latter was on a visit, and relates that he brought it up with Archbishop McHale, who agreed to give him another formula of approbation for Fr Kelly.

Letter from Thomas Furlong, Bishop of Ferns to Fr Robert Kelly SJ. Reports on the success of the Association in his diocese. Asks Fr Kelly to send a large supply of tickets to him.

Letter from Thomas Furlong, Bishop of Ferns to Fr Robert Kelly SJ. Writes in relation to arrangements for Fr Kelly's delivery of a sermon [on the temperance movement] in his (Furlong’s) diocese.

Letter from Thomas Furlong, Bishop of Ferns to Fr Robert Kelly SJ. Describes his plans for the introduction of the temperance movement in his diocese.

Printed circular letter from Fr Robert Kelly SJ to [clergy and prelates]. Urges the introduction of his Association of Prayer against intemperance. Refers to its rules, and to ‘the organ of the Association’, the Monitor. Also reports on its success in various dioceses of Great Britain and Ireland. Includes handwritten note from James Quinn, Archbishop of Brisbane, to Fr Kelly. Archbishop Quinn expresses his approval of Fr Kelly’s Association.

Handwritten information sheet in relation to the Association of Prayer. States that letters, applications etc must be addressed to Fr Kelly SJ, St Francis Xavier's, Upper Gardiner Street, Dublin. Adds that no money is demanded, but offerings are accepted.

Five versions of a printed leaflet outlining the aims and organisation of the Association of Prayer against intemperance.

Letter from Rev James Tuite SJ, St Francis Xavier’s, Upper Gardiner Street, Dublin to Fr James A. Cullen replying to his request for a meeting. Remarks that he should call at Gardiner Street.

Holograph letter from Patrick Maxwell of 37, North Great George's Street, Dublin to Fr Patrick Hughes SJ. Reports that he met with Mr. [Montfort], and it was agreed that Fr Hughes/the Society would pay off the entire amount. Adds that he had a [ ] deed prepared.

Letter to Fr John Conmee SJ from a [ ] Lalor SJ in Petworth (an English Jesuit house) thanking Fr Conmee for writing to him following the death of a mutual friend, Fr Michael Waters SJ in Upper Gardiner Street on 22 November 1895.

Letter from Fr William Ronan SJ, Villa St, Joseph Rue Fregis 80, Cannes, France to Irish Fr Provincial Patrick Keating concerning the Madena Mission. Remarks that following a consultation with the doctor, he has decided that his health would not hold up and his is better to remain where he is.

From [ ], writing from St Ignatius College, Galway, to Fr Patrick Hughes SJ. Presents accounts, including amounts due to Mrs Meagher and Mrs Butler. (Incomplete).

Retreat and sermon notes attributed to Fr William Flynn SJ in the main. One document refers to Easter Sunday, 1 April 1866, [Fr.] James Butler [SJ]. References to sermons at St Beuno's, Wales, Mungret, St Francis Xavier's, Upper Gardiner Street, Galway.

A file concerning doubts over the suitability of Mr Lambert McKenna SJ and Mr John Casey SJ for ordination. The letters express doubts over the health of both priests and their ability to say the office each day and mass.

Copy of ‘Meditations and devotions, part three, Meditations of Christian Doctrine’ by John Henry Cardinal Newman belonging to Fr John Naughton SJ. The copy is annotated by Fr Naughton with his prayers and notes with inserts. Includes reference to retreats he gave, Kilkee 30th August 1910.

Mounted photograph of Fr John Bannon SJ by W.G. Moore, 11 Upper Sackville Street, Dublin.

A file of photocopies of obituary notices for Fr John Bannon SJ.

Letter from Irish Fr Provincial Thomas V Nolan SJ, St Francis Xavier’s, Upper Gardiner Street, Dublin to Fr Patrick Connolly SJ concerning a poem written by Fr Canavan. Praises the poem but remarks that it cannot be published.

File of receipts, requests for masses, and bequests sent to Fr Charles Farley SJ, St. Francis Xavier, Upper Gardiner Street, (Province
Procurator). Includes receipts, postcards and letters from Frs Edward Boyd Barrett, James O'Connor, Joseph Flinn, A. Magne, Daniel J. Finn (from R.M.S Orsova on the way to Australia), James Creagh, James Farrell, John Ryan (Valkenberg), William Byrne, Bernard Page, John Nerney, C. Wishoff, Leopold Skarek, and Dr. Conway Dwyer, 86 Merrion Square, Dublin.

