Thanks for paper on spirit of order.

Pamphlet introducing the Congregation with a note from Msgr Riberi, Archbishop of Dara

AI CLEANED TEXT

The Medical Missionaries of Mary The Society of the Medical Missionaries of Mary was founded in response to the appeal made by the late Holy Father, Pope Pius XI (the Pope of the Missions), for new institutes of Sisters to be formed for medical work on the mission field, with special concentration on maternity and child welfare work. The members of the Society are religious with public and perpetual vows, trained according to the common prescriptions of Canon Law and their own special constitutions. As their life is very exposed with much freedom of action for their apostolic work, a solid religious training is provided for the cultivation of a deep interior life. The constitutions have been specifically framed to meet the needs of the new work. The Sisters are animated by the spirit of St. Benedict in a broad spirit of charity, and the professed Sisters are available to serve the sick at any hour of the day or night. Their external religious practices are as unostentatious as possible. The dress worn is a plain professional one, adaptable to varying conditions of time and place. All branches of medical work will be undertaken by the Sisters. They will be specially trained and qualified as doctors, dentists, and in other medical fields.

Professional Proficiency Their mission field is vast, and more and more professional members and young subjects with suitable education to train in the various branches of medicine are needed. The requirements for admission to the Society are those laid down by Canon Law and the Constitutions. In April 1952, the Society was erected into a Religious Congregation by the Most Rev. Mgr. Moynagh, Prefect Apostolic of Calabar, Southern Nigeria. On the Feast of the Nativity, 1953, the Sisters took charge of St. Luke's Hospital, Anua, Southern Nigeria. This hospital has 130 beds, a well-equipped theatre, and a dispensary, treating hundreds of patients daily. Dispensary work is undertaken in different mission field areas. In January 1954, the House of Studies was established at Rosemount, Booterstown, Co. Dublin, with the approval of His Grace Dr. Byrne, Archbishop of Dublin. At the end of the same year, the Novitiate of the Society was opened in Co. Louth by His Eminence Cardinal MacRory, Primate of All Ireland, in the presence of His Excellency the Apostolic Nuncio, Most Rev. Paschal Robinson. At the request of the Ecclesiastical Authorities, they are taking charge of The Hospital of Our Lady of Lourdes in Drogheda. Mother Mary has accepted the gracious offer of the Rev. Mgr. O'Callaghan, Archdeacon of Drogheda, to build her Novitiate on the same site, which is hoped to be completed within the next year, when the novices will be transferred from Collon. These works are a great drain on the personnel as well as the finances of a young Society. Vocations are urgently needed. As soon as Mary heard of her cousin St. Elizabeth's hour of need, the Gospel tells us that "rising up in those days, she went into the hill country with haste, into the city of Judea." We are confident that this call will sound in the hearts of many young Catholic women of Ireland and other lands who have heard of the pressing needs of so many women and children in the pagan countries, and they must be anxious to help Our Lady to bring Christ to those suffering mothers and to help her make Christ known to the pagan children. Our Lady brought Christ to St. Elizabeth; the Medical Missionaries of Mary prepare the way for Christ's coming through the ministry of His priests. Money is also needed to meet the material expenses of such an undertaking and to keep our hospitals and dispensaries in the condition required for scientific and efficient work. But the great need is for constant and fervent prayer. Men and women not themselves able to go on to the missions are asked to assist by prayers and alms to help Mary, Queen of Peace, in bringing the light of Christ's peace to pagan lands, rescuing innumerable mothers and children, and forming truly Catholic homes through the Medical and Social Services of the Medical Missionaries of Mary. A confident appeal is made to the cloistered nuns, and to the sick and suffering in hospitals and in their homes, to help the Sisters of the Medical Missionaries of Mary through their prayers and generous offering of their suffering. All may join in the work in the same spirit of Apostolic Charity. Prayer for Vocations Mary, Mother of God, Mediatrix of Grace, we humbly beseech thee to intercede with thy Divine Son for an increase of devoted handmaids who, renouncing the world to embrace a life of Poverty, Chastity, and Obedience, will spend themselves in the service of God for the sick and suffering, as Medical Missionaries of Mary, for God's greater glory, their own sanctification, and the salvation of souls. "The harvest indeed is great, but the laborers are few. Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that He send forth laborers into His harvest." (St. Matthew 9:37-38). Further inquiries should be communicated with the Mother General of the Society: MOTHER MARY MARTIN, MEDICAL MISSIONARIES OF MARY, ROSEMOUNT, BOOTERSTOWN, DUBLIN. SACRA CONGREGATIO DE PROPAGANDA FIDE, ROME, 16th August 1958. Very Reverend Mother, Your letter of July 31st gave me great pleasure, and I appreciate the expression of gratitude and thanks you address to the Sacred Congregation. I trust that the Novitiate, which is now under consideration, may soon be a consoling reality and give a new impulse to the spirit of charity that distinguishes your community. The news you gave me concerning the work of the Sisters in Africa is indeed welcome, and I take for my own the words of St. Paul: "I have had great joy and consolation in your charity." And I close this letter with the beautiful words of that same great Apostle addressed to the Philippians: "And this I pray, that your charity may more and more abound in knowledge and in all understanding." I pray God to fill you all with His graces, and as an earnest of heavenly favors and a witness of my goodwill, I bless you with all my heart. Yours devotedly in Christ,

