Letter to Monsignor Moynagh from Greenbank Monkstown. No author, but presumably Mary Martin.

ROUGH TRANSCRIPTION

Dear Monsignor Moynach,
Wery many thanks indedd for your wery welcome Letter
And for writing so fully. Of course, your dccision came as a dis-
Appointment to us, but we appreciste the grounds which determined
3ou, and are very grateful for the good will that you have Kor the
future of our Society.
1t is a matter of great regret to me that my letter
Dy air mail to you was neccssarily so hurricd and incomplete. 15
1 had had time, 1 should have given you a fuld account of the cir-
cumstances in which our decision was reached. You know howLdiff.
Acult it is to sive a picture of these things in s lctter., cspeciay
when they are very complicated and involve a number of people. And
Anfortunately Che pricsts from whem you masht have exoecled to learn
About the circmmstances, in fact knew nothsng of them. I am afriid
my letter merely stressed the necessity for immediate action withoub
fuddy explaining the reasons for it and did Miltle to show how mucR
1 forsaw your praciical difficulties. As. te the explanations, I
fesl if I had succeeded in giving you an adequate account of these,
cumstanccs in which our decision was reached. Kou kenow HowdnEE
icult it is to give a picture of these things in a letter, cspecially
Mhen they are very complicated and involve a number of people. And
unfortunately the pricsts from whom you might have expected to learn
About the circumstances, in fact knew notheng of them. I am afriid
ry letter mercly stressed the neccssity for immediate action withonG
fuldy explaining the rcasons for it and did Mittle to show How mucn
1 forsaw your practical difficudties. As te the explanations, I
fell if I had succceded in giving you an adequate account of these,
Nou would have agrecd with all who have advised me in full Knowledge
of the circumstances.As to ways and means, I should Have Miked
to have relieved you of a great dcal of the responsibilities thab
3ou maust have fclt at the prospect of acceptins us so unconditionat
2.
May I try to this nowo I wish humbly to asle of you 9
Aurther fawour, which is to reconsider your decision at least to
the extent of accepting two members with oyself in January 1957, in
Aight of he following considgrationsr
aJ The ercction of M.M.M into s religious Society is absclute,
2 requisite. 1f this is to be in your Wicariate, the wisitatio,
of His Exceldency, Monsigaor Riberi widl Providentialdy pemmit ti9
4o be done with the mimimur delay and with the least trouble to
wourself.
b3 Our present indetemmminate status make all progress for

us impossible. We cannet clist sympathy or support. It is diffi.
cult to recruit suitable and qualified members, and it becomea
more clear cach day that it wo dd be extremely undasirable to
Attempt to live a corporate 1ife in Dublin even this year.
3 It is not merely s question of risking Loss of oportun.
ities and wocations. Ih spite of our retirement at Glenstal and.
our discretion, something is known of our aimus and intentions. Ir
our prcsent position, we cannot give any public account of ourselw.
es, and there is wery real danger that the attitude may be adopted
2
towards usthat will be misinfsrmed and perhaps unsympathetic.
d) wat I have to propose to your consideration appears to
me to be the solution of difficul ties on both sides. Three of us
mith the " buona religiosa " will with the faculities thet have
been afforded us, from Rome, be sufficient to start a novitiate.
Monsignor Riberi has very kindly taken steps to sccure a Religious
for us.
Ro take first the practical aspeets of this proposal. There
is th question of my health., this I feel 1 must take full respon-
Sibility for myself, having consulted competent advice on this matter
M delicate health is a precious gift from God and I believe He wils
1aa
by/ acting with humility according to the Doctors advice using great
care and discretion bring me through the time that is absolutely
neceasary for me to remain personally in Africa.-
Therccan be me to be the rsolution of difficulties on botb sides. Three of us
mith the " buona religiosa " will with the faculities that have
been afforded us, from Rome be sufficient to start a novitiate.
Monsignor Riberi has very kindly taken steps to secure a Religious
for us.
ro take first the practical aspeets of this proposal. There
is th question of my health., this 1 feel I must take fuld respon
Sibility for mysclf, having consulted corapetent advice on this maatter
Mydelicate health is a precious gift from God and M believe He wile
HaR
Dy acting with humility according to the Doctors advice using great
care and discretion bring me through the time that is absolutely
necessary for me to remain personally in Africa.- Therecan be
mo holding back, once the offering Mas bean made, risks must be
taken when things are necessary to accomplish Gods will. So I take
full responsibility for my health and will have full instructions
from the doctor as to all that is humanly possible to help me dur-
ing the coming year.
mere is Mae seconddyquestion of msindenance, I thirke it ondy
Just, owing toous being unable to do active works for you during
our years novitiate that we suoport ourselves - using the funds I had
saved for the house in Dublin, trusting in God's Lovins Providenee
for our future needs,

