Showing 245 results

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

Letter from Thomas McCreevy, Garland’s Hotel, Suffolk Street, Pall Mall, London, to Fr Thomas A. Finlay SJ concerning Fr Finlay’s “attitude to Mr Lennox Robinson in regard to his story ‘The Madonna of Slieve Dun’…I presume that you accept Mr Robinson’s repudiation of the suggestion that his story was a parody of the Scripture History of the Incarnation.” Protests about the attitude of a ‘small section of the press in Ireland’ with regard to ‘Christian standards’, defends Mr. Robinson and states ‘I…regard it as binding, in us Catholics particularly, to see that injustice is not done in our name in this matter…I am prepared to urge Mr. Robinson to get the matter considered by the Holy Office itself if necessary rather than submit to the injustice of being treated as a blaspheming parodist.’

Letter from Alice Gwynn (Fr Gwynn’s sister-in-law) on domestic affairs.

Photocopies of an obituary and appreciation of Fr Aubrey Gwynn’s brother, Denis.

Letter from Brian Trainor, Director of the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland to Fr Aubrey Gwynn SJ, enclosing ‘a few references which I came across in our card index some of which might be of interest,’ concerning Gwynn family genealogy.

Photocopy of a paper by Prof Blanche Touhill on ‘William Smith O'Brien and the Principles of Young Ireland.’

Letter from Mr Timothy Moloney (Centro Irlandes, Lerida, Spain) concerning his thesis and Denis Gwynn’s manuscript on William Smith O'Brien.

Letter to Fr Aubrey Gwynn SJ from Matthew J. Byrne, Kerry (brother of Frs. George and William Byrne SJ), relating some incidents which occurred during the era of the Penal Laws. Includes information on a ‘penal law Altar preserved in a house at Causeway with vestments and altar furniture, all ready for Mass…in a concealed hollow in wall of bedroom of house once occupied by a Fr Neilan.’

Letter from Stephen Kuttner (President of the Institute of Medieval Canon Law, School of Law, University of California, Berkeley, California) to Fr Aubrey Gwynn SJ, a ‘Corresponding Member’ of the Institute, informing him that the ‘appointment of Corresponding Members should henceforth be understood as made for a period of five years…’

Letter to Fr Aubrey Gwynn SJ from A. Vernet, Paris, with reference to the sacramentaries listed by Léopold Victor Delisle in his Catalogue of manuscripts in French libraries.

Letter to Irish Fr Provincial Thomas Brown SJ from Laurence Gillooly, C.M., Bishop of Elphin (a member of the Senate of the Royal University), concerning Fr Brown’s support for the candidature of Fr Hopkins to the Fellowship of Classics. States ‘His Eminence, Card(inal) McCabe, informed me on Wednesday last of the selection of Fellows made on that day by the Senate of the R(oyal) University; and on Friday I learned from him that he had on the previous day resigned his place in the Senate in consequence of the rejection of his proposal relative to the Fellowships. I had hoped…that the communication made to you by Dr Woodlock of the resolution unanimously adopted…by the Episcopal University Committee in reference to the Fellowships would prevent the unfortunate conflict in the Senate; and it was with deep regret I learned that you had, in opposition to the Coetus Episcoporum, represented by the Episcopal Committee, kept on your two Candidate (sic); and thereby rendered the conflict inevitable –…I take the liberty of writing to you now, to tell you how much I deplore the step you have taken and the conflict in which it engages you and to express a hope that you will for the sake of your great undertaking in Stephen’s Green…remedy the mistake you have made by withdrawing the Revd. Fr Hopkins, as you are of course still perfectly free to do. For many years past I have publicly & privately used my best efforts to secure to your Society an eminent position in your University System. If the result is to be, from the very outset, a conflict…I must say I will heartily repent of what I have done and persuaded others to do in this matter.’ (For background to the appointment see T. J. Morrissey’s article ‘Hopkins’s Friends and Colleagues’, J11/46 and article by Norman White in 'The Hopkins Quarterly' entitled 'An Irish Row').