From the Letter of Mgr. Riberi: Dear Rev. Mother, This is the first letter I write to you in your capacity as Foundress and Superioress of the new Congregation of Mary's Medical Missionaries. Let me, therefore, begin by expressing my warmest congratulations for having so quickly secured such enthusiastic approval from the Holy See for the new Missionary Congregation. Without a doubt, this wonderful way of granting you an approval that comes so promptly and wholeheartedly from the Holy See has its meaning. It signifies, in addition to the ordinary approval of something good in itself, the supreme importance attached to your undertaking—nay, the pressing urgency of your intended work. It has already been my pleasant duty, after consultation with the Sacred Congregation for Propaganda, to urge the Superiors General of various Missionary Congregations working in this Delegation on the necessity of having Sisters who are fully qualified doctors. During my tours in Africa, I have been privileged to see how much they can do in the mission field. So let me hope that you will be able to prepare many Sister Doctors. But meanwhile, the Irish Missionaries, although working everywhere with wonderful enthusiasm and, in some places, with a great measure of success, are in many parts severely handicapped by two principal factors: having come late into the field and being deprived of Medical Missionaries. You intend, dear Rev. Mother, with a generous heart to make up for this latter deficiency. Let me, therefore, wish you every success in your very timely undertaking. I will not conclude this letter, however, without addressing an earnest appeal to those Irish girls, full of zeal and faith, who, were they to know the wonderful possibilities awaiting them in Mary's Medical Missionaries, would gladly join them. Hoping that this appeal will have a favorable response, I remain, dear Mother Mary, with renewed congratulations. Yours sincerely in Christ, ANT. RIBERI, Archbishop of Dara

OCR ORIGINAL TEXT

The Medical Mismonamcs of Mary
THe Socet ofthe MedicaIMiSMonaresofMary wasfoundedin tesponse
1o thc appcal made by the late Holy Pather, Pope Pius Kl (the Pope of
Mhe Missions), that new instlutes of Sisters be formed for Medical work
on the Mison Acld and with specialconcentraton on Malerniby and Child
Metare Work.
The members ofthe Society are Kelgious wich publc and perpetual
Vows, taincd according to the common prescripuons of Canon Law and of
thcir own spccial consttutions. As their lfe is very cxposed with mnuch
Accdom of achon for thcir Apostolc Work, a sold Relgious taining is
gven for te cultvaton of a dccp interior Lle.
Theconsttudonshave becn specay Hamed tomcctthenccdsofthe ncw
work. The Sisters arc animated by the Spiritof St Benedictin a broad
Spintof Chamty and akow the Prolessed Sisters to be at the service of thc
Mck at any hour of the day or night. Thcir ewiemnal sclgous prachccs
Arc as unostentauous as possible. The dress worn is a plain prokcssonal
one, adaptable to varying condiuons of dme and placc.
AM branches ofMedical work wil be undertaken by the Ssters. They
wil bespccially trained and qualkcd as Doctors, Dendsts, prokcssonal prohcicncy. Thcir Mission Acld is vast and more and more
prokcssional members and young subiccts with suitable cducauon to tain
in thc vamous branchcs of medicine arc nccded. The rcquirements of
Admission to the Socicty arc thosc laid down by Canon Law, and the
Consttudons.
In Apcl 19sz, the Socicy was erccled into a Kelgious Congregaton
by (he MostRev. Mgr. Moynagh. DrckectApomolcofCalabar, Sth. Migena.
On the Feast ofthe Nalivity, 1ozy, the Sisters took charge ofSt. Lukcs
Mospital, Anua, Sth. Migema. hs Hospital has 13o beds and s wel.
cquipped thcatre and dispensary, at which hundreds of pabents arc teated
daly. Dispensary workis undertakenin diWercntarcason the Mision Held.
In fanuary, 1ozS, Me Mouse of Studics was cstabhshed at Roscmount,
Bootcrstown, Co. Dublin, with the approval of His Grace Dr. BYrnc,
Archbishop of Dublin. in the cnd of the same ycar the Noviuatc of hc
Socicty was opcned in Co. Louth by His Emincnce Cardinal MacKory,
PHmate ofAIrcland, andin the presence ofHis Ercckeney The Apomokc
Nuncio, Most Rev. Paschal Robinson. At the rcqucst of the Ecclcsiasuc
Authombcs they are taking charge ofThe Hospitalof Our Lady ofHourdes
In Droghcda. Mother Mary has accepted the gracious ofer of the Rev.
Mgr. O'Cakaghan, Archdcacon of Drogheda, to buid her Novidatc on (hc
samc ste wiuchitishoped will be completed within te nerlycar, when the
Nowices willbe tansterrcd Kom Colon. Thcse works arc agrcatdrain on
te personnc) as wcl as the Ananccs of a young Socicty. Vocadons arc
urgenlly nccdcd.
As soon as Mary hcard of hcr cousin St. Elzabeths hour of nced, te
Gospcl tels us that " rising upin thosc days, she wentinto the hil country
with hastc, into the city of Judca. We are conkdent that this cal wilI
sound in the hearts ofmany young Cathokc women ofIrcland and ofother
Mands who have hcard of te pressing nccds ofso many women and children
In the pagan countmes, and tey must be anvous tohelp Our Lady to brng
Chrst to those sufering mothers, and to help her to make Christknown to
Me pagan children. OurLady broughtChrist oSt. Elzabeth, the Mcdical
Mismonanes of Mary prepare te way of Chnsts coming thcough Mhe
minisry of His priests.
Moncyisalonceded tomcetthematerialcxpenscsofsuchanundertaking,
And to kecp our Mospltals and Dispensares in the condiuon rcquired for
scienuhc and cMcient work.
But the grcat nccd is for constantand fervent praycr. Men and women,
not thcmnsclves able to go on to the Missions, are asked to assist by prayers
and alns, 1o hclp Mary Qucen of Pcace in brghiening pagan lands by the
Mght of Chris's peace in rcscuing thosc innumcrable mothers and children,
in forming truly Cathokc homcs hrough the Mcdical and Social Services
ofthe MedicalMismionamesof Mary.
A conhdent appcal is madc to the Cloitered Nuns, and to the sick and
suMcring in hospilals and in Mhcir homcs, 1o hcp thc Sistcrs of (c Mcdical
Mimonurcsc'Mayb Met Mycrsand gencouscHerngolhGtsuHernE
2
Kor thcsc Sisters workingin bopical lands against many odds, long hoursin
Mopicalhcat, diMculdesofnadvecustomsandfood, and materaldiscomtortS
of many Mnds.
Al may joinin the workin the samc spimtofApomolc Chamt.
DRAYER FOR VocAmONS.
MAnY, Mother of God, Mcdiatrix of Grace, we humbly bcsccch thee to
interccde with thy Divine Son for an incrcasc of devotcd Handmaids who,
renouncing the word to cmbrace a Mke of Poverty, Chasuuy and Obedience,
wIllspend themsclves in the service of Cod for the sick and suGering, as
Mcdical Missonarics ofMary, (or Cod's grcaterglory, thcir own sancuhca.
Hon and Me sbauon ofsouls.
Te Harvcstindccd is grcat bulihe lbourcrs arc (Cw.
Dray ye thercfore the Lord ofthe Harvcst thatMc scnd forth labourcrs
Inlo Me hamvest (St. Malthew ix 1718).
AMimiercmedhouldcommunicae wiCh Che MotheT Gencralofthc Socicry,
MOTHEN MAAY MAATIN.
5.
MYoICA. MIsmONAmIES Or MAAY,
ROSEMOUNT,
HOOTERSTOwN. DUbLIN.
SACKA CONGRLGAIIONE DE PKOPAGANDA FIDE,
ROME.
16i August 19zS,
Wery Reverend MotheT,
Your leuer of Jul ZISt gave me preat pleasure and lapprecate
the exprcsson of gradtude and thanks you addrcss to the Sacred
Congcgauon.
1 trust that the Noviuate whichisnow underconsideraton may soon
be a consoling reality and give a new impulse to the spirit of charby
which distinguishes your community.
The news you gave me concerning the work of the Sistersin Afmca
Isindccd welcomeand Itakeformy own the wordsofSt. Paul' (have
had grcat joy and consolaton in your charity.
And 1 ciose this leuer with Me bcauuful words of that same grcat
Aposue addrcssed to the Dhilppians. And this ( pray. that your
chanty may morc and morc abound in knowledge and in all
understanding.
IprayGod toAMyou alwithHsgracesandasancarnestofheavenly
Lavours and wimness of my good wil 1 blers you with al y hcart
Vours devolcdly in OhriS,

