Item 9 - Canonical Visitation Report: St. Patrick’s Friary, Wilmington, Delaware

2 pp; typescript

Visitation report on St. Patrick’s Friary in Wilmington, Delaware, detailing the challenging foundation and financial status of the Capuchin mission following their expulsion from the Harrisburg Diocese due to opposition from the Pittsburgh Capuchin friars. After receiving permission from the Bishop of Wilmington, Edmund Fitzmaurice, in 1926, formal written permission was delayed until May 1930. In June 1931, the order purchased a property from a Mr. McCoy for $25,500.00, which incurred an additional $1,900.99 in hidden closing costs, title fees, and furnishings. While the house alone was assessed at $50,000.00, the mission relies heavily on outside income – including salaries from Abbotstown and the local parish – to manage high utilities and heavy interest payments. Despite these tight finances, the friars highly optimistic about Wilmington’s strategic transit location and the long-term value of their 25-acre property. A handwritten note by Fr. Edwin Fitzgibbon OFM Cap. affirms that four Irish friars are present in Wilmington.