Typescript copy of letter to Dr Michael Cox from Fr Gerald Manley Hopkins SJ, 25-26 March 1887 (IE IJA J/11/5). With annotations and corrections in pencil. Copy made by Fr Roland Burke Savage SJ (1965).

Letter from Fr John Conmee SJ, University College, Dublin to Fr Matthew Russell SJ (Editor of 'The Irish Monthly'), thanking him for the ‘kind and encouraging things’ Fr Russell said of Fr Conmee’s ‘little paper’ i.e. 'Old Times in the Barony', which was published as a booklet in 1900. “Anything I may write on the Barony is already promised to the New Ireland. If I can send you any thing worth printing…I will – but I only write on compulsion and compose – as the Scotch joke– wi’ deefeculty’ ”.

[Copy] letter from Fr John Conmee SJ in Rome to a ‘Mr. Keogh’, thanking him for sending Fr Conmee some shamrock for St. Patrick’s day. Also remarks ‘I am…beginning to long for a sight of old Erin and dear old Gardiner Street, and Father Bannon’s righthand man and coadjutor, Mr. Keogh. I saw the Holy Father for the third time yesterday…He is the most good natured man you ever saw, full of simplicity and holiness and warm heartedness; and he was greatly interested in all we were doing in the Church. I am glad you report so favourably of Father Bannon’s health. All the same I think it would do him good to have a change after his many colds and bronchitis.’

Letter of sympathy from Mary Purcell, 32 Gardiner Place, Dublin to Irish Fr Provincial Paddy Doyle SJ following the death of Fr john Coyne SJ.

Xerox copy of a letter from James Marshall, Richmond House, Roehampton Park SW, London, England to Cardinal Newman concerning his return to Africa '...sorely against what I may call my "home" feelings.' Remarks that he was asked by Lord Aberdare to accept the position of Chief Justice of Nigeria but for personal reasons he refused this offer and instead agreed to take on the responsibility of organising a judicial system '...on the distinct understanding that I might come away as soon as I liked. This I have accepted on the condition I was to take out a barrister with me who would take up the post when I left.' Continues 'My thoughts at once turned to barristers who had been at the Oratory School...it is now settled and arranged that Mr. W. V. Kane of the Dublin Bar and an O.S. boy is to go out with me and remain as C(hief) J(ustice).' Asks for Cardinal Newman's blessing.

Letter from Fr. E.[P.] Barry, writing from Miltown Malbay, County Clare, to Fr Patrick Bracken SJ, Vice Provincial. Asks for permission to establish the Confraternity of the Sacred Heart in his district.

Letter from Sr John Gaynor, The Sisters of Charity, Our Lady's Hospice for the Dying, Harold's Cross, Dublin to Mother Prioress Sr Mary Gabriel, Carmelite Convent, Firhouse concerning the illness of her sister and Fr Duffy's sister, Anne. Remarks 'Although I know you must feel it a blessed thing for a soul to be nearing its eternal house, still it pains me to have to tell you your dear sister is visibly losing ground.' Refers to Fr Duffy and remarks that she sent for him.

Letter from Br Edward Sinnott SJ, College of St Francis, Calcutta to Br Laurence Toole SJ, Clongowes College, Clane, County Kildare, Ireland. See transcription J406/8. See transcription J406/8.

Copy of article by Fr Kevin Laheen SJ entitled, ‘The letters of an Irish brother, Edward Sinnott, S.J., from Calcutta, 1834-1837’, 'Collectanea Hibernica', 2004, 155-197. Contains transcripts of letters J406/2-7.

Draft letter from [Fr John St Leger SJ] to the [officer in charge] of the non-commissioned officers and privates of Dum Dum station. Expresses his gratitude for the donation given to him by the soldiers, and the honour he felt in serving them.

Letter from Emily Foley, 156 Clonliffe Road, Dublin 3, to Fr Thomas Wheeler SJ relating to the costs of drawing up her will.

Letter from Mr John Mary O'Connor SJ, writing from Brussels, to Fr Thomas Wheeler SJ. Asks the latter to communicate with Messrs Sheridan & Kenny – solicitors of Fr O'Connor’s mother – in relation to the ‘Dowling mortgage’.