Crom Me Leter of Mor. HiGer/.
DeaTRev. MotheT.
Thisis the Arstleuer Iwrice you in yourcapacity ofFoundres and
Supemorcss of the new Congregauon of Mary's Medical Missionarics.
Lct me, tercfore, begin by exprcssing my warmcst congratulations
Yor having so quickly sccured from the Holy Sec such an enthusasuc
Approval of the Mcw Missionary Congregaton. No doubt, this
Wonderful way of giving you an approval that comes so prompdy and
wholcheartedly &omn the Holy See Hasits meaning. Iemeans, besides
the ordinary approval ofsomcthing whichis good in itselt, the supremne
importance which is alachcd to your undertaking nay, the prcssing
urgency ofyourintended work.
1t has alrcady been my plcasant duty, afer consukaton with te
Sacred Congrcgaton of Propaganda to urge on the Supemors General
ofvamous Missonary Congregatons working in this Delegaton thc
necesmty of having Simers who arc fuly qualked dociors. During
my tours in Afmca 1 have been privllcged to scc how much tey cap
doin the Mismon fcld. Soletmehope tatyou wil be able to preparc
many Simer Doctors.
But mcanwhile, the Mrish Misionares, alchoughworkingeverpwherd
with wonderful enthusiasm, and in some placcs with great mcasurc of
success, in many parts they are severcly handicapped by hwo principl
factors: having come late in the Held, and being deprived of Mcdical
Missionarics.
Youintend, dcar Rev. Mother, wich generous heart to make upfor
this lauer dchciency. Let me, thercfore, wish you cvery succcss in
your very umcly undertaking.
Iwilnotconclude thislcuer, however, withouladdrcssingan carncest
Appealto those imsh girs, (uMofzealand Haith. who, werethey toknor
the wonderful possibildes awaitng themn in Mary's Medical Misson.
Arcs would gladly join them.
Hoping hhat tis appcal wil have a tavourable response, (remain,
dcar Mother Mary, wth fenewed congratulatons.
Yours sncerely in Chcist.
ANT. MBERI.
Acchbishop of Dara,
Hhonolc DeleymIG.

Draft for a pamphlet introduction the Medical Missionaries.

AI CLEANED TEXT

THE MEDICAL MISSIONARIES OF MARY

The Vicar of Christ having expressed a wish for a Society of Religious willing to undertake medical work in the Missions, Eire, through God's Grace ever attentive to the wishes of Rome, immediately responded to the call.

From the days of Columcille and Gall the missionary apostolate in foreign lands ever enthralled the sons and daughters of Eire. Now the call seems novel. Novel because Catholics have forgotten the famous Papal Medical Schools of Bologna and Salerno and the saintly medical men and women Religious who taught in them. Some forget even that St. Luke and Saints Cosmas and Damian were Medicals.