Gardiner Street ‘excursion’ to Lough Tay. L-r: Fr Frank Browne SJ, P McGlade, N J Tomkin, Charles Farley, John Fahy, Matthew Devitt, J Keane and M Phelan taken at Mrs McGurk’s cottage, Lough Bray, Wicklow.

Note on Dr John Esmonde who was hanged on 14 June 1798 for having taken part in the fight at Prosperous.

Br John Baptist Byrne SJ entry into the Society of Jesus and difficulties he encountered as a novice, ultimately leading to his decision to become a brother in the English Province. Includes detailed correspondence concerning his difficulties and the various attempts to find a suitable position for him in the Society.

A file relating to Fr James Daly SJ, including biography, genealogical material, letter from Peter Byrne, University College, Dublin (13 November 1897) to Fr Daly SJ, profits from Clongowes Wood College farm 1915-1916, grants paid to Clongowes Wood College and correspondence from the Irish Fr Provincials.

Letter from Irish Fr Provincial Laurence Kieran SJ , St Francis Xavier's, Upper Gardiner Street, Dublin to Fr John MacErlean SJ appointing him (on behalf of Fr General) to investigate and repel attacks made against the Society in the Irish Province.

Letters from Fr Michael Browne SJ to William Stephenson SJ:

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

A file relating to the postponement of Fr Arthur Little’s last vows. Includes a letter from Irish Fr Provincial, St Francis Xavier’s, Upper Gardiner Street, Dublin to Fr Little outlining the reasons behind the postponement (27 December 1932, 1p).

Letters from Fr Nicholas J. Tomkin SJ (Library Censor) to Fr Aubrey Gwynn SJ relating to Fr Gwynn’s articles ‘An Irish Settlement on the Amazon, 1612 – 1629’ in 'Proceedings of the Royal Irish Academy', (xli, p.1 – 54) and ‘Documents relating to the Irish in the West Indies’ [1612 – 1752] in 'Analecta Hibernica', (iv, p.139 – 286), with censor’s suggestions.

Letters to Fr Finlay from various individuals. Includes:
– letter from Lord Cadogan, Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, asking Fr Thomas Finlay SJ to become a member of the Board of Intermediate Education (14 November 1900, 1p.);
– letter from Irish Fr Provincial Thomas V Nolan SJ regarding finance, University Hall, Rathfarnham Castle and Kennedy case (7 July 1913, 2 items);
– letters from Augustine Birrell, Chief-Secretary of Ireland, concerning grants for the National Library (21 February, 5 March 1915, 2 items);
– letter of congratulation from Timothy Healy, Glenaulin, Chapelizod, County Dublin [following Fr Finlay’s retirement from University College?] (19 December 1930, 2pp);
– letter from John Stafford Johnson, Carrickmines House, Carrickmines, County Dublin informing Fr Finlay that Dr Lea Wilson requested that (John Stafford Johnson) call on you with updates regarding the hospital situation, and childrens hospitals (19 January 1935, 2pp);
– letters from Fr Edward Dillon SJ regarding the progress of Rory O'Connor (payment of his fees) at Mungret College, and Mungret College results of public examinations 1934 and 1935 (4 March, 12- 13 September 1935, 5 items).

Correspondence between Fr Leonard Sheil SJ and Irish Fr Provincial Laurence Kieran SJ concerning the relationship between the Sodality of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Legion of Mary.

A file relating to an article by Fr Arthur Little SJ rejected by the censors. Includes a letter from Fr Arthur Little SJ, St Stanislaus College, Tullamore, County Offaly to Irish Fr Provincial stating that he wishes the article to be sent for censorship to Rome ‘I have no desire to get anyone into trouble so I shall only communicate with the English Assistant. If he upholds the censors having read their remarks I can only apologise for taking badly what turns out to be a fair verdict.’ (4 September 1938, 3pp).

Br Albert Kelly’s copy of ‘Fifty Meditations on the Passion’ by Archbishop Goodier SJ.