Letter from Norbert L. Moran, solicitor, Dublin, to Fr Thomas Wheeler SJ. Encloses a bill for miscellaneous costs (not included). Also refers to his efforts for a sale of Tobercurry.

Letter from Cardinal Michael Logue to Fr Nicholas Walsh SJ. Thanks him for sending him a copy of his book ‘Vetera et Nova’, and congratulates him on its contents.

Letter from Dr Harold Quinlan, 43 Fitzwilliam Place, Dublin to Fr Laurence Kieran SJ concerning Fr Francis Shaw's health and his recent examination of Fr Shaw.

Letter from Fr John Ryan SJ, 35 Lower Leeson Street to Irish Fr Provincial Laurence Kieran SJ concerning a discussion with Dr Quinlan about Fr Francis Shaw's health and a decision that Fr Shaw should go to Bonn for his studies.

Letter from Fr Henry Fegan SJ, Milltown Park, Dublin to Mr Fergal McGrath SJ sympathising over the death of [his father].

Letter from [ ] Wallace to [ ] Walsh submitting his opinion on the O'Reilly estate, case of opinion of 1779, and settlement of 1747.

Letter from Fr Maurice Wolfe SJ, St Stanislaus College, Tullabeg, County Offaly to Lyons Fr Provincial Ambrose Monnot SJ. Asks the latter to write to the Irish Fr Provincial in relation to his (Fr Wolfe's) final vows. (In French).

Letter from Fr Peter Joseph Chandlery SJ, writing from Rome, to Fr Alfred Murphy SJ. Refers to the Sodality of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which was erected and aggregated by the Father General on 1 March 1895. Also refers to Fr Kenny's visit to Rome.

Handwritten greetings from Fr Joseph Janssens SJ, Rector of the Saint-Servais College, Liége, to Fr Henry M Lynch SJ on the occasion of his final vows: ‘Félicitations au bon P. Lynch’.

Letter from Dr W. Scallan to Fr Alexander Kyan SJ. Refers to a previous letter of 13 September 1859 and asks Fr Kyan to inform him of his [Kyan's] brother's present address, and whether he is being detained as ‘a lunatic’.

Letter from Dr W Scallan to Fr [ ]. Refers to the concerns he has in relation to the detention of Fr Alexander Kyan's brother. States that he may make an application to the Queen’s Bench regarding the matter. Encloses letters, which he hopes will explain the matter further (not included).

Letter from Dr W Scallan to Fr [ ]. Refers to the latter’s reply to his letter of 19 January. Defends himself and his actions with regard to his dealings with Fr Kyan. Claims that he advised 'a course of extreme liberality towards Rev A Kyan in the recent events', and states that the latter ought to be grateful to him (Scallan). Asks for the return of the letters he sent, and directs his addressee's attention to the pamphlet, which he encloses (not included).

Copy of letter from Howard Kyan to [ ]. Accuses the latter of doing nothing for him while he (Kyan) remained at Farnham House. Asserts that his sister-in-law is living under his addressee's roof, and is being directed by his ‘wicked counsel’. Also refers to his brothers John and Fr Alexander Kyan.

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. 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 Fr John Grene SJ, writing from Cork, to l’Abbé McDonald, [Fr John MacDonald SJ], Louvain. Reports on the end of the academic year in Clongowes. Describes Academy Day, on which some of the scholars who are leaving the school perform and recite. Explains that he is down in Cork on family and other business. Refers to the opening of Belvedere the following September. Asks about members of the community in Louvain. Announces that Fr Peter Kenney SJ is to go to Rome.

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.

Letter from Fr Denis Murphy SJ, Milltown Park, Milltown, Dublin to Fr Ryan concerning religious called to give evidence on behalf of the cause of the Irish Martyrs. Remarks 'Those have promised to come on Thursday will occupy two days at least on giving their evidence. The Roman people will think nothing of our proceedings if we don't spin these out to some length.'