The Medical Missionaries of Mary were founded by Mother Mary of the Incarnation Martin of Dublin. The Apostolic Delegate to Africa, His Excellency Mgr. Riberi, Archbishop of Dara, appealed to Mother Mary to start her Society and immediately return to Africa in 1936. Her Society undertakes all forms of Medical, Surgical and Obstetrical work. The Sisters are qualified medical women, doctors, dentists, chemists, radiographers, laboratory technicians, nurses, dietitians, public health workers and non-medical members trained in Tropical Domestic Hygiene and other Social Services.

They will work in any Mission field where they may be called, but especially in areas directly under the Congregation of Propaganda Fide, as the Society was expressly called into being by the wish of His Eminence Cardinal Fumasoni-Biondi, Cardinal Prefect of the Congregation of Propaganda Fide. The Sisters will be fully trained for any work undertaken, and specialization will be encouraged. The Society has two aims: the highest Religious perfection of each of its members combined with the highest technical skill in their medical and social works for their neighbour.

The Missionaries from Eire have no interest in any earthly Empire. They have no desire to establish any special form of government, and they have a keen natural sympathy with all peoples anxious to keep their native arts and languages. Their only desire is to spread the Kingship of Christ. They remember the long years of preparation, St. Patrick coming obedient to Rome—as a foreign Missioner to Eire. They recall how carefully he learnt Eire's own native language before he raised the Standard of the Cross in Royal Meath, in 432 A.D.

Knowing the urgency for building up Catholic home life in Mission countries, their particular care in their hospital work and in their social services is the Mother and Child. Through these services they will guide the young girls round their Mission houses into truly Christian movements, and encourage busy minds and fingers in adapting native arts and crafts to Christian Liturgy. Knowing the ravages to life and health wrought by malnutrition and ignorance among many native races, native foods will be studied and used. The spread of foreign foods and customs so detrimental to the native peoples will be discouraged.

The Sisters are true Religious with public vows. The requirements for admission to the Society are those laid down by Canon Law and the Constitutions. Their Spiritual training follows that usual for all women Religious. The Constitutions are built on a Benedictine framework and allow the professed Sisters to be at the service of the sick day and night. They are specially framed to avoid any possible conflict between loyalty to a religious superior and loyalty to professional duties. In their sphere the claims of professional duties are especially recognised as paramount in all medical work.

They will be at liberty to undertake work in University Surgical and Obstetrical Clinics, Isolation Hospitals, Leper Settlements; also in village Dispensaries in China or India, or in African Kraals. They hope too to run Maternity and Child Welfare Clinics on the banks of the Tigris or Euphrates, or where Mother Ganges takes life from the Himalayan snows or, dare we say it, within call of the temple bells of Kathmandu, or that of the Muezzins of Kabul.

The training of the Sisters is such as to specially form their interior life. For them many external religious practices will be absent: no choir, no enclosure, no religious habit. The dress worn is a simple professional one adaptable to time and place.

The Novitiate House of the Society at Collon, Co. Louth, was opened with the approval of Cardinal McRory, Primate of all Ireland. At the opening ceremony His Eminence attended in person, and His Excellency the Nuncio Apostolic, Most Rev. Dr. Pascal Robinson gave Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament.

The House of Studies for young Sisters attending University and Hospital courses was opened with the approval of His Grace The Archbishop of Dublin, Most Rev. Dr. Byrne. It is at Booterstown, Co. Dublin, about 3 miles from the University College and the Catholic Teaching Hospitals.

The Society was given their hospital in Nigeria by His Excellency Mgr. Moynagh, Prefect Apostolic of Nigeria. It is a General Hospital, with 120 male and female beds. There the first band of professed Sisters are working. Every kind of Medical and Surgical work is undertaken, and all classes of European and Tropical diseases are treated. It is St. Luke's Hospital, Anua, Southern Nigeria.

In Northern Nigeria the Sisters have formed a chain of mobile dispensary units.

The motto of the Society is taken from St. Paul's Epistle to the Ephesians (c. iii, v. 17)—in caritate radicati et fundati ("rooted and founded in charity"). Knowing the need for Catholic Medical colleges to train the native women doctors and nurses of China, India and Africa, Mother General is anxious to supply all the demands made on her Society. To do this vocations are urgently needed. Many more medical women and nurses are needed, also young girls with suitable education to train in some form of medical science.

The harvest indeed is great, but the labourers are few. Pray ye therefore the Lord of the Harvest that He send forth labourers into the harvest.