Correspondence between Fr Leonard Sheil SJ and Irish Fr Provincial Laurence J. Kieran SJ on the content of Fr Sheil’s mission sermons. Includes:
– censors’ judgements on the manuscript of a sermon on ‘Sin’ by Fr Sheil (Jun 1936, 2 items); copy of summary of censors’ judgements (n.d., 2pp) and letter from Fr Sheil to the Irish Fr Provincial after receiving the censors’ reviews (24 June 1936, 2pp);
– letter from Fr Sheil in which he explains his delay in sending the Irish Fr Provincial the texts of his sermons, ‘My delay, and indeed serious negligence, has not been due, I think, to wilful disobedience, or to the opinion that they did not need censoring, but to this. I have eight fully written sermons in my drawer at present, but my dissatisfaction with them has caused me to cross out and amend lines and pages, so that none of them are yet in fit condition to send.…also…between missions my head is so tired that I am loathe to work.’ Also refers to the Sodality and the Legion of Mary (see J16/3) (12 Oct. 1936, 2pp);
– copy letter to Fr Sheil from the Irish Fr Provincial calling attention to Fr Sheil’s ‘want of prudence and discretion’ and warning him that if he continues ‘on present lines’ he may be ‘removed from the mission staff and given work in a College. With a view to rendering such a change unnecessary I forbid you in future to speak in the pulpit on questions of sex or, on general, matters relating to the VI commandment, without having first submitted your MS to the Socius for censorship. I wish also that you give up mentioning in public estimates or conjectures regarding the number of Irish emigrants who lose the faith or give up its practice’ (24 Jan. 1938, 2pp);
– note from Fr Sheil to the Irish Fr Provincial in which he lists the topics of his sermons that have been passed by the censor (12 Mar. 1940, 3pp);
– letter from Fr Tom Counihan SJ to ‘Fr. John’ in which he refers to Fr Sheil’s sermons, ‘You should have heard his sermons on sin, temptation, holyhour, family life & Holy Communion to feel utterly ashamed of the twaddle neither here nor there (sic.) No Scripture, no sound reasoning & abundance of crudity & naked realism…It is very unfortunate & I am not at all comfortable when I have to hand over an out-church to his tender mercies!’ (15 May 1940, 2pp) and
– copy letter from the Irish Fr Provincial to Fr Sheil in which he states, ‘I have been regretfully obliged to change you from the mission staff, and it is only fair that you should know the reason of this change. From information I have received from many different quarters it seems clear that you are greatly lacking in prudence in the things you say; and I cannot help thinking that if you were allowed to continue working as a missioner you would land both yourself and the Society into serious trouble…you allow your zeal to get the better of you with the result that you act contrary not only to the advice of your colleagues but also to that of your Superiors. I am afraid also that your knowledge of theology is very much wanting in accuracy…As to your work in Galway in the coming year, I must forbid you to preach anything in the Church without first having shown the MS to Fr Rector…’ (30 Jul. 1940, 2pp).

A file of letters from Fr Laurence Kieran SJ, Clongowes Wood College, Naas, County Kildare to Fr Richard Devane SJ concerning his campaign for cinema censorship. Encourages him and wishes him success.

File relating to the admission of Seán Turner to the Society of Jesus and the taking of vows.

File relating to Fr Michael Kirwan SJ including notebook containing retreat notes, and letters and telegrams of sympathy following his death.

A file of correspondence between Bartholomew J. Duffy, 82 Kenilworth Square, Rathgar, Dublin and Fr Coyne SJ, St Francis Xavier's, Upper Gardiner Street, Dublin regarding information on Jesuits, native to the Diocese of Elphin for a history of the Elphin Diocese by Fr M. J. Connellan (a friend of Bartholomew Duffy). Includes a request for information of Fr John Bannon SJ who was born in County Roscommon (9 September 1943, 3pp). Includes a biographical sketch of Fr Bannon, S.J. (n.d., 5pp).

Postcard from Fr John J. Coyne SJ, St Francis Xavier's, Upper Gardiner Street, Dublin to Fr Richard Devane SJ concerning a memo prepared by Fr. Devane. Remarks that it is '...just what I wanted and have been wanting for quite a long time...'