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 written on behalf of Fr Robert Haly SJ, from Clongowes Wood College, Clane, County Kildare to Mr George [Sallery] concerning a vacancy to carry out indoor manual work at Clongowes. Offers the position to him.

Letter from Fr L. Haghenbeek SJ, Ranchi to Fr James Lynch SJ. Congratulates the latter on his ordination. Reports on his own health and on the weather.

Letter from Muriel J. L Frazer, 48, Wellington Road, Belfast to Fr john J Coyne SJ regarding the contribution made by Fr John J Neary SJ, to the Caribbean voyage last winter.

Letter granting religious powers in the diocese of Dublin by the Archbishop of Dublin, Edward Byrne to Fr Andrew O'Farrell SJ.

Letter from Fr Joe Shields SJ, Ricci Hall, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong to Fergus [Cronin or O'Keefe] concerning a query from an American archaeologist on the writings of Fr Daniel Finn SJ, and a request to check in the Irish Province.

Holograph letter from Richard Gallagher, 2 Inniscarraig, Western Road, Cork to his aunt Mary, wishing her ‘a very merry Christmas and a bright new year’.

Letter from Victor G SJ, Constantine, 55 rue Serigny, Algeria to Fr David Gallery SJ thanking him for his letter but cautions him against using the address and putting SJ after his name. Remarks 'You put my Superior in boiling water..now in several of our domiciles any letter bearing the name of Reverend Pere etc.is returned unopened to the sender...Just as present we are hunted by the detectives of the sectarian government to be taken as delinquent or rebelious [sic] to the law in reconstituting a community'. Continues 'We don't pass for Jesuit anymore, we are diocesan missionaries'. Remarks that the Bishop ordered him to Biskra to help out the priest who had fallen ill. Remarks that the heat was unbearable and he was relived to return to Constantine.

Letter from Fr Bruno Vercruysse SJ, writing from Brussels, Belgium to [ ]. Refers to Fr John J Hughes SJ and Fr O'Callaghan. Fr. Hughes may be the ‘Père de Dublin’ mentioned in the letter. Also refers to translations. (In French).

File of material relating to Fr Richard J Kennedy SJ. Includes personal record; passport photographs; photographs; article entitled ‘What I saw of the Red Terror in China’ (1954); newspaper clippings on the arrest, ‘trial’ and release of Fr Kennedy in Canton (1953); certificate of post-war credit and financial statements from the Midland Bank Limited and correspondence between Fr Kennedy and Fr Thomas J Martin SJ, Mission Office, Dublin.

Letter from Lord Pakenham, Ministry of Civil Aviation, Ariel House, Theobald’s Road, London to Fr Canavan. Expresses his sorrow at hearing that Fr. Canavan is having ‘a bad time’. Remarks that he remembers Fr. Canavan in his prayers.

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

Letter from Fr James A. Cullen, Tagoat, Wexford to Rev James Tuite SJ, Irish Provincial, Milltown Park, Dublin concerning a meeting with Dr Warren. Remarks ‘He could not be kinder with me and told he would place no obstacle in the way of my vocation.’ Refers also to shares in National Bank stock he (Fr Cullen) intends to sign over to the Society.

Letter from Fr William O'Keeffe SJ, St Ignatius’ Hall, Leeson Park, Dublin to Mr Cyril Power SJ thanking him and others for their congratulations on his ordination. Remarks that there are rumours about the Juniors and Novices coming up to Dublin ‘A very nice place near Rathfarnham is said to be bought for them...I should very much like to see the Rathfarnham place taken, it consists of 200 or 300 acres and a small lake. I have often been through the domain (sic) a Mrs Blackburn owns it.’.

Letter from Fr Michael Browne SJ, [Fr Albert Power’s novice master], St Stanislaus College, Tullamore, County Offaly to Mr Cyril Power SJ concerning news from the college and wishing Mr Power well in his forthcoming examinations. Concludes ‘Pray for me you see I do not forget you or any of those I ever taught.’.

A schedule, prepared by Fr Lambert McKennanSJ of letters to Fr Matthew Russell SJ.