There is further the point which you raise as to the qualificatinn
of our members, a point which I have always held to be, paramount
importance. The difficulty is that during the required spiritua
Vear, our members will not be able to act in a qualified capacity
Now there scems to be really less waste of time in the end if a
number of us were to under go this novitiate as soon as possible
because the status we shall thereby acquire will enable us much mo
casily to recruit qualified doctors and nurses, and it will be poa
Sible to staff the hospital with these, withdrawing them in turn
As qualified and professed members are ready to take their places
on the other hand, if our year of novitiate is prosponed for anob
er twelve months, we shall continue to encountar our present diffn
ties in recruitingt due to the uncertainty of our position J and
our members who will have qualified in the meantime will have to
retire for a further year in order to undergo their novitiate.
At the end of the novitiate of the first group professed, two membe
Having their C.W.B. cert. will Have been professed and ready fon
Mork in the hospital as religious. I myself shall at last be in
A position to interest people in the work, recruit suitable subjec
And financial assistance andestablish a novitiate, for the qualife
Subiec ts to enter. Andto refer again to my health, please do EI bwe Lve mon ths, we shatl contlnue to cncountdr our present difid
ties in recruitingt due to the uncertainty of our position J and
our members who will have qualified in the meantime will have to
retire for o further year in order to undergo their novitiate.
At the end of the novitiate of the first group professed, two membe)
having their C.M.B. cert. will have been professed and ready for
work in the hospital as religious.I wyself shall at last be An
A position to interest people in the work, recruit suitable subiect,
And financial assistance andestablish a novitiate, for the qualdfiec
Subiects to enter. Andto refer again to my health, please do
not think that because of th e confidence I have expressed in the
Providence of God, I have quite neglected considerations of prudence
In fact, the proposed step appcars to me to be one which widd enab,
me to do the maximum for M.M.M. with the least possible strain or
my physical resources.
I only wish that it was possible to dacuss ald these
metters with you personaliy. Thers is so much to considar that it
seems a hopeless task to attempt by correspondance with its delays
And the Miability of misunderstandings.Wou can weld imnagine how
Anxious I am to have things definitely fixed as to going or not aB
1 have so many girls on my hands.
Wou wild, I know, appreciate the complexities of my pes-
ition. I hae the responsibility of arranging the immediate future
of the members in the midst of a host of praciyical difficulties, and And have tot take care that no step is taken which wild endanger
the ultimate interests of the work, while takcnginto full account
And consideration the convience of all whese promise of assistance
has done so much to encourage me. I should certainly have been
Appalled at the difficulties if I had not been able to count on tho
Advice of good friends and especialdy dn that of Their Excellencics
The Nuncio and Monsignor Riberi.
And as you see I rea 1y want to ask the mimnimum of yon,
And merely that you allow us to have our domicile for thds vitale
Jear in you Vicariate. Please do not bother very much aboub
Accommodation we shall be able to provide this for ourselves as
our requirements will be extremely simple. and all that would be
immediately required is quite temporary accommodationfor three,
while we prepare our own quarters. Untill these are ready, we
nced not live as a group if there should be any difficulties in
the way, and the arrival of the religious could be deferred untild
then.
Wou may feel however that even with these provisions made
our presence in your Vicariate would involve you in more that you
Mould wish to undertake, and that you would prefers that we sougMt
shelter elsewhere. in which case I shall fudly understand and ae our requirements will be extremely simple, and all that would be
immediately required is quite temporary accommodationfor three
while we prepare our own quarters.Untill these are ready, we
nced not live as a group if there should be any difficulties in
the way, and the arrival of the religious could be deferred untild
then.
Wou may feel however that even with these provisions mado
our presence in your Vicariate would involve you in more that yom
rould mish te undertshe, and that you moudld prefers that me scnsEt
shelter elsewhere. in which case I shall fully understand and ae
cept your decisionwith regret but with a sincere feeling of gratit
ude for the consideration you have shown for us.
I should, however be grateful for an imnmediate and definite
reply by cable as to whether these of us might sail by the boat (
Acavins on the
which would enable us to reach Calabar
Your Sister Mary has sust been home for a week and found
Ald we M at home cl. and Garcsa is as hanoy as sassible at Cancete
In union of prayer in the hearts of Jesus and Mary.
I remain,
Yours Wery sincerely and gratefud child

AI CLEANED TEXT

Dear Monsignor Moynach, Very many thanks indeed for your very welcome letter and for writing so fully. Of course, your decision came as a disappointment to us, but we appreciate the grounds which determined you, and are very grateful for the goodwill that you have for the future of our Society. It is a matter of great regret to me that my letter by air mail to you was necessarily so hurried and incomplete. If I had had time, I should have given you a full account of the circumstances in which our decision was reached. You know how difficult it is to give a picture of these things in a letter, especially when they are very complicated and involve a number of people. And unfortunately, the priests from whom you might have expected to learn about the circumstances, in fact, knew nothing of them. I am afraid my letter merely stressed the necessity for immediate action without fully explaining the reasons for it and did little to show how much I foresaw your practical difficulties. As to the explanations, I feel if I had succeeded in giving you an adequate account of these circumstances in which our decision was reached, you would have agreed with all who have advised me in full knowledge of the circumstances. As to ways and means, I should have liked to have relieved you of a great deal of the responsibilities that you must have felt at the prospect of accepting us so unconditionally. May I try to do this now? I wish humbly to ask of you a further favor, which is to reconsider your decision at least to the extent of accepting two members with myself in January 1957, in light of the following considerations: a) The erection of M.M.M. into a religious Society is absolutely requisite. If this is to be in your Vicariate, the visitation of His Excellency, Monsignor Riberi, will providentially permit this to be done with the minimum delay and with the least trouble to yourself. b) Our present indeterminate status makes all progress difficult. You would have agreed with all who have advised me in full knowledge.

