Item 23 - Copy letter from Bishop John J. Cantwell

3 pp; manuscript

Copy letter from Bishop John J. Cantwell of Los Angeles to Fr. Thomas Dowling OFM Cap. expressing his delight that he and Father Berchmans are coming to San Francisco. He advises Father Thomas that if he were in his position, he would ‘take all the work possible in the East’, as it is ‘too late to book here [in California] now’. He remarks that Father Thomas will find San Francisco much changed for the better since his last visit. The ‘new seminary’ mentioned in the letter is likely St. John’s Seminary in Camarillo or the minor seminary Bishop Cantwell established in 1927, which were core parts of his legacy to ensure a local priesthood for his rapidly growing diocese.