Part of a letter from [ ], Oliver House, Toledo, Ohio, America to Fr Matthew Russell SJ. Describes what it is like to live in Ohio and remarks ‘Toledo has very little in the way of refined society and almost nothing in the way of intellectual force or cultivation...’. Discusses a book of published poems and describes problems with the publishers.

Letter to Fr Leonard Sheil SJ from Cardinal John Heenan telling Fr Sheil that he is re-writing 'Our Faith', ‘So much has changed since the council that the attitude & culture of the Catholic have to be tilted differently.’

Note from Fr John S. Conmee SJ thanking Fr Henry Gill SJ for sending him his most recent article and stating ‘I…felt very proud of you and this old Alma Mater…(Clongowes Wood College, Co. Kildare)…of yours. Many have spoken to me in the highest praise of your Article.’

Letter from Fr Andrew J Rorke SJ, St Beuno's College, Wales to Fr [ ], regarding his financial affairs.

Letter from Michael Browne, Bishop of Galway, Mount St Mary's, Galway to Irish Fr Provincial John R MacMahon SJ asking permission for Fr Edward J Coyne SJ to be present at a meeting of the vocation organisation commission.

Letter from Robert O'Reilly, Ballyjamesduff, County Cavan to the Superior of Milltown Park, Dublin. Relates the problems that he is having with his brother Fr Philip O'Reilly SJ in relation to his financial situation resulting from the administration of their father’s will.

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

Letter to Fr Aubrey Gwynn SJ from Bishop Theodor Kramer, Würzburg, on sending Fr Aubrey Gwynn SJ a paper on the Cult of St. Killian (3pp). Includes copy of Fr Aubrey Gwynn SJ review of 'New Light on St. Killian' by J. Dienemann (Würzburg, 1955) the 'Irish Ecclesiastical Record', 1957 (88, pp.1–16) ).

Letter to Fr Aubrey Gwynn SJ from William O'Sullivan (Keeper of Manuscripts, T.C.D. Library) containing extract from the Dowth Missal from Archbishop Ussher’s notebook.

Letter to Fr Gerald Manley Hopkins SJ from Cardinal John Henry Newman, following Fr Hopkins's letter for the Cardinal's birthday in which Fr Hopkins commented on the state of the country. The Cardinal replies, ‘Your letter is an appalling one, but not on that account untrustworthy. There is one consideration however, which you omit. The Irish Patriots hold that they never have yielded themselves to the sway of England and therefore never have been under her laws, and never have been rebels. This does not diminish the force of your picture, but it suggests that there is no help, or remedy. If I were an Irishman, I should be (in heart) a rebel. Moreover, to clinch the difficulty the Irish character and taste is very different from the English.’

Letter to Fr Fergal McGrath SJ (Province Archivist, 1975 to 1986) from Fr Roland Burke Savage SJ (Clongowes Wood College), concerning the holograph manuscript of Hopkins’s 'St. Thecla' which Fr Burke-Savage discovered ‘while cleaning out Fr [Patrick] Connolly’s room (in St Ignatius, House of Writers, 35 Lower Leeson Street) when he was in (St.) Vincent’s having his leg set about 1948…I got leave from Engl(ish) Provincial to keep it on permanent loan.’

Copy of letter from Fr Fergal McGrath SJ to Fr Anthony Bischoff SJ concerning the books, following a recent inquiry about them from Dr James Cotter, New York. ‘I gave you the news that I had found five (probably seven) of the books used or annotated by G.M Hopkins, which you so painstakingly located in 1947. You had mentioned that you had found fifteen to twenty such books. I sent you a list of all the books which I had found in the same cupboard, and asked you to let me know whether you could establish a link between any of them and Hopkins. If my letter went astray, I shall be glad to make another copy of the list.’