It is impossible. We cannot elicit sympathy or support. It is difficult to recruit suitable and qualified members, and it becomes more clear each day that it would be extremely undesirable to attempt to live a corporate life in Dublin even this year. It is not merely a question of risking loss of opportunities and vocations. In spite of our retirement at Glenstal and our discretion, something is known of our aims and intentions. In our present position, we cannot give any public account of ourselves, and there is a very real danger that the attitude may be adopted towards us that will be misinformed and perhaps unsympathetic. What I have to propose to your consideration appears to me to be the resolution of difficulties on both sides. Three of us with the "buona religiosa" will, with the faculties that have been afforded us from Rome, be sufficient to start a novitiate. Monsignor Riberi has very kindly taken steps to secure a Religious for us. To take first the practical aspects of this proposal, there is the question of my health. I feel I must take full responsibility for myself, having consulted competent advice on this matter. My delicate health is a precious gift from God and I believe He will, by acting with humility according to the doctor's advice and using great care and discretion, bring me through the time that is absolutely necessary for me to remain personally in Africa. There can be no holding back once the offering has been made; risks must be taken when things are necessary to accomplish God's will. So I take full responsibility for my health and will have full instructions from the doctor as to all that is humanly possible to help me during the coming year. There is the secondary question of maintenance. I think it only just, owing to our being unable to do active work for you during our years of novitiate, that we support ourselves—using the funds I had saved for the house in Dublin, trusting in God's loving providence for our future needs.

There is further the point which you raise as to the qualification of our members, a point which I have always held to be of paramount importance. The difficulty is that during the required spiritual year, our members will not be able to act in a qualified capacity. Now there seems to be really less waste of time in the end if a number of us were to undergo this novitiate as soon as possible because the status we shall thereby acquire will enable us much more easily to recruit qualified doctors and nurses, and it will be possible to staff the hospital with these, withdrawing them in turn as qualified and professed members are ready to take their places. On the other hand, if our year of novitiate is postponed for another twelve months, we shall continue to encounter our present difficulties in recruiting due to the uncertainty of our position, and our members who will have qualified in the meantime will have to retire for a further year in order to undergo their novitiate. At the end of the novitiate of the first group professed, two members having their C.W.B. certificate will have been professed and ready for work in the hospital as religious. I myself shall at last be in a position to interest people in the work, recruit suitable subjects, and financial assistance, and establish a novitiate for the qualified subjects to enter. And to refer again to my health, please do not think that because of the confidence I have expressed in the Providence of God, I have quite neglected considerations of prudence. In fact, the proposed step appears to me to be one which would enable me to do the maximum for M.M.M. with the least possible strain on my physical resources. I only wish that it was possible to discuss all these matters with you personally. There is so much to consider that it seems a hopeless task to attempt by correspondence with its delays and the likelihood of misunderstandings. You can well imagine how anxious I am to have things definitely fixed as to going or not, as I have so many girls on my hands. You will, I know, appreciate the complexities of my position. I have the responsibility of arranging the immediate future of the members in the midst of a host of practical difficulties, and I have to take care that no step is taken which would endanger the ultimate interests of the work while taking into full account and consideration the convenience of all whose promise of assistance has done so much to encourage me. I should certainly have been appalled at the difficulties if I had not been able to count on the advice of good friends, and especially on that of Their Excellencies the Nuncio and Monsignor Riberi. As you see, I really want to ask the minimum of you, and merely that you allow us to have our domicile for this vital year in your Vicariate. Please do not bother very much about accommodation, as we shall be able to provide this for ourselves, and our requirements will be extremely simple. All that would be immediately required is quite temporary accommodation for three, while we prepare our own quarters. Until these are ready, we need not live as a group if there should be any difficulties in the way, and the arrival of the religious could be deferred until then. You may feel, however, that even with these provisions made, our presence in your Vicariate would involve you in more than you would wish to undertake, and that you would prefer that we sought shelter elsewhere. In which case, I shall fully understand and accept your decision with regret but with a sincere feeling of gratitude for the consideration you have shown us. I should, however, be grateful for an immediate and definite reply by cable as to whether three of us might sail by the boat leaving on the *** Your Sister Mary has just been home for a week and found all well at home. Clara is as happy as possible at Convent. In union of prayer in the hearts of Jesus and Mary, I remain, Yours very sincerely and grateful child

Acknowledging instructions of Congregation

AI CLEANED TEXT

My Lord Cardinal,

The instructions issued by this Sacred Congregation to Religious Institutes of Women on February 11th, 1936, has afforded great joy and encouragement to those who realize from their own experience the urgent need of making more adequate provision for the care of mothers and children in pagan lands. After several years of active Missionary work in Africa and a careful study of the whole delicate question, I have long desired to take part in the forme

qualified doctor. one fourth-year medical student intending to join when qualified, and five other candidates, including one qualified nurse, are considering joining.

From the outset our little Society has striven, not only that its members should be fully qualified as doctors and nurses, but also that they should be thoroughly imbued with the spirit of their holy vocation. For the provision of the spiritual safeguarding of our members, we have been able, thanks to the benevolence of His Grace the Archbishop of Cashel, to put ourselves, since 1934, for our spiritual formation under the direction of the Benedictine Fathers in Glenstal Priory, Murroe, Limerick.

A member of the Community was appointed as Spiritual Director, and has instructed the members in the obligations of the religious life, and more particularly in the spirit and work of the future Institute, directing them in the practice of religious virtue.

With regard to the financial aspect of our undertaking, we have hitherto been self-supporting, having an income of £250 per annum, the pension of one of our members, and a sum of £1000, first contribution to building fund. The generous contributions of the Irish people may be relied upon as soon as the work will have received official sanction from the Apostolic See, when it is our intention to start burses for training expenses.

