A file containing notices to be read in the Refectory and annual proclamations of the Irish Jesuit Province.

A file relating to the revision to the Custom Book of the novitiate of Irish Jesuit Province, including a letter from Fr John J Coyne SJ, St Mary's, Emo, County Laois to the Irish Fr Provincial, with copy of Custom Book.

'A Man who took Christ at his Word' and 'Life and letters of Fr Michael Browne SJ' by Fr Thomas Hurley SJ.

Account book of the Irish Jesuit Province. Includes an alphabetical index.

Custom book of the novitiate of the Irish Jesuit Province, with annotations.

Custom book of the novitiate of the Irish Jesuit Province (Same as IE IJA ADMN/17/2). No annotation but extra Appendix.

Documents relating to the Sodality of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Legion of Mary, mainly concerning the relationship between the Society of Jesus and the two organisations.

Letters and circular letters concerning a circular letter from Fr General on economy measures and assisting the poor during the ‘severe economic crisis’. Includes draft of circular letter sent by Irish Fr Provincial to Jesuit houses on ways and means of economising in order to carry out the wishes expressed in Fr General’s letter and replies following House Consultations from Belvedere College; Milltown Park, 35 Lower Leeson Street; St Francis Xavier’s, Upper Gardiner Street; St Ignatius’ College, Galway; S. Stanislaus’ College, Tullamore; Clongowes Wood College, Naas; Sacred Heart College and Mungret College, Limerick and St Mary’s, Emo Court. Also includes circular list of economy measures issued to all houses.

Letters, mostly to Irish Fr Provincial discussing the declining circulation 'An Timire', the Irish Messenger of the Sacred Heart and proposals to issue the magazine on a quarterly, rather than monthly basis.

Documents relating to a report prepared by the Irish Fr Provincial for Fr General on the activities of the Irish Province for ‘the promotion of Catholic Action’. Includes covering letter and questionnaire sent out by the Irish Fr Provincial to Jesuit houses and individuals with detailed replies from: St Francis Xavier’s, Upper Gardiner Street; Milltown Park, Dublin; Rathfarnham Castle, Dublin; St Stanislaus’ College, Tullamore; St Mary’s, Emo Court; University Hall, Hatch Street; Belvedere College; Clongowes Wood College; St Ignatius’ College, Galway; Sacred Heart College, Limerick; the editors of the following periodicals: 'Madonna', 'The Messenger of the Sacred Heart', 'An Timire' (The Gaelic Messenger), and 'Studies'. Also includes handwritten draft report entitled ‘The Society of Jesus in Ireland and Catholic Action’ (Summer 1936) and final printed Latin version 'De Actione Catholica in Hibernia'.

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

Letters to the Irish Fr Provincial on various matters. Includes letters concerning:
– the creation of a new entrance to Manresa House in Dollymount and the sale of the old gate lodge to the developer of the site (see also ADMN/3/43);
– various Consultors’ opinions with regard to Fr. General’s Letters on The Social Apostolate;
– the Irish Hierarchy’s opinion of the Health Bill of 1952;
– ‘the dangers there is for Catholics to go to Trinity College’ (see also ADMN/3/38);
– copy of a ‘Report of the Jesuit Schools in the Archdiocese of Dublin on the Programme for Religious Instruction in the Primary Schools’ (see also ADMN/3/57);
– a lectureship in mathematical-physics in U.C.D.;
– the requirements for the post of lecturer in Cosmology in U.C.D.;
– the death of Fr James Magan SJ and
– letter and memorandum to the Provincial concerning Latin study in the Novitiate.
Also includes letters from President Seán T. Ó Ceallaigh (see also ADMN/3/59) concerning his audience with the Pope and sending Christmas greetings and copy of Irish Fr Provincial’s reply.

A file relating to correspondence of bequests made to Irish Fr Provincial regarding the Hong Kong and China missions.

• Perpetual burse in memory of Fr WM. Doyle SJ in the new seminary in Hong Kong (1936);
• Perpetual burse in memory of Fr Walsh SJ in Hong Kong (1936);
• Memorial burse in memory of Fr Fegan SJ in China (1936);
• List of burse money for the education of Chinese Jesuits (13 September 1940);
• Statement of accounts for quarter the Ricci Mission Unit (1 July - 30 September 1943).