All interested should apply to:
Rev. Mother General,

ORIGINAL OCR TEXT
The Medical Missionaries of Mary
The Vicar of Christ having exoressed a wish for a
a Society of Religious willing to undertake medical work
in the Missions,Kire, through Gods' Grace ever attentive
to the wishes of Rome, immediately responded to the call.
From the days of Columeill and Gall the missionary apostalate
in foreign lands ever enthralled the sons and daughters of
Mire. Now the call seems novel. Novel because Catholics
have forgotten the famous Pabal Medical Schools of Bologna
And Salerno and the saintly medical men and women Religious
trained in Tropical Domestic Hyghiene., and other Social Serv1ccss
SThey will work in any Mission field where they may be called, hat
especially in areas directly under the Congregation of /5
Propaganda Fide, as the Society was expressly called into being
by the wish of His Eminence Cardinal Fumasoni-Biondi,,
Cardinal Prefect of the Congregation of Propaganda ride. Thg
Sisters will be fully trained for any work (//ex/ undertaken,
And specialization will be encouraged. The Society has two aims,
the highest Religious perfection of each of its members combined
with the highest technical skill in their medical and social
WOTLS fOT tHeIF RGIFHDOuE.
The Missionaries from Mire have no interest in any
carthly Mmnpire. They have no desire to establish any specidl
form of government, and they have a Keen natural sympathy with
will guide the young girls round their Mission houses snto
truly Christian movements : and encourage busy minds and fing6e
in adapting native arts and crafts to Christian Likutgy..
Knowing the ravages to life and health wrought by malnutrition
And ignorance among many native races, native foods will be
studied and used .The spread of forzsgn foods and customgs
wlll/beso detrimental to the native (atas peoples will be Ai/
discouraged.
The sisters are true Religious with public vows. The requirement
for admission to the society are those laid dowr by canon
Law and the Constitutions. Their Spiritual training fotMows
that usual for all women Religious. The Constiutions are built
on a Benedictine frame workand allow the professed Sisters to be
At the service of the sick day and night . They are specially
framed to avoid any possible conflict between 1oyalty
to a religious superior and 1oyalty to professional duties.
In their sphere the claims of professional duties are E5
especially. recognised as paramont in all medical work. They
will bg at liberty to undertake work in University
Surgical and Obstetrical Clinics, 1solation Hospitals
Leper Settlements .Also in village Dispensaries in China or
India, or in African Kraals. They hope too to run Maternity
And Child Welfare Clinics on the banks of the Tigris or
Muphrates, or where Mother Ganges takes 1ife from the
Mjmrsldim snows or dare we say it, with in call of the
temple bells of Kathmandu, er that of the Muzzin s of Kabul.
The,trainins of the Sisters is such as to specially
Jutu af
form their interior life. Por them many external religious
practices will be absent: no choir, no enclosurcmo religious
habit. The dress worn is s simple professional one adaptable
to time and place.
mhe noviciate Mouse of the socidtpal collon
Co. Louth was opened with the approval of Cardinal McRory
Primate of all Ireland. At the opening ceremony His Eminence
Attended in person, and His Excellency the Nuncio Apostolic,
Most Rev. PAzixl Dr. Pascal Robinson gave Benedection of
the Most Blessed Sacrament..
The House of Studies for young Sisters attending
University and Hospital courses was opened with the approval
of His Grace The Archbishop of Dublin, Most Rev. Dr. Byrne.
1t is at Booterstown Co. Dublin, about 3 miles from the
University College and the Catholic Teaching Hosoitals.
The S5ociety was given their hospital in Migeria by
His Axcellency Mgr. Moynah .Prefect Apostslic of Migeria. 1t is A Genekral Hosoital,with 120 male and female beds. There the
first band of professed Sisters are working. Every kind of
Medical and Surgical work is undertaken.and all cllsses of
European and Tropical diseases are treated. Tafadaregs/it is
St Lukes Hoscital. Anua . Southern Nigeria.
In Morthern Nigeria the Sisters have formed a chain of
mobile dispensary units..
The motto of the Society i s taken from St. Pauls
Epistle to the Eohesians C iii. V.19 -in caritate radicati et
Pundati.andknowing the need for catholic Medical colleges
to train the native women doctors and nurses of China .India
And Africa Mother General is anxious to suoply all the
demands made on her Society. To do this vocations are
urgently needed. Many m ore medical women and nurses are neede
Also young sirls with suitable education to train in some forc
of medical science..
EE The harvest indeed is great . but the Mbourers are few.
Pray ye therefore the Lord of the Harvest that He send forth
Labourers into the harvest.
All interested should apoly to
Rev Mother General
M.W.M
All peoples anxious to Kaep their native arts and languages.
Their only desire is to spread the Kingshio of Christ. They
remember the long years of preparation ,St. Patrickncomins,
Sleat(y
Hefrr
E obedient to Rome - as a foreign Missioner to Kire - They recall
how carefully he learnt Eires own ative language before he raisdd
the Standard of the Gross in Royal Meath, in 132 A.D. Knowing
the urgency for building up Catholic home 1ife in Mission countrie
M. Ardrt
thain particular care in their hospital work and in their social
services is the Mother and Child. Through these services they
who taught in them. Some forget even that St. Luke and
Saints Cosmas and Damidn were Medicals.
The Medical Missionaries of Mary were founded by
Mother Mary of the Incarnation Martin of Dublin. The Aoostolic
Delegate to Africa,His excellency Mar. Riberi, Archbishop
of Dara , appealed to Mother Mary to (5 start her Society and
immediately returruto Africakn 1936. Her Society undertakes
All forms of Medical, Surgical and Obstetrical work. The
Sisters are qualified medical women, doctors, dentists, tHe
chemists, radiographers, laboratory technicians, nurses,
dietetians, public health workers and non-medical members
9.
Hc

Postcard from Fr. David including address of Msgr. Prof P. Groenen, in Holland.

Letter regarding the publication of an article about the Medical Missionaries. From the editor to Dom Lebbe.

Order of work for the various novices. Each page is a different novice with their name on top.

Stamullen Holy Child child convent visit

From Patrick Joseph Whitney, founder of the St. Patricks Society for foreign missions.
He advises that his diocese is in dire need of a medical missionary order as the Protestants have a much larger presence.

AI CLEANED TEXT

Miss Marie Martin, during the last three or four years, collected a group of girls around her, secured for them the very best spiritual training, and is having them also trained to take over medical work in the pagan missions.

Any group of such girls sent out by her to the Vicariate of Calabar will be very welcome, especially for the following reasons:

Each year, thousands of Christian mothers die for want of proper attention;

Thousands of children die;
Protestant medical missions are there in large numbers.

The following statistics show the state of medical missions in our Vicariate at Calabar:

CATHOLICS

Hospital at Anua, two lay nurses, no Doctor.