Eventually, dowries and pensions of candidates will be received. From the Mission field, we shall have financial support from the Vicars Apostolic, salaries from the Government for our qualified doctors and nurses, and Government grants for the hospitals.

As for the prospects of our missionary work, Mons. Moynagh, prefect Apostolic of Calabar, has a Hospital awaiting our first unit, which will be ready to

ation of a new Society which, while embracing all branches of medical assistance, would, in imitation of Our Lady's visitation to St. Elizabeth, be dedicated more specially to maternity cases—a project which seems to conform exactly to the desire of this Sacred Congregation.

Actuated by the same motives, a number of Irish women have joined with me in dedicating their lives to the spiritual and bodily succour of their sisters in missionary countries. This group at present consists of two certified midwives, one of whom is a fully-trained nurse, two members, having completed time of probation and spiritual year, leaving for maternity training in the National Maternity Hospital this spring, having first taken private vows. Other members are being spiritually formed and tested with the view of being trained technically. One A

ORIGINAL OCR TEXT
M Lord Cardinal,
Ahs inetructione issueb by this Lacreq
Lonerepation to Keligious etatutions of Women on
Fepruary Llch., 1036, nas afforded orcat soy anq
Encouragoment to those who realize from thcir om
Erperiencs the ursent nesd of making mors adeouate
provision for the care of mothers and childrem im
Dgam lands. AGter several years of active Missionary
Mork in Africe snd a crcful study of the whcle dclicate
Aucstion, have lons desircd to take sart in the forme

Aualified doctor. one Courcheyaar madical student in-
Lending to scim when qualificd. and Cive other candidates,
Including one qualified nurse, are considering scining.
Irom the outset our litvle Society has striven,
not ondy that irs members snouls Se Sully qualiticd as
Aoctors and nurscs, but alse chat thoy should be thoromehdy
imbued wich the spirit of their holy vocation.For the
provision of the spirituol safepuarding of our memberS.
We have bcen able, thanks to the benevolence of Mis GracE
the Archbichop of Cashel,(to put oursclves, since 1084,
for our epicitual formation under the direction of the
Benedrctins fatmere in Caenetal Eriory, Aurroe, Limerick.
A mamber of the Commity wae appoined as Spiritual
Dircctor, and Has instpucted the members in the oblige
Aticne of the raligious 1ile, and more pamticularly in the
Sbirit and worke of the Suture Ioecitute, directing the
19 the practite of religious virtuE-
MitB repard to the financial aspect of our umder-
Laking, we have hicherte Seem sclf-supporting, Having ar
Income of 2250 per annum, the pension of one ofour
Mebers, and a oum of 1000, first concribution to building
fund. he seneroue contributions of the irish people mas
De rclicd upon as scon. as the work will Have rccclved
Ssficial sanctiom from the Apostolic Sce, when it is our
Imtention to start burses for training exDenses.
Mventually, domrias and pensions of candidates wili Be
reccived. om che Mssion ficld, we shall have financial
Support from che Wicars Apostolic, salaries from the
Hovermmont (or our cualificd doctore and hurecs, and
Hovernment grants for the hospitale.
He for the proepecte of our miesionary MorES
Hons. Moynach, presect Apostolic of Calabar, Has s Hos.
Sitad amadtins our arst unit, Mich sil se ready to
Ation of a new Society waich, while amoracime all
branches of medical acsistance, would, in imitation o2
Dur lady's weitaciom to St.micabeth, be dedicated
more specialiy to maternity cascse a prosect thich scemo
1o conform exactly to the dcsire of this sacred Con.
Sresation.
Actuated My/ the same Motives, & nanber o2
mrieh women have icined wich me in dedicating thciD
Lives to the epirituol and bodily succour of thcir
Listers in missionary couptrias. This group at
prepent consists of two certified midwives, one on
mhom is & Sudly-trainod nurse, two members, HavinG
complcted time of wronation and spiritual year. icawire
for matomity troinine i the Mational Matermitr
Moepital this srdng. Having irot taken private womo
Sther membors are being spiritualdy Cored and teSteG
Mich the wie oA Scine LrAined tocnoieLe One A

About a letter ready to be typed up on Glenstal headed paper.

...

Letter from Maredsous (The Abbey from which Glenstal was founded). Relating to the debt of Glenstal.

ROUGH TRANSCRIPTION

Mon Reverend et cher Pere, Ayant recu ces jours derniers le releve de compte ac nos clercs au Mont-Cesar, s'ai constate qu'on nous avait porte en compte les menas frais et la pension du Fr. Bermard de Glenstal pendant l'annee scolaire 1935a7936. J'ai cru bien faire, pour wous faciliter les operations, de payer directe- ments au MontCesar 1a somme de 3.464,60 trs dont je debite votre compte, Venillez trouver cisjoint 1greleve de compte de wos clercs et novices a Maredsons, d'avril 1955 a aodt 1956. Le montant s'eleve a la somme de 21.334,99, en y asone tant celui de l'annee precedente que vous n'avez pas encore Solde, votre debit chez nous se monte a 39.10t,89 FrS. 11 y a an an wous maviez demande a'attendre jusqa'a La fin de l'annee pour vous acquitter de votre dette, a cette echeance wous m'avez fait dire par le Pere Abbe que vous at tendiez des rentrees d'eleves, si Je ne me trompe. d'espere que cellesaci wous seront parvennes et que vous pourrez cette Jois nous faire parvenir le montant du releve cisjoint. Cela nous sonlagera grandement, car vous savez que nous avons dd, de notre cote, emprunter l'argent depense fef vos clercs et novices. Vous constaterez que sur ce frelever, ie vous ai porte en compte les disques, a 1a demande de Dom Paul. 11 est bien entendu que je suis toujours a wotre dise position pour vous fournir toutes les explications necessaires en vue de sustifier chacun des postes, une erreur peut se Blisser malgre la toute bonne volonte d'un chacun. Je regrette de ne devoir correspondre aveo wous que pour vous faire parvenir des rdouloureusesr, c'est 1a fatalite de la fonction du Cellerier. Cela niempeche pas celuici d'etre anime des sentiments tout sraternels a 1'egard de ses chers confreres de Glenstal.