Burke's Irish family records.
One copy has the inscription 'Ex Libris C.D.C.H. Emo Court', with the signature of Cholmeley Dering Cholmeley-Harrison, and 'Gift from C.D.C.H. Emo Court', with signature.

Father Browne's Laois by Fr E. E. O'Donnell SJ.

Note bequeathing £100 from Charles J. Blake, Heath House, Maryboro[ugh], County Laois to the Superior, St Francis Xavier's, Upper Gardiner Street, Dublin.

Emo Court, County Laois was under Jesuit ownership from 1930 until 1969. Now in the hands of the Office of Public Works, the history of Emo dates back to the Earls of Portarlington in the eighteenth century. The first earl, John Dawson, commissioned the building of Emo Court in 1790; it is one of only a few private houses designed by the architect James Gandon. The Portarlington’s sold Emo in 1920 to the Land Commission and the Jesuits purchased the property in 1930, to be used as a novitiate (house of first formation). The Jesuits found Emo in a dilapidated state, with grass growing up through the floorboards. They made significant structural changes in order for it to function as a novitiate rather than as a family home. Many items were removed however they were stored in the basement (fireplace wrapped in blankets). Renowned photographer, Fr Frank Browne SJ, was one of the first Jesuits to take up residence there and he took many photographs of Emo Court.

In 1969, the Jesuits sold Emo to Major Cholmeley Dering Cholmeley-Harrison. He restored the house, sparing no expense, and donated it to the Irish State in 1995. In 2012 the Office of Public Works opened a permanent exhibition on Fr Frank Browne SJ at Emo Court.

The papers of St Mary’s, Emo concern the management of the Emo estate (1900-1995), establishment of the Jesuit community (1928-1930), maintenance, upkeep and expenditure (1931-1970), forestry and the sale of Emo (1969-1970; 1995). There is some material on the Jesuit community (1934-1962) and novitiate (1930-1969) however there is very little in the way of information on individual novices. Material is in the form of handwritten letters, ledgers, architectural plans, maps and photographs.

Rector/Superior of St Mary's, Emo:
Patrick Kenny, Vice-Superior, 31 July 1930;
John Deevy, Vice-Superior, 29 July 1932;
John Deevy, Rector, 7 October 1937;
John Neary, Vice-Rector, 30 July 1944;
Jerome Mahony, Vice-Rector, 30 July 1945;
Thomas Byrne, Rector, 2 June 1947;
Donal O'Sullivan, Rector, 15 August 1947;
Timothy Mulcahy, Rector, 10 October 1959;
Patrick Cusack, Rector, 21 November 1961;
Joseph Dargan, Rector, 26 June 1968;
The noviceship changes to Manresa House, Dollymount, 12 September 1969.

Master of Novices, St Mary's, Emo:
Martin Maher; July 1930;
John Coyne;
John Neary; October 1934
Donal O'Sullivan
Paddy Cusack
Joseph Dargan, 1968-1969

Valuation for Emo Park, County Laois.

Report by J. A. Kenny and Partners, Consulting Engineers, 44 Kildare Street, Dublin on the heating, water and electrical services in St Mary's, Emo, County Laois.

Paper copy of photograph of the front façade of Emo Court, taken by the National Trust Archive.

Postcards of Emo Court - both of the same image - addressed to Fr Fergus O'Keefe SJ.

DVD of images of the grounds of Emo Court by the Office of Public Works.

Chronology of the history of Emo Court, County Laois, taken from an article by Anthony Symondson SJ entitled 'A Miraculous Survival: Emo Court', published in the Irish Arts Review.

Photograph of the arm of St Francis Xavier at St Mary’s, Emo on the occasion of the visit of the relics

Group photographs of ‘Vow-men’ at Emo, originally in an album of Fr Redmond Roche SJ'

15 September 1936, l-r: Tony Baggot, Credan O'Higgins, Jimmy Johnston, Barney Murray.

Final account for maintenance and structural work carried out at St Mary's, Emo, County Laois.