PROTESTANTS

A Leper Settlement at Itu complete with doctor.
A General Hospital at Itu.
A Maternity Hospital midway between Anua and Oron, with two nurses.
A General Hospital at Etinan (19 miles from Anua).
Maternity Hospital at Oron.
Maternity Hospital at Ikot Ekpene.
A Leper Asylum at Etinan, and they are almost certain to have the Government Hospital at Ikot Ekpene handed over to them.

For the above reasons, the Society of St Patrick will be very glad to welcome these workers into their vineyard.

ORIGINAL OCR

Miss Marie Martip,during the last three or four years,colected a
group of girls around her,secured for them the wery best spiritual trainiRE,
And is having them also trained to take over medical worle ip the pagan missiol
I
Ary group of such girls sent out by her to the Vicariate of Calabar
will be very welcome, especially for the foliowing reasons. -
I
Hach year,thoudands of Christian methers die for wapt of proner
attention:
rhousands of chiddren die,
I
Drotestapt medical miasions are thers in large numberst,
The foldowing statistics show the state of medical missions in our vic.
Ariate at Calabar: s AeDMAMCASE
Msa
I
CATMOLICS
DROrMSTANrS DreAt
5
I
I
A Leper Settlement at Itu xomolete with
Mdoctor.,
5
R
A General Bospital at 1tu. .Me
A materbity Hospital Mimay betmeer ADua and
CCron,with twb nusses. AMedA
S
Hospital at Aruo, imo lay
A Seneral Mospital at Mtenan (19 miles from
purses, ao Doctor.
Anua).
Hatormity HosBitAl at Gron.
2
Maternity Hospital at (Kot,Mpene.
A Leper Asylu at Etenan,ard they are almoet
certain to have the Governmept Mospital
At IKot,Ekpene,handed over to them.
For the above reasons, the Society of St Patrick mili be very mad to
Helcome thcse orkere inte their vinevard.

Sacred congregation for the propagation of the faith. Letter in Italian. Translation included. Letter from Mother Mary Martin included also.
Voices general approval for the idea, but explains the process now involved.

AI CLEANED TEXT

Cleaned Italian Text

SACRA CONGREGAZIONE DE PROPAGANDA FIDE
Protocollo N. 1497/36
Prière de citer ce même numéro dans la réponse.

REV.MO P. BEDA LEBBE, PRIORE DI GLENSTAL.

REV.MO PADRE,

Con pregiata lettera in data 25 marzo u.s., la P.V.R. informava questo S. Dicastero che alcune signorine irlandesi, con a capo la sign.ra MARIA MARTIN, prendendo occasione dalla Istruzione emanata da questo S. Dicastero l'undici febbraio p.p., vorrebbero unirsi in Istituto religioso, esclusivamente dedicato all'opera medico-missionaria nelle terre pagane.

A tale scopo, come V.P. afferma, esse ricevono, da qualche tempo, istruzione e direzione presso cotesto Priorato di Glenstal.

La P.V. raccomanda caldamente tale istituzione, dalla quale è lecito sperare grande utilità per le Missioni.

La Propaganda ha maturamente esaminato la cosa e vede con molto piacere la santa iniziativa della su lodata signorina Martin e delle sue compagne. L'Opera progettata è del tutto nelle vedute della S. Sede ed il Signore certamente benedirà i santi propositi di quante vorranno, con retta intenzione, dedicarvisi.

Tuttavia il nuovo Istituto religioso non potrà subito cominciare come Pontificio. E' necessario che esso si formi come Istituto diocesano, sotto l'autorità e la vigilanza di un Ecc.mo Vescovo. Inoltre, le future Suore dovranno essere opportunamente formate da qualche buona Religiosa di altro Istituto, già approvato dalla S. Sede. Ciò anche per restare in conformità col can. 500, paragr. 3 Cod. Jur. Can.

Voglia quindi la P.V. comunicare tali direttive della Propaganda alle interessate. Frattanto auguro all'iniziativa una felice attuazione ed invoco dal Cielo sulle pie signorine e su quanti daranno all'opera tutte le divine benedizioni.

Con sensi di distinto ossequio mi confermo...
English Translation

SACRED CONGREGATION FOR THE PROPAGATION OF THE FAITH
Protocol No. 1497/36
Please cite this same number in the reply.

MOST REV. FR. BEDA LEBBE, PRIOR OF GLENSTAL.

MOST REVEREND FATHER,

With [your] esteemed letter dated March 25th last, Your Most Reverend Paternity informed this Sacred Dicastery that some Irish young ladies, headed by Ms. Maria Martin, taking occasion from the Instruction issued by this Sacred Dicastery on February 11th last, would like to unite in a Religious Institute, exclusively dedicated to medical-missionary work in pagan lands.

To this end, as Your Paternity affirms, they have been receiving, for some time, instruction and direction at your Priory of Glenstal.

Your Paternity warmly recommends this institution, from which it is permissible to hope for great utility for the Missions.

Propaganda [Fide] has maturely examined the matter and views with much pleasure the holy initiative of the aforementioned Miss Martin and her companions. The projected Work is entirely within the views of the Holy See and the Lord will certainly bless the holy resolutions of those who wish, with right intention, to dedicate themselves to it.

However, the new religious Institute cannot immediately begin as Pontifical. It is necessary that it be formed as a Diocesan Institute, under the authority and vigilance of a Most Excellency the Bishop. Furthermore, the future Sisters must be opportunely formed by some good Religious [woman] of another Institute, already approved by the Holy See. This is also to remain in conformity with canon 500, paragraph 3 of the Code of Canon Law.

Would Your Paternity therefore communicate these directives of the Propaganda to the interested parties. Meanwhile, I wish the initiative a happy implementation and I invoke from Heaven upon the pious young ladies and upon all those who will give to the work, all divine blessings.

With sentiments of distinct homage, I remain...