AI TRANSLATION
My Reverend and Dear Father, Having received the account statement regarding our clerics at Mont-César recently, I noticed that the board and tuition fees for Brother Bernard from Glenstal during the school year 1935-1936 were charged to us. To simplify matters for you, I thought it best to pay the sum of 3,464.60 francs directly to Mont-César, which I have debited from your account. Please find enclosed the account statement for our clerics and novices at Maredsous, from April 1955 to August 1956. The total amounts to 21,334.99 francs, including the previous year's amount that you have not yet settled. Your balance with us, therefore, amounts to 39,104.89 francs. About a year ago, you asked me to wait until the end of the year for you to settle your debt. At that time, the Father Abbot informed me that you were expecting income from students, if I am not mistaken. I hope that these funds have indeed materialized for you and that you can send us the amount from the enclosed statement this time. This would greatly ease our situation, as you know, we have had to borrow money on our side for your clerics and novices. You will notice that on this statement, at Dom Paul's request, I have also included the records. Please know that I am always at your disposal to provide you with any necessary explanations to justify each item; an error can creep in despite everyone's best intentions. I regret that my correspondence with you is limited to sending you these "painful" reminders, as it seems to be the fate of the bursar's role. Nevertheless, I remain filled with fraternal sentiments towards my dear brothers at Glenstal.

General letter from Leesons street from MMM

...

AI CLEANED TEXT

How attentive is the Loving Providence! Overcrowded train compartment is a badly fitted place for reflection, and I landed last night at Boher without any definite idea about the talks we had with Bishop Shanahan and Mgr Bearzotti. But, on arriving, I found that my letter of Friday was probably still on the way, for nobody... say no trap was there — and I had a lovely walk in the calm, mild night, under a milky sky, which gave light enough to find the way, and kept altogether the dear recollection of the resting nature. I had so an hour and a half to pray and think, and the conclusion is that the idea of Mgr Bearzotti is perhaps the best.

Some ten years ago, as I suppose Fr Gerard told you, a congregation of Benedictine Oblates was founded at Maredsous, for the purpose of ensuring a religious staff to the both Schools (Secondary, and Artcrafts). We met opposition in Rome, who refused to authorize a new congregation, and imposed to our Sisters obligation to join an old one; they went first to make novitiate with the Oblates of Heverle (suburb of Louvain), after some years, a new foundation was made by Heverle in Maredsous, and they sent a Superioress of theirs, and also a Mistress of novices, and our Sisters made henceforth their novitiate in Maredsous, under the authority, of course, of those two, but the actual direction was totally in the hands of the Fr Director. And, last year, the new foundation, having already a good number of perpetual professed, was separated from Heverle, and erected as a special congregation, under His Grace the Bishop of Namur.

I am sure we could go on similar lines, and without the same difficulties, as the Holy See invites the existant Orders — say S. Benedict's — to form special separated branches for the new Medical work in Missions.

So, I would send an address of thanksgiving, as I told you, but, by the hands of Dom Pierre Bastien, a renowned Canonist, and our Procurator in Rome. The address would mention that some Irish Girls, longing for some time for such work, and preparing themselves in the spirit of S. Benedict, and under guidance of his sons, ask for the Blessing of the Holy Father, and are ready to follow the lines traced in the recent Act of the S.C. de Propaganda Fide.

In the same time, I shall write to Maredsous, and ask for a complete exposition of what was done to obtain approval; and altogether, for kind communication of the Rules, as we use to call them Constitutions, because the Rule is that of S. Benedict, adapted by the foresaid Constitutions.

I shall write also to an American Abbot, my old friend, and ask him for very particulars about the so numerous houses of Benedictine Nuns, who live a very busy life in Schools and Colleges, Academies of Art and Hospital over the whole of United States. Their Constitutions would be a great help on resolving many problems, as by instances the question of Divine Office.

For the Constitutions of America and Maredsous, I write immediately. For D. Pierre Bastien, I expect the advice of His Excellency the Nuncio. But better I think to avoid long delays, and, as soon as you can give me a word about, I write to Rome, to know how Fr Bastien will understand the whole business. I know him personally (he is a monk of Maredsous) and acted always very friendly with Him. Then we shall draft the address — may the Holy Ghost inspire us.

Just to-day, I see a little magazine, published by a new society of Missionaries — the inspiration of whom came from my brother — on Medical aid begun in An Kuo, the town where was founded the first monastery of men and of women founded by my brother, at the request of his Chinese Bishop. I should send it, but it is written in French. If it can help you, I will have it translated into English and sent over.