Photocopy of entry in the Irish Province News, October 1950, which describes the death on 27 June 1950 of postulant Mr John Callaghan, who fell on the scullery stairs.

In course of conversation in 2015, between Damien Burke and Jim McCabe, ascertained that John Callaghan carrying delph down the stairs to the basement when he slipped and hit his head.

Account of the funeral of the Countess of Portarlington, taken from the 'Leinster Express'. Lady Portarlington was buried at Emo Park, Queen’s County (Laois). Includes references to Frs Robert Carbery and William Delaney.

The Countess was buried in the graveyard beside the church, and a memorial to her was also erected in Coolbanagher church by her sister the Duchess of Marlborough.

Notebook of the Chairman of the Grounds Committee, Emo Park, County Laois. Divided by month, it details the work carried out on the grounds at Emo.

Letter from Eoin Kenny, J. A. Kenny and Partners, Consulting Engineers, 44 Kildare Street, Dublin 2 to Rev. William Dargan SJ, 84 Eglinton Road, Dublin 4 concerning the account for the centralisation of the boiler plant at Emo. Includes a detailed account of the cost of the work carried out.

A file relating to the decision take by the Forestry Department to sell 32 1/4 acres of State owned forestry land at Emo Park to the Jesuit Fathers.

Letter from J. Darby, Department of Lands, 88 Merrion Square, Dublin to Fr Rector, St Mary's, Emo thanking members of the Jesuit College for putting out a fire that threatened a portion of the forestry adjoining Emo Park.

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

Advertisement for the sale of Emo Park, County Laois by Jackson-Stops and McCabe, Auctioneers, Valuers and Estate Agents, 8 Dawson Street, Dublin 2. Includes black and white interior and exterior photographs.

Letter from Thomas H. Bacon, Solicitor, 9 Clare Street, Dublin 2 to Fr William Dargan SJ, 87 Eglinton Road, Dublin 4 concerning a draft contract for the sale of Emo Park.

Sketch map of the Clochar. Shows the layout of the gardens and the species of trees and plants. The Clochar (or Clucker) comes from the Irish word for convent. 'There is also a story that this part of the garden was where the maids in the house were allowed to come to gossip and relax – hens clucking!'

Letter from Laurence J. McCabe, Jackson-Stops and McCabe, Auctioneers, Valuers and Estate Agents, 8 Dawson Street, Dublin 2 to Fr William Dargan SJ, 85 Eglinton Road, Dublin 4 concerning items to be included in the sale of Emo. Includes the list of items.

Apportionment account between the Jesuit Fathers and Cholmeley Harrison (purchaser of Emo).

Letter from Thomas Bacon, Solicitor, 9 Clare Street, Dublin 2 to Fr William Dargan SJ, 87 Eglinton Road, Dublin 4 concerning the sale of St Mary's, Emo.

Details of Solicitor's fees to the Jesuit fathers in respect of the sale of St Mary's Emo.

Letter from Thomas H. Bacon, solicitor, 9 Clare Street, Dublin 2 to Rev William Dargan SJ, 87 Eglinton Road, Dublin 4 concerning interest due to the Jesuit Fathers following the sale of St Mary's, Emo.

Transcript of Mr Cholmeley Harrison's interview for RTE's programme on Emo. Cholmeley Harrison purchased Emo Park from the Jesuits.

A file of printed lists of clothing required by each novice for St Mary's, Emo and previous to this, for St Stanislaus College, Tullabeg, County Offaly.

Copy letter from Irish Fr Provincial, 85 Eglinton Road, Dublin 4 to the parents of a prospective novice informing them of their son's acceptance into the novitiate.

Circular letter sent to a prospective novice's parents seeking an assurance that their son has their 'consent...and blessing.' Enquires about the ability of the parents to contribute to the upkeep of their son in the novitiate.

Circular letter sent to an individual accepting him into the novitiate in St Mary's Emo.

Ordnance survey map of Portarlington and district, County Laois, scale: 1 inch to 1 mile.

Novitiate order of time for St Mary's, Emo.