Letter to Fr John Conmee SJ from the poet Aubrey de Vere, Curraghchase, County Limerick in reply to Fr Conmee’s letter thanking de Vere for sending him some of his father’s sonnets, “…but for a mistake on the Publisher’s part they would have been forwarded to you long since. They form part of a volume now out of print, which my Father published as long ago as 1842 entitled ‘A Song of Faith’ and consisting chiefly of poems illustrative of the Apostles’ Creed”. Discusses some of his father’s poems, the nature of poetry and reflects ‘It is really marvellous to think what might be done for the Catholic cause and for the moral and intellectual well-being of the country by even a few first-rate Catholic literary works. Perhaps the next generation may give us a Catholic Coleridge to write Philosophy, a Catholic Wordsworth to be our Poet, a Catholic Scott to illustrate Ireland as Scott illustrated Scotland in his Novels, and a Catholic Historian to undo all the mischief done by the erroneous Tradition. Four such writers would do a marvellous work in the next thirty years; and there seems no reason why Ireland alone might not provide them all, if only the ability so constantly running to waste among us were at once properly developed and disciplined.’

Letter from Rita (cousin), Ballkealy, Tullow, Carlow to Fr William White SJ.

Letter from Rev. George O'Neill SJ, 35 Lower Leeson Street, Dublin to Irish Fr Provincial concerning an article written by Fr Phelan about Canon Sheehan. Remarks that the article was sent to him as a reader for the Catholic Truth Society ‘I reported strongly against its publication thinking it lamentable from many points of view. The other reader and the Hon. Sec. were equally unfavourable.’.

Actus Generalis ex Universa Theologia, die 30 Junii 1893, (defendet P. Josephus Jouanen). Defence by Josephus Jouanen of his theological studies. at the Aula Maxima, University College. Includes letters to Fr Peter Finlay SJ concerning his organisation of the ‘Grand Act’ (a theological debate) which took place in the Aula Maxima of University College, Stephen’s Green on 30 June 1893 (4 May-16 July 1893, 9 items) and newspaper extracts concerning ‘The Grand Act’ (29 June-1 July 1893, 3 items).

Letter from Irish Fr Provincial Cecil McGarry SJ to Fr Aubrey Gwynn SJ on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of Fr Gwynn’s entrance into the Society of Jesus.

Letter of congratulation from the Jesuit Curia in Rome on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of Fr Aubrey Gwynn’s entrance into the Society.

Letter of invitation to Fr Aubrey Gwynn SJ from Donal McCartney, Prof. of Medieval Irish History, U.C.D. (and Dean of the Faculty of Arts) to the reception celebrating 70 years of the Faculty of Arts in U.C.D. – ‘it would be a great honour for us if one of our best-remembered Deans were to attend.’

Letter from James White, Director of the National Gallery of Ireland, to Fr Aubrey Gwynn SJ concerning his sister, Mrs. Sheila Moorehead’s offer or a portrait of her brother, Denis to the Gallery.

Letter from Robin Gwynn, New Zealand (Fr Gwynn’s first cousin once removed, on his father’s side) to Fr Aubrey Gwynn SJ, concerning the future custodian of the Gwynn family papers (i.e. who should it be and where should the papers be kept). At the time Mercy Simms was the custodian.

Note from Rev. Eric Fair, Larne, to Fr Aubrey Gwynn SJ containing the inscription on the font in the Church in Larne, commemorating the Rev. Stephen Gwynn (Fr Gwynn’s great-grandfather) and his wife Mary (Stevenson), erected by his children and family in 1878.

Letter to Fr Aubrey Gwynn SJ from publishers the Clarendon Press, Oxford, concerning Russell & Russell’s reissuing of 'Roman Education'. ‘As he says in his letter of 29 January 1964 a loophole in the Unites States copyright law enables books published here (UK) before 1957 to be reprinted there (US) without authorisation – though not to be exported into countries where this loophole doesn’t exist. Naturally he didn’t say that practically all American publishers regard it as unethical to take advantage of this loophole, for various reasons, and especially because it is liable to create the situation in which we now find ourselves.’

Letter from Kenneth Power (brother of Cyril Power), 9 Eden Park, Kingstown (Dun Laoghaire), County Dublin to Mr Cyril Power SJ concerning family news.