The boys received me, not only well, but heartily, and expressed me already two or three times, that it was far better when I am here... Were it possible to give them all what I have in the heart, but has to pass by the mouth, and is met by the horrible barrier of the language!

Your daughters delighted to hear that things are going ahead, and that your regretted absence means good work for M.M.M.

Dear Christopher was not the last to say his pleasure to have me again. He is in "great trouble" about his weekly letter. "Miss Martin is in Dublin, and I don't know where to find the address of Mummy." Of course he thinks he had it, but the trouble is to know where he put it.

Graces and happiness must be bought by crosses. I found here a letter of Archbishop Harty, recalling Fr Ryan immediately. He must be on duty on Saturday next, and His Grace wants him to be in Thurles a few days previously, to take instruction from his predecessor in the College. This is a bad stroke. Pray Our Dear Lord to give me light and help, and to love Him every day more, and more sincerely — since to those who love God all helps to good.

Best remembrances to your dear mother, and our so kind — and [patient?] — last "chauffeur".

May the blessing of God rest on you, and foster the saint work you associate me to,

ORIGINAL OCR

Hom attentiwe is the Koving Providence ( Owescrowed traip compartiment
is a bad fitted Slace to rSSexion, and I landed last pight at Boher without
Any definite idea about the taiks we had with Bishop shanaham and Mgr Bear-
7otti. But,on arriving, I found that my letter of Mriday was probablw atii
1p way,for aobody. ..say no trap was thete - aad E had a Movely walte ip the
calr,mild sight,under a milky sky,which gave light enough to find the way,
And Kept altogether the dear recollection of the reating nature. I had so
Am hour and a half to pray and think, and the conclusion. is that the idea oR
Mgc Rearotti is perhaps the best.
Some ten years ago, as I supbose Er Gerard told you,a co gregation of Ben
Sdictine Oblates was founded at Haredsous, for the purpose of enaurimg a re)d
igious staff to the both Schools (Gecondary,and Artcrafts). we met opbosition
In Rome, who refused to authorize a new corregatior, and imposed to our Gis-
ter obligatiop to joit ap o1d one,they went forst to make nowitiate with the
Abdates of Heverle (suburb of Kouvaind, after some years,a nem Coudatior waR
made by Hewerle in Maredsous, and they sent a Superioress of theirs,and also
A Mistress of novices, and our Sisters made henceforth their nowitiate ip Me
redaous,under the authority,of course of those two, but the actua) direction
Me totaddy is the hands of the Fr Director. And,last wvear, the re fouadato
Havirg already a gaod number of perpetual profesRes, was GeparateS FTOm Hevon
Ae,and erected as s ssecial congregation,under His Grace the Bishos of Hamu
I am sure we could go op similar lines,and without the same difficultier,
As the Holy See ivites the existant Orders - say S.Benedict's - to Eori spo
cial separated branches Cor tho pow Modical worl iD Misaions
Ao, E would send ap adress ot tharkegiving, as f told you, but, Hy tho
hands of Bom Pierre Bastien. o renomb Csnorist,and our Brocurator ir Rome.
the address wonld mentione that some Mrish Girls,(onging for aometies for
Aucb work. and preparing themselves in the spirit of S.Benedict,and under
puidance of hie sons,ask Cor the Blessing of the Koly Father,and are readr
to foldow the libes traced ip the recent Act of the S.C.de Propagands wide.
In the same time, T shail write to Maredsous,and ask for a completo expo-
Sitiop of what was dome to obtaip approwal s and altogether,Cor kind comurM.
catio o6 the Rhles a we use to cal them C hstitutions, Hecause the Role 10
that of O.Benedict,adapted by the foresaid Constitutions.
3 shald write also to ap Americap Abbot, my cld friend,and ask him for r
Ery particulars ahont the so numerous douses of Benddictine Nuns,who (ive al
wery busy 1ife ip Achools and Coldeges,Academies of Art and Hospital owor
the whole of United States. Their Consitutions would be a great help om rosol
wing many probleme,as by instances the question of Sivine office.
Mor the Constitutions of America and Haredsous, M write immediatoly. for
D.Pierre Bastien,I expect the advice of His Mxcellence the Mur tio. But betten

I thipk to avoid Mong delavs, and,as soon as you cap give me a word ab.
Sut, I write to Home, to tnow how Fr Basticon will understand the whoMe
business. I Enor him personaly Jhe is a monk of Maredsous) ard acted al
Hays verw Eriendly with Him.1 Then we shall draft the address - mway the
Holw Chast inspire us.
Juat to day, I see a (ittie magazine, published by a new society of
Miscionaries - the ispitatiop of whom came from my rother - op Medic-
Al aid begup ip Ap kuo, the tomo where was founded the first monastorw
of mem and ot women founded by may brother,at the reduest of his Chinese
Bishop. ( shonld send it,but it is writtep ip french. 15 it car help
Nou, I widd have if translated into english and sent over.
3he boye received me,not only well,but heartily,and expresaed me al-
readw two or three tines, that is was far better wher I am here ...i Mero
At possible to give the a11 what I have ib the heart, Sut has to paso
My the mouth, and is Meot by the horrible barrier of the languaget
Your daughters delighted to hear that thipge are going ahead, and tia
Mour regretted alsence mesns goed work for M.M.M.
Dear Christopher was not the last to say his plcasure to hawe me ag
Ain. He is ir "great trouble' about his weetly letter. "iiae Martip ic
in Sublin, and Edont know where to find the address of MumMy O5 CourRe
Re thirdta Me Had if, bat the taomlde is to dom whera dae out id
Gracss and haopineas muet be Hought by crosses. ( Cound here a Jetten
oE Archbichop Harty,recalding Mr Ryap immediately. He must be oa duty ro
Paturdny next, and His Grace wants hdm to be ir Thurles a fer davs prowe
Aouslw, to take instruction from his predecessor in the Coldege. mhis ia
5 had atroke. Araw our dear Mord to giwe me light and help, and to 1owo
himm every day more, and more sincerely - since to those who Lowe Codsalg
Helps to good.
Lact "chauffeug
Hest remembrances to your dear mother, and our so kind - and pee
Mav the bleasing of God rast on you,and foster the sait worE
sou asasciate me to,

Letter in Italian.