Letter from Fr John J. Coyne SJ, St Mary's, Emo to Irish Fr Provincial concerning the order of time in the novitiate, St Mary's, Emo.

Letter from Fr John J. Coyne SJ, St Mary's, Emo to Irish Fr Provincial concerning the teaching of Irish in the novitiate, St Mary's, Emo.

Letter from Fr Rupert Coyle SJ, Belvedere College, Dublin to Irish Fr Provincial explaining the requirements for matriculation.

Note stating that Brothers, after taking their vows, are not to read newspapers.

Letter from Fr Arthur F Murphy, St Paul's Church, Emo, County Laois to Irish Fr Provincial seeking permission to use the pleasure grounds and part of the residence for the annual parochial fete. Refers to the delay in the Jesuits arriving at Emo by the Roman authorities.

Copy letter from Irish Fr Provincial Brendan Barry SJ to Kevin [ ] accepting him into the Jesuit novitiate of St Mary's, Emo.

Letter from Irish Fr Provincial Laurence Kieran SJ St Francis Xavier's, Upper Gardiner Street, Dublin to Rector [St Mary's, Emo] concerning books needed by the Australian Province for five scholastics from Hong Kong. Refers also to a Scholastic who wishes now to be a Brother. Asks if the individual must do the Noviceship again. Includes a page with pencil notations.

Beadle's journal for St Mary's, Emo. The Beadle was the head novice and kept a record of the daily activities of the novices. The Beadle was normally appointed for a three month period. A list of beadles is given on inside page. In the English Province the Beadle was known as the Novice's Porter.

A file relating to the purchase of Emo Park by the Jesuit Fathers from the Land Commission (for £2,000). Includes a plan of Emo.

Letter from William Codd, Bishop of Ferns, Summerhill, County Wexford to Irish Fr Provincial John Fahy SJ concerning the Society of Jesus' desire to establish a community house in the Diocese of Ferns. Remarks 'They have about a score of applications from Religious Congregations and Orders for permission to take up property here within the past few years...they made an exhaustive inquiry as to whether the needs of any part of the diocese or of the whole would admit the introduction of a new congregation...they came to the unanimous conclusion that they could see no need at all for this.'

Sacristan's manual for St Mary's, Emo, County Laois.

Sacristan's manual for St Mary's, Emo, County Laois.

Sacristan's manual for St Mary's, Emo, County Laois.

Sacristan's manual for St Mary's, Emo, County Laois.

A file relating to a proposed new custom book for the novitiate of the Irish Province. Includes two bound copies of the new custom book.

Volume of Panegyrics written in Irish and English.

Blank invitation card from St Mary's, Emo.

Letter from [ ], St Francis Xavier's, Upper Gardiner Street, Dublin to Fr Superior concerning a change in duties for Frs. P. Kennedy and Robert Tyndall.

A file relating to permission granted by Fr General Wlodimir Ledóchowski SJ and the Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin, Matthew Cullen, for the establishment of a Jesuit house at Emo, County Laois.

Letter from Rome, granting permission to the Society of Jesus to allow members of the public to attend Mass at St Mary's, Emo.

Letter from Fr Donal O'Sullivan SJ, La Retraite, Western Road, Cork to Irish Fr Provincial welcoming the Emo community to visit Tullabeg.

Extract of a letter from Irish Fr Provincial to Fr John Neary SJ (Rector), St Mary's, Emo concerning a site for a cemetery in Emo. Remarks, 'I...have come to the conclusion that on the rare occasions of deaths in Emo, the interment should take place in Tullabeg.'

Letter from Fr Jerome Mahony SJ, St Mary's, Emo to Irish Fr Provincial agreeing to carry out instructions from Irish Fr Provincial concerning the statue of the Sacred Heart and Fr Calter's books.

Letter from Patrick Cusack SJ, St Mary's, Emo, Portlaoise, County Laois to Irish Fr Provincial accepting an invitation to dinner. Discusses noviceship matters.

Extract from the will of Mrs Rebecca Teresa Codd, The Grange, Mountmellick bequeathing a number of items to the Irish Province including five oak bookcases and the books contained in them to Emo (The bookcases are in Clongowes Wood College SJ, 2020).