Right Rev. Fr. Bede Lebbe, Prior of Glenstal.

Right Rev. Father,

In your esteemed letter of 25th March inst., your Rev. informed this S. Congregation that some Irish girls, under the direction of Miss Marie Martin, taking opportunity of the Instruction of this S. Congregation in date of 11th February, would like to gather in a religious Congregation, exclusively devoted to medical missionary work in pagan countries.

In that intention, as stated by your Rev., they have received from some time instruction and direction in the aforesaid Priory of Glenstal. Your Rev. warmly recommends such institution, from which a great utility can be expected for the Missions.

The Propaganda examined thoroughly the subject, and is glad to see the saint [holy] initiative of the above praised Miss Martin and her companions. The contemplated work is absolutely within the views of the Holy See, and the Lord will surely bless the good purpose of those who will intend to dedicate themselves to it with right intention.

The new Institution however cannot begin immediately as a Pontifical Institute. It must be formed as a Diocesan Institute, under authority and supervision of a Bishop. Moreover, the future Sisters will have to be timely trained by some good Nun of another institute, already approved by the H. See—and that, in order to keep in conformity with Can. 500, par. 3 of the Code of Can. Law.

Will your Rev. be so kind to communicate those directions to whom it concerns. In the meanwhile, I wish to the initiative a happy realization, and I invoke from Heaven the divine blessings on those pious girls and all who will help the work.

With best regards.

ORIGINAL OCR

SACRA CONCREGAYIONE
DE PROPAGANDA FIDE
PAorobouoN. 1497/36
HeNHORE (HAS, QAESG HIS THEH I MA TEDOIMORG.
Ozpne ds cter ce mamne aumere dans la sepouse,
REYMO P. BEDA LERLY, PRIORE DI GLENSTAL.
REYMO PADRG,
Con pregiata lettera in data 25 marzo u.s', la P.Y.R.informava
questo S.Dicastero che alcune signorine irlandesi, con a capo la si-
Sn.Ra MAHIA MARTIN, prendendo occasione dalla 1struzione emanata da 1e future Suore dovranno essere opportunamente formate da qualche buona
Religiosa di altro 1stituto, gia approvate dalla S.Sede. Cio anche
per testare in conformita col can. 500,paragr.3 Cod.Jur.Can.
Woglia quindi la P.V. comunicare tali direttive della Propa.
ganda alle interessate. Frattanto auguro all'iniziativa una felice
attuazione ed invoco dal Cielo sulle pie signorine e su quanti da-
RiHHo
rannofalliopera tutte le divine bencdizioni.
Con sensi di distinto ossequio mi confermo
questo S.Dicastero l'undici febbraio p.p.,vorrebbere unirsi in 1sti-
tuto religioso, esclusivamente dedicato all'opera medico-missionaria
nelle terre pagane.
A tale scopo, come V.P.afferma, esse ricevono, da qualche tempo,
1struzione e direzione presso cotesto Priorato di Glenstal.
La P.V.raccomanda caldamente tale istituzione, dalla quale e
lecito sperare grande utilita per le Missioni.
La Propaganda ha maturamente esaminato la cosa e vede con molto.
piacere la santa iniziativa dclla su Lodata signorina Martin e delle
sue compagne. L'Opera progettata e del tutto nelle vedute della S .Sede
ed il Signore certamente benedira i santi propositi di qaante vorranno,
con retta intenzione, dedicarvisi.
Tuttavia il nuovo 1stituto religioso non potra subito cominciare
come Pontificio. E' necessario che esso si formi come 1stituto dio-
cesano, sotto l'autorita e la vigilanza di un Eccmo Vescovo. inoltre,

Hight Rev.Br Bede Lebbe,Prior of Glenstal.
Right Rev. Pather,
In your esteemed letter of 25th march inst., your Kev.
informed this S.Congregation that some Irish girls, under the
direction of miss Marie Martin, taking oppottunity of the In.
Atruction of this S.Congregation in date of 11th february,
would like to gather in a religious Congregation, exclusive-
Ay devoted to medical missionary work in pagan couptries.
In that intentionsas stated by your Rev.,they have received
from some time instruction and direction in the aforesaid
he new Ihatitution however cennot begin immadiately as a
Pontifical Institute. 1t must be formed as a Diocesap IRstitu.
te,under ahthority and supervision of a Sishop. Moreower, the
future Sisters will have to be timely trained by some good
Nur of another institute, already apcoved by the H.See - and
that, in order to Keep in conformity with Can.500, par.& of
the Gode of Can.Law.
Wild your Rev.be so kind to communicate those directions to
whom it concerns. In the meanwhile, I wish to the intitiative
A Happv realization, and I neny Crom Heaven the divine bless.
ins on those sione sirls ard all whe rill hebp the worE
Fith best resards. Kam
Briory of Glenstal.
Hour Kev.warrdy recommands such institution, Crom which a
sreat utidity can be expected for the Missions.
The Eropaganda examined thourhughly the subiect, and is
rlad to see the saint initiative of the above praised Mise
Mariin and her companiors. The contemplated work is absolute,
1y within the views of the Holy See, and the Lord wiii sure.
1y bless the good porpose of those who will intend to dedica,
te themse,ves to it with risht intention.

Letters about meetings and Bishop.