AI CLEANED AND TRANSLATED

Cleaned Italian Text

[DRAFT 1]

Eminenza Reverendissima,
[L025ou 2e/450 - Archival Reference]

Da due o tre anni alcune signorine irlandesi, con a capo la Signorina Maria Martin, di stimatissima famiglia cattolica di Dublino, si sono messe insieme nell'intento di iniziare una Società per l'assistenza medicale in terra di missioni, specie per i bambini e le madri. Le Signorine hanno già cominciato a provvedersi di qualche titolo presso le Facoltà di Medicina e Ostetricia per questo scopo.

Bramando di premettere una soda formazione spirituale, esse si sono rivolte all'Ordine di San Benedetto, di cui apprezzano la Regola e lo spirito, e ricevono nel nostro Priorato di Glenstal istruzione e direzione. Parecchie di esse hanno già passato uno o più anni in questi esercizi, i quali in qualche modo equivalgono a quelli di un regolare noviziato.

L'appello, contenuto nella recente Istruzione della S.C. de Propaganda Fide, che mira alla creazione di nuovi Istituti per le Missioni, è apparso loro un incoraggiamento e quasi un'approvazione della Provvidenza ai loro sforzi. E' per questo che la Signorina Martin ha pensato di rivolgere a Vostra Eminenza la qui unita rispettosa Petizione, che io mi permetto di raccomandare, convinto che le richiedenti siano mosse da sincero zelo per le anime e che desiderino seriamente di mettere a base delle loro future attività una solida formazione spirituale adeguata ai pericoli dell'opera di carità a cui mirano.

La Signorina Martin espose il suo progetto a S.E. il Nunzio Apostolico e fu accolta con benevolo interessamento.

Chino al bacio della Sacra Porpora, mi Professo...

[DRAFT 2]

Eminenza

Da due o tre anni si sono incontrate in Irlanda qualche signorine che, sotto l'influenza della Signorina Marie Martin, di stimatissima famiglia cattolica Dublinese, mirano ad iniziare una opera medicale nelle Missioni, specialmente l'ostetricia colle operazioni chirurgiche e trattazioni che essa importa per la cura delle madri e dei bimbi.

Bramando una soda formazione spirituale, anzi religiosa, si sono tornate verso l'Ordine di S. Benedetto di cui apprezzano la Regola e lo spirito — e ricevono in nostro Priorato di Glenstal, nella diocesi di Cashel, istruzione e direzione. Parecchie hanno già compiuto un anno e più in questi esercizi, che valgono, a dire il vero, quelli di un noviziato regolare e canonico.

La pubblicazione dell'Istruzione della S.C. di Propaganda [corrispose] sì esattamente il loro desiderio, che le è parso l'appello della Provvidenza a realizzare l'opera per cui si erano radunate.

Oggi, quindi, si rivolgono alla S. Sede per intermezzo della V. Eminenza, cui indirizzano una rispettosa supplica. La quale vorrei appoggiare di tutto quel che posso, confermando alla V.E. la stima che ci ha ispirato il loro spirito di zelo e religioso fervore, di umiltà e soprannaturale docilità, loro intelligenza della necessità di una vita nascosta e dedicata alla preghiera ed alla formazione spirituale prima di incontrare i pericoli della opera di carità a cui mirano.

E mi confermo
Della Sua Eminenza Ill.ma Rev.ma
ubbidientissimo ed umilissimo per servirla

(L.S.) D. Beda LEBBE O.S.B.
Priore del monastero dei
Ss. Giuseppe e Columba in
Glenstal, Murroe, Co Limerick
Irlanda
English Translation

[DRAFT 1]

Most Reverend Eminence,

For two or three years, some Irish young ladies, headed by Miss Maria Martin, of a highly esteemed Catholic family in Dublin, have gathered together with the intent of initiating a Society for medical assistance in mission lands, especially for children and mothers. The young ladies have already begun to provide themselves with some qualifications at the Faculties of Medicine and Obstetrics for this purpose.

Desiring to premise a solid spiritual formation, they turned to the Order of St. Benedict, whose Rule and spirit they appreciate, and they are receiving instruction and direction in our Priory of Glenstal. Several of them have already spent one or more years in these exercises, which in some way are equivalent to those of a regular novitiate.

The appeal, contained in the recent Instruction of the Sacred Congregation for the Propagation of the Faith (Propaganda Fide), which aims at the creation of new Institutes for the Missions, appeared to them as an encouragement and almost an approval of Providence for their efforts. It is for this reason that Miss Martin thought to address to Your Eminence the enclosed respectful Petition, which I permit myself to recommend, convinced that the applicants are moved by sincere zeal for souls and that they seriously desire to place as a basis for their future activities a solid spiritual formation adequate to the dangers of the work of charity at which they aim.