Letter from Fr Charles O'Connor SJ, Clongowes Wood College, Naas, County Kildare to Fr Joseph Dargan SJ, Rector, St Mary's, Emo describing how the Society became beneficiaries in the will of Rebecca Codd and the items that were left to the Society in her will.

Letter from Irish Fr Provincial Cecil McGarry SJ to Fr Joseph Dargan SJ, Rector, St Mary's, Emo thanking him for sending Fr O'Connor's letter regarding the Codd bequest. Remarks that he is going to offer the library, the portraits and the bust to Clongowes Wood College.

Expenditure on St Mary's, Emo totalling £16,494.15.10.

Photocopy of an article by Anthony Symondson SJ entitled 'A Miraculous Survival: Emo Court', published in the Irish Arts Review.

Colour print depicting Mary of Emo and Jesus, her Son.

Photograph of Michael Paul Gallagher SJ and family at St Mary’s College, Emo.

A file of architectural plans for the new attic storey at St Mary's, Emo by Michael Scott.

Photographs of Frs Robert Tyndall, Donal O'Sullivan, Brendan Brennan and Robert Nash at St Mary’s, Emo on the occasion of the visit of relics of Saint Francis Xavier.

Photograph of Fr Donal O'Sullivan SJ and novices in class at St Mary’s College, Emo.

Postcard with aerial view of Emo Court, County Laois

Note by Fr Jerome Mahony SJ, St Mary’s College, Emo, to Br James Barry SJ, relating to the amount of food which should be allowed to individuals on fast days.

Newspaper cutting relating the history of Emo Park, County Laois.

Book entitled 'There was an Ancient House' by Benedict Kiely, Methusen and Co Ltd, London. A novel where ‘in a country house thirty novices of a religious order are learning a new, strange life, some failing, others succeeding in conforming to the pattern laid down by rule’. Benedict Kiely was a novice at St Mary's, Emo

A file relating to formation, order of time, customs, discipline amongst the Jesuit Juniors at Rathfarnham Castle, Dublin. Includes correspondence between Irish Fr Provincial and Fr Rector.

A file of letters from Fr Patrick Duffy SJ to his sister Sr Mary Gabriel, Carmelite Convent, Firhouse, Tallaght, Dublin concerning his life and work as a priest in Australia and elsewhere. The vast majority of the letters (over 50) are written from Australia describing in detail his work and life in this mission. Includes letters discussing his health, his sister's health, family matters, retreats and missions he gave in Australia and masses and prayers offered for the convent and community at Firhouse. Includes a letter from Fr Duffy, Ursuline Convent, St Joseph's, Sligo to Sr Mary Gabriel. Remarks 'Now that you and I are alone left of all we must, from this on, take on more than ever special interest in each other.' (6 August 1888, 4pp). Includes a letter informing his sister of his departure for Australia. Remarks 'Say God's will be done for it is the will of God. Don't fret about me, for before very long you and I will meet in a happy eternity.' (15 August 1888, 4pp). Includes a letter concerning his sister's health and the loss of sight in one of her eyes. Encourages her not to read if she finds it a strain. Refers to the noviceship in her convent. Remarks 'Put away those gloomy thoughts about the noviceship. There is nothing wrong in your convent. Just let us keep on praying and trusting and leave the future to God.' (22 August 1891, 4pp). Includes a letter concerning his move from North Shore to Hawthorn. Remarks that he has more work to do in Hawthorn and that it is 'more pressing'. Remarks 'As I write the weather is harsh and we have much sickness - the influenza - and many deaths.' (7 October 1891, 4pp). Includes a letter referring to the death of Fr General (Fr Anderledy SJ) at Fiesole. Remarks 'He and I were fellow students in the Roman College of the Society, some 44 years ago! He was about my age. A warning to look out!' Refers to his change of address and remarks that he will be working at Kew, Melbourne. (letter dated 4 December 1891, 4pp, section dated 20 January 1892). Includes a letter written from New Zealand where he was conducting retreats. Remarks 'I am in my element.' Continues 'I like New Zealand very much a fine country and climate - greatly superior to Australia. Every one is kind to me and I get on well. Wellington is a nice clean city with a fine harbour and a brisk trade.' Describes a journey to Reefton to give a retreat to the Mercy nuns. Remarks that he made the journey on top of a stage coach 'Pretty smart going! Through the bush and over the mountains! Five horses to the coach and galloping all the time for nearly 4 days! What say you to that? But young men like me don't mind these things.' (this section dated 8 January 1893) (29 December 1892, 4pp). Includes a letter referring to his duties at St. Francis Xavier's College in Kew. Remarks that he is in charge of the Sodality of the B V Mary 'Tis from the sodalities in our colleges that the noviceship is recruited.' (7 February 1892, 4pp). Includes a letter describing a visit he made to one of the Melbourne hospitals to see an old friend, Edward Grennan, '…Irish and Catholic a native of Mountrath, Queen's county. He had been in the army - a cavalry regiment - Lord Cardigan's Light Brigade - had ridden in the famous charge - 25 October 1854. He is now the remnant of a well looking man - was then a youth of 20. Well we fraternized of course - he and I old Crimean-and fellow-soldiers. We chatted of the war, and of the Charge of the Light Brigade, his brigade in particular. Step by step we got along until I stood with him and his companions 600 strong - in thought and imagination - at the end of the valley - at the other end of which was the Russian Battery of some 10 or 12 pairs of canon.' Describes how the order was given to seize the guns. Continues 'Without a moments hesitation, the 600 are in their saddles and away they go…Oh! My poor fellows, my poor brave fellows! Over 600 they commence their ride to return later on all that was left of them about 200 men! Half an hour did the whole business.' (21 November 1896, 4pp).