Part of a letter from [ ], 9 Leeson Park, Dublin to Fr Matthew Russell SJ regarding a biography by Mrs O'Connell of Attie O'Brien. remarks ‘I think she has not the talent of writing biography.’ Continues ‘I am longing to write another short poem or sonnet.’ Enquires ‘...what is a rondeau?’ Remarks ‘Miss Tynan wouldn’t tell me...what a rondeau ought to be like because she doesn’t want me to write one.’

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

Letter from Archbishop MacHale to Fr St Leger SJ thanking him for the enclosure of £20 for the poor of the diocese of Tuam in his last letter, and asks him to thank the donor also.

Letter from Sheridan & Kenny, solicitors, to Fr Thomas Wheeler SJ. Encloses a cheque for £136.1.3, being part of the costs incurred by Fr Wheeler in the case of the estate of Dowling, and the debt due by the latter to Fr O’Connor.

[Copy of] letter from Fr Nicholas Walsh SJ, Clongowes Wood College, to [Fr Assistant], asking to make his tertianship in Rome to do his third year of studies. (In Italian). Includes confirmation in Latin on reverse of letter of decision to allow him to go to Rome.

Letter from B. Fitzpatrick, 50 Rathgar Road, Dubln to Fr Nicholas Walsh SJ. Refers to a manuscript entitled ‘Prayer made Easy’, which he promised to return to Fr Walsh. Writes in positive terms about it.

Letter from Joseph P Walshe, Department of External Affairs, Irish Free State to Fr John Ryan SJ asking him to translate a dedication.

Letter from Sr Mary Ignatius, The Sisters of Charity, Benada Abbey, County Sligo to Sr M Attracta (Sister of Mother Mary Joseph Jones and Fr Daniel Jones SJ), concerning a request by Sr Attracta for a description of Benada. Refers to the 'great house' and the lace making school at Benada.

Letter from Willie [ ], Belgium to Uncle Louie [relatives of Fr Egan] concerning his journey to Belgium and his daily routine.

Letter from Lil [Fr Egan's sister], Patrick's Hill, Cork to Fr Michael Egan SJ concerning family news.

Letter from David [ ], a pupil at Clongowes Wood College, County Kildare to his parents (relatives of Fr Egan perhaps a nephew and brother and sister-in-law/sister and brother-in-law) concerning news from school.

From Fr John F. Grene SJ in Clongowes to ‘l’Abbé McDonald’ [Fr John MacDonald SJ] at the Collége des Jésuites in Louvain. Reports at length on the death of Fr John O'Connor SJ, who died following an accident on the road from Naas. Also reports that Fr Bracken was succeeded a few days previously by Fr St Leger as Vice Provincial, and refers to others of the community also.

Letter from Fr John Grene SJ, Clongowes, to l’Abbé McDonald, [Fr John MacDonald SJ], Louvain. Reports on the opening of Belvedere House, and on Fr Kenney’s progress on his way to Rome. Praises the students at Clongowes, and refers to new arrangements made for the Prefectship. Reports on other events involving the Community and the school, including the opening of the Debating Society, and a visit by the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Daniel O’Connell.

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.

Letter from Fr McAlroy, Tullamore, County Offaly to Fr William Seaver SJ, St Stanislaus College, Tullabeg, County Offaly. Invites the latter and others to dine with him and the Archbishop on the following Thursday.

Unsigned letter in [Fr. Betagh's handwriting] to [ ] Fortescue congratulating him on his success. Remarks 'nothing but the R. Catholick Bill can carry me to Dublin, and that, I fear, will not be agitated.' Discusses the expensive chapels in poor monasteries on the continent.

Letter from Fr Charles Aylmer SJ, (Superior of the Mission), Clongowes Wood College, County Kildare to Fr Peter Kenney SJ, Hardwicke Street Chapel, Dublin concerning the opening of Tullabeg.

Letter from Fr Bartholomew Esmonde SJ, Al Gesù, Rome to Mr & Miss Dennis, 5 Hardwicke Place, Dublin concerning the death of [ ].