Miss Martin exposed her project to His Excellency the Apostolic Nuncio and was received with benevolent interest.

Bowing to kiss the Sacred Purple, I profess myself...

[DRAFT 2]

Eminence

For two or three years there have met in Ireland a few young ladies who, under the influence of Miss Marie Martin, of a highly esteemed Catholic Dublin family, aim to initiate a medical work in the Missions, especially obstetrics with the surgical operations and treatments that it imports for the care of mothers and babies.

Desiring a solid spiritual formation, indeed a religious one, they turned toward the Order of St. Benedict whose Rule and spirit they appreciate — and they receive instruction and direction in our Priory of Glenstal, in the diocese of Cashel. Several have already completed a year and more in these exercises, which are worth, to tell the truth, those of a regular and canonical novitiate.

The publication of the Instruction of the S.C. of Propaganda [corresponded] so exactly to their desire, that it appeared to them the appeal of Providence to realize the work for which they had gathered.

Today, therefore, they turn to the Holy See through the medium of Your Eminence, to whom they address a respectful supplication. Which I would like to support with all I can, confirming to Your Eminence the esteem which their spirit of zeal and religious fervor has inspired in us, of humility and supernatural docility, their understanding of the necessity of a hidden life dedicated to prayer and to spiritual formation before encountering the perils of the work of charity at which they aim.

And I confirm myself
Of Your Most Illustrious and Reverend Eminence
The most obedient and humble servant

(L.S.) Dom Beda LEBBE O.S.B.
Prior of the monastery of
Ss. Joseph and Columba in
Glenstal, Murroe, Co Limerick
Ireland

ORIGINAL OCR TEXT

Ainenza Reverendissima,
L025ou 2e/450
2
Da due o tre anni alcune signorine trlsndesi, con a capo
da Signorina maria Martin, di stimatissima fammiglia cattolica
di Dublino, si sono messe insieme nellintento di iniziare una
Societa per l'assistenza medicale in terna di missioni, specie
Iper i bambini e le madri. Le Signorine Hanno gia cominciato a
49
2
2
prowvedersi di qualche titolo presso le Facolta di Medicina e Oste
trica per questo scopo.
Bramando di premettere una soda formazione spirituale, esse sl
Sono rivolte alloraine a sap Senedemto, az cui apbremano 1o
Regole e 1o spirito, e riceveno nel nostro Priorato di Glenstal
istruzione e direzione. Parecchie di esse hanno gia passato uno
o piu anni in questi esercizii, i quali in qualche modo equivalgong
a quelli di un regolare noviziato.
L'appello, contenuto nella recente Istruzdone della s.C. de
Propaganda Fide, e che mira alla creazione di nuovi 1stituti per
le Missioni, e apparso loro un incoraggiamento e quasi un'approvazione
della Frowvidenza ai Loro sforzi. M' per questo che la Signorina
Martin ha pensato di rivolgere a vostra Muinenza la qui unita rispet.
tosa Petizione, che io mi permetto di raccomandare, convinto che
le richicdenti sieno mosse da sincero zelo per le anime e che
desiderino seriamente di mettere a base delle loro future attivita
una solida formazione spirituale adeguata ai pericoli dell opera
di cacita, a cui mirano,
La signorina Martin espose il suo progetto a S.M. il Nunzio
Apostolico e fu accolta con benevolo interessamento,
Chino al bacio dellg
Bacra Porpora, mi Professq

Eminenza
Da due o tre ahpi si sone rincontrate in Erlanda qualche siL
gnorine che, sotto Minfluenza della Signorina Marie Martin, di
Stimatissima famtlia cattolica Soblinese,mirano ad iniziare una
opera medicale nelle Missiopi,specialmente 1'ostetricale colle
operazioni chirurgiche e trattazioni che essa importa per la cu-
ra delle madri e dei bbmbi.
Bramahdo una soda formazione spirituale, anzi relbgiosa, si
sono torhate verso MOrdine di S.Benedetto di c ui apprezzano 1a
Regola e 1o spirito - e ricevono in nostro Priorato di Glenstal,
nella diocesi di Cashel,iAtruzione e direzione. Parecchie hanno
Rid compiuto un anno e pid ip questi esercizi,che valgono, a dise
4l vero,quelli di up noviziato regolare e canopico.
La pubblicazione dell'Istruzione della S.C.di Propaganda cerpoa
Sl esattamente il 1oro desiderio,che le e parso Mappello della
Prowwidenza a rcalzzare 1'opera per cui si erano riadunate.
Ogzi,quindi,si rivolgono alla S.Sede per intermezzo della V.
Bminenza,cui indirizzano una rispettosa supplica. La Quale vorre E
Appoggiare di tutto quel che posso,confermando alla V.E. la sti
ma che ci Ha ispirato il Loro spirito di zelo e religioso Cervoe
re,di umilta e sovsanaturale deciliti,loro inteldigenga dellAis/
mecessita di una vita nascosa e dedicata alla preghiera ed alla
Kormazione spirituale prima di riscontrare i perigli della opera
ai caritd a cui mirano.
E mi confermo
Hella Sua Eminenza 11l.Ma Rev.ma
ubidientissimo ed umillimo per servirla
Ls.JD. Beda L ES B E O.S.P.
Driore del monastero dei
Ss.Giuseppe e Columba in
Glenstal. Murroe. Co Limericle
I r1 a n d a

...