Diary of William White as in schoolboy in Mungret College, Limerick. Includes his last entry before leaving to join the Society of Jesus on 3 September 1930 – ‘Fr. Hanrahan Went home on 9 oc Bus I was at 10 oc Mass. Say (sic.) Mrs. Par[le] etc. Mother Paul. Left for Emo at 1.45. Good bye’

Material relating to Fr Gregory Ffrench SJ which includes correspondence concerning his work for the Society throughout his life. Includes notes by Msgr Alfred O'Rahilly on the life of Fr Willie Doyle SJ sent to Fr Ffrench SJ (18 August 1964, 2pp). Includes a letter from Fr Ffrench SJ, Jesuit Retreat Centre, Tullamore, County Offaly to Irish Fr Provincial concerning the closure of Emo. Remarks 'But this dinner for Ours on the 11th? Apart from considerations of poverty, I cannot see that the closing of Emo is any occasion for festivity. After all, Emo is being closed because God does not see fit to bless the Province as at present being run with sufficient vocations to justify keeping it open.' (27 August 1969, 3pp). Includes correspondence concerning his work for the Crusaders of the Blessed Sacrament (1974-1982).

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).

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.).

Biographical information on Br William Glanville SJ and correspondence with Irish Fr Provincials. Includes a photograph of Br William Glanville SJ and Fr Sean Noonan SJ, September 1957, and mortuary card.

Photographs of Fr John Hannon SJ.

Material relating to Br Albert Kelly SJ including letter by Br Kelly to the Irish Fr Provincial and a letter from Fr L. D. Murphy SJ, Loyola Colege, Madras, India (4 September 1950), which details the death Fr Kelly's broter, Ferdinand, and that his father is still alive, aged 86.

Material realting to Fr John C Kelly SJ including correspondence with Irish Fr Provincials and the curia (on his work in communciations and the media), personal record and application to join the Society.

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

Material relating to Fr Dermot J Murphy SJ which includes correspondence concerning his work in Zambia and his health. Includes black and white passport size photographs, correspondence with Irish Fr Provincials and curia, personal record and application to join the Society.

File of correspondence between Fr Robert Nash SJ and Irish Fr Provincials concerning his schedules of missions and retreats, publications, places of residence, donations and issues arising from his articles in the ‘Irish Press’. Also contains the censor’s report on an early pamphlet, ‘Not Yours’ and death notice and obituaries.

Material relating to Fr John J Neary SJ, including catalogue entry, correspondence regarding his time in Hong Kong and biographical information.