Material relating to the entry of Br Peter Foley SJ into the society, final vows and medical note.

A file of letters concerning retreats given by Fr John Counihan SJ to the novices in the Society of African Missions.

File relating to the work of Fr Harold E Craig SJ in China and India. Includes correspondence concerning difficulties with Fr Craig in both missions and his recall to Ireland.

Material relating to Fr William Merritt SJ which includes correspondence with Irish Fr Provincials and curia, personal record and application to join the Society.

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

Material relating to the work of Fr Daniel Donnelly SJ including correspondence from St Stanislaus College, Bandra, Bombay, India.

File of correspondence between Fr Patrick Finneran SJ and his Irish Provincials.

File relating to the admission of John Monahan to the Society of Jesus and the taking of vows.

Photocopy of cutting from the 'Irish Times' of an article entitled 'Red Threat To The Faith' reporting on a Lenten lecture delivered by Fr Arthur Little SJ in Gardiner Street. Attached is a typed page entitled 'Europe and Faith' by Hilaire Belloc.

File relating to the wish by Baghdad College, Iraq to move the body of Fr Jeremiah Austin Hartigan SJ from the war cemetery at Amara, to their own cemetery in the college grounds. Information from the Commonwealth War Grave Commission suggests this never happened. Includes birth certificate for Jeremiah Austin Hartigan.

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.

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.

Catalogue entry and obituary for Fr George Roche SJ. Book by Fr Roche entitled ‘The Divinity of Jesus Christ’ (1916) published by the Catholic Truth Society of Ireland, Dublin. Taken from the Jesuit community library, Upper Gardiner Street, Dublin (November 2012).

File of photographs belonging to Fr Joseph Conran SJ which includes:

• family photographs Fr Joseph Conran SJ;
• stamp guild of St John de Britto, St Francis Xavier's, Upper Gardiner Street, with Fr Joseph Conran SJ, c.(1955);
• Children of Mary in garden of St Francis Xavier's, Upper Gardiner Street, looking onto Upper Sherrad Street;
• and his sister (been waked), Sheila Eva Conran, who died in 15 July 1921, 11 years old, Victoria Street, Armagh.

Catalogue entry for Fr Cyril Peyton SJ (1950), letter from Fr Peyton to Irish Fr Provincial Thomas Byrne SJ, seeking a return to Ireland from Australia (1952), and memorial card.

File of mission material relating to Fr William Lee SJ. Includes photograph; personal record; article entitled ‘Wings over Africa’; and correspondence between Fr.William Lee SJ and Fr Thomas Martin SJ, Irish Jesuit Mission Office, Dublin.

File of postcards and notes from the artist, Evie Hone to Fr Daniel Shields SJ (29 September 1941-11 August 1952) in which pleasantries are given and items of news, ‘I expect you heard that Michael Healy died last Mon. I feel very sad for myself but he could not have recovered to work’ (29 September 1941). Evie Hone writes from Kilkenny, Paris and Rathfarnham, Dublin. This material was found in the room of Fr Daniel Shields SJ after his death. Includes a newspaper cutting with an image of Evie Hone and her last stained-glass window, an obituary and a colour sketch of Mary and Child, by Evie Hone.

In 'Studies: An Irish quarterly review', Vol. XLVI, pp. 377-378, Autumn, 1957, Fr Daniel Shields SJ reviews ‘A tribute to Evie Hone and Mainie Jellett’.

File of mission material relating to Robert Thompson SJ. Includes photograph, list of photographic transparencies introducing Chikuni; personal record; correspondence related to donation of a bell (Patrick Reilly, Multyfarnham, County Westmeath) between Fr Thompson and Fr Thomas Martin SJ, Irish Jesuit Mission Office, Upper Gardiner Street, Dublin and Fr John Coyne SJ, St Francis Xavier's, Gardiner Street, Dublin.

Photographs taken at St Francis Xavier's, Upper Gardiner Street, Dublin of Fr John Counihan SJ and groups of retreatants.

Material relating to Fr Richard J Kennedy SJ including correspondence with Irish Fr Provincials and curia, personal record and application to join the Society.

Notebook belonging to Fr Henry King SJ containing spiritual notes.

Notebook belonging to Br Albert Kelly SJ in which he writes notes on ‘Mass’.

File of material relating to Fr Sean McCarron SJ. Includes copy of birth certificate; details of Zambian Independence celebrations and correspondence between Fr McCarron and Fr Thomas Martin SJ, Jesuit Missions, Dublin.

File of writings on religious topics by Fr Patrick O'Mara SJ consisting of notes for retreats and missions and lectures to sodalities and apostleship of prayer meetings.

File of notes for holy hour ceremonies by Fr Patrick O'Mara SJ on various religious topics such as the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Reunification of Christendom, each of which is divided into four quarters, a series of prayers and aspirations and a final blessing and consecration.

A file relating to Fr Edmund Hogan SJ research on his family. Includes an offprint of an article by William Hogan entitled 'Rev. Edmund Hogan, S.J. An Eminent Great Island Scholar' published in the Journal of the Cork Historical and Archaeological Society (vol. LXX, 1965).

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).

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

Material relating to Fr Gerard P Nolan SJ, including catalogue entry, correspondence regarding his entry into the Society, correspondence with Irish Fr Provincials and biographical information.

Material relating to Fr Frederick Paye SJ including correspondence with Irish Fr Provincials, personal record, ordination card and application to join the Society.

Material relating to Fr Patrick Kenny SJ which includes correspondence with Irish Fr Provincials, personal record and medal from the Sodality of the Blessed Virgin Mary at Clongowes Wood College SJ.

File relating to to Fr Hugh Kelly SJ which includes two scrap books containing newspapers cuttings of Lenten lectures delivered by Fr Hugh Kelly SJ in St Francis Xavier's, Upper Gardiner Street, Dublin, correspondence with Irish Fr Provincials.

A file of correspondence between Irish Fr Provincial and Fr John Coyne SJ. Includes a letter from Archbishop Adam Kozłowiecki, Archdiocese of Lusaka, Ridgeway, Lusaka, Northern Rhodesia, Africa to Irish Fr Provincial asking permission for Fr Coyne to come out to Africa to look after his archives and to be his companion '...I feel in great need of somebody older, detached from my daily battles and with good sense and experience who would be able to help me personally in both my decisions and my spiritual life.' (15 May 1963, 1p). Includes a letter from Fr Coyne, 85 Eglinton Road, Dublin to Irish Fr Provincial concerning Monsignor A. O'Rahilly an ex Jesuit of the Irish Province. Remarks that he visited Mgr. O'Rahilly and '...I ventured to sound him on the subject of his dying as a Jesuit...' Concludes 'You might...think it worth while to meet (him)...and sound him on his desire to re-enter with us...his personal worth is...of the highest. His former allegiance to our Province as well as his continued admiration through the years of its men and its achievements might suggest to Superiors the "congruity" of his readmittance to its ranks in the closing years of his life (24 July 1969, 2pp).

Material relating to Fr Paul O'Flanagan SJ including application to join the Society, correspondence with Irish Fr Provincials and catalogue entries.

Province file for Fr Seán J McCarron SJ which includes correspondence with Irish Fr Provincials and curia, personal record and application to join the Society.

Material relating to Fr Michael J O'Reilly SJ, including correspondence with Irish Fr Provincials, personal record and application to join the Society.

File relating to Fr William Saul SJ, including application to join the Society, correspondence with Irish Fr Provincials and catalogue entries,

File relating to Fr Robert Stevenson SJ, including application to join the Society, correspondence with Irish Fr Provincials, catalogue entries and memorial card.

File relating to Fr Thomas P Kelly SJ, includes correspondence with Irish Fr Provincials.

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

File of mission material relating to Fr Dermot Murphy SJ. Includes photographs, personal record and correspondence between Fr Murphy and Frs Thomas Martin and Vincent Murphy, Jesuit Missions, 20 Upper Gardiner Street, Dublin.

Material relating to Fr Charles W Molony SJ.

Letters from Fr Tom Counihan SJ to Irish Fr Provincials concerning various topics including:

• community life;
• retreats conducted by Fr Counihan;
• work with the SMA's and CB's;
• work with the Youth Commission.

File relating to Fr James B Stephenson SJ, including application to join the Society, correspondence with Irish Fr Provincials, catalogue entries and memorial card.