AI CLEANED TEXT AND TRANSLATION
Cleaned French Text

Mon bon & cher Père,

Voici le mémoire que je vous avais promis de Dublin avant-hier. Ne croyez pas que les lauriers de D. Eugène ou de P. Maur m'empêchent de dormir : je n'ai nulle envie de fonder une nouvelle Congrégation. Miss Martin s'est mise en rapport, non avec moi, mais avec mon prédécesseur — et j'ai été quelque temps, même devenu Prieur, avant de savoir exactement ce qu'elle projetait. Je ne me suis pas fait d'idée préconçue en la matière, et j'attends, sans nulle impatience que Dieu montre le chemin à ces braves filles. Entretemps, si je parle d'elles et de cette œuvre à la première personne — "nous" — c'est que, depuis deux ans, elles font véritablement partie de Glenstal, elles ont tellement l'esprit de la maison, nous sont tellement dévouées, et nous rendent, avec une inaltérable bonne humeur, tant de services, que je ne puis pas ne pas les considérer comme étant de notre famille, et je ferais tout pour les aider à atteindre leur but.

Miss Martin elle-même est une âme de prière, une volonté vaillante — elle est personne du monde, et m'est, à ce point de vue, très utile dans mes travaux d'approche dans la société de Dublin, pour le recrutement si difficile de mon École.

Elle s'est montrée d'une patience surnaturelle indémontable, attendant de Dieu le signe qui lui dirait d'agir. Nous croyons tous que l'appel de la Propagande est ce signe. Dès lors, nous voudrions pouvoir nous mettre à l'œuvre au plus tôt, et nous ne le pourrons qu'après réponse de Rome. Elle jugera les Évêques, et nous permettra de prendre position.

Merci de ce que vous ferez pour elles et pour nous, et priez un peu...

Quelques notes pour illustrer la demande des Auxiliaires Médicales [des Missions]

Origines.
Miss M[arie] M[artin] de Dublin, après trois années d'Afrique, en qualité d'infirmière laïque, auxiliaire des Missions, était revenue en Irlande pour raison de santé. Ce qu'elle avait vu là-bas lui avait révélé l'immense besoin de secours médicaux pour les mères et les bébés. Aussitôt rentrée, elle tenta plusieurs essais pour grouper des bonnes volontés, et amorcer une congrégation religieuse. Il y eut des malentendus, des incompréhensions, elle se renferma dans une prière et une vie de bienfaisance au sein de sa famille, attendant l'heure de Dieu. En 1934, un évêque missionnaire, Mgr Shanahan C.S.Sp., qui l'avait connue en Nigérie, lui conseilla de commencer quelque chose. La lecture des livres de Marmion, les traditions bénédictines de sa famille (ses 3 ou 4 frères ont été élèves à Downside) l'amenèrent à Glenstal.

A) Or D. Gérard, alors Prieur, se trouvait en ce moment dans de grands embarras. Vous savez qu'ici les services de cuisine, parloir, etc. se font par des femmes — et il avait usé des séries de cuisinières, bonnes, infirmières (pour l'École), etc. Il lui sembla, ainsi qu'à M.M.M. que l'on pourrait mutuellement service.

B) Organisation. L'Archevêque de Cashel, pressenti, refusa sans hésiter, nettement, toute autorisation de tenter quelque chose qui serait une congrégation religieuse. Mais, par bienveillance pour Glenstal, il consent à ce que M.M.M. prenne en mains la direction du personnel féminin : elle choisira les sujets, et, d'accord avec le Prieur, assurera un personnel complet pour le Prieuré, et surtout pour l'École, à laquelle l'Archevêque tient par-dessus tout. Glenstal pourra, en échange, donner à ces jeunes filles une direction religieuse suivie, par voie d'instructions, etc.
Nous avons vécu sur ce statut depuis mars 1934. Petit à petit, les sujets venus attirés par l'œuvre missionnaire entrevue, nous avons pu éliminer les autres femmes. D'où paix et sécurité, atmosphère religieuse — et soulagement budgétaire, car elles ne sont pas payées, et vivent sans exigences de notre table. Cela nous épargne de 120 à 150 Livres st. par an — sans compter les économies de gâchis (des personnes consciencieuses et soigneuses).

Entretemps on étudiait. Le P. Vermeersch avait été consulté par l'ancien directeur de M.M.M, le P. Kelly, S.J. Il avait conseillé notamment de commencer comme Société laïque (est-ce le terme? je veux dire les Associations pieuses sans vœux, Tit. 17 du Code J.C.) avec vœux privés. Le moment venu, Rome reconnaîtrait facilement leur temps de formation comme noviciat ou partie de noviciat canonique, et on pourrait sans tarder avoir une communauté religieuse.

C) En prévision de cet avenir, elles vivaient une vie commune et réglée, et s'essayaient aux observances.

Le premier pas. En février, deux des jeunes filles ayant passé ici un an et plus, on décide de leur faire commencer leur formation professionnelle. Il n'y a à Dublin qu'une maternité catholique (la plus fameuse, la "Rotunda", est protestante), l'Hôpital de Holles Street, tenu par des laïques. Le comité d'administration accepte de les recevoir pour un minerval très réduit, parce que se destinant aux Missions. Mais il demande pour cela des garanties : vœu, ou comme cela se fait dans plusieurs sociétés missionnaires d'Irlande, serment de se consacrer à la Mission. On convient donc de leur faire faire des vœux privés, les attachant à l'œuvre projetée — et elles vont entrer à Holles Street en avril prochain.

Instruction de la S.C. de la Propagande. C'est alors, quand tout était arrangé pour Holles Street, que nous avons eu connaissance — en lisant un journal anglais, le Catholic Times (pas un journal d'Irlande n'en a parlé!) de l'instr. de la S.C. de la Propagande en date du 11 fév. Je suggère aussitôt d'écrire à la S.C. pour remercier de ce mot d'ordre, et se mettre à la disposition du S. Père. Le Nonce consulté approuve, mais, soit spontanément, soit parce qu'il croyait que tel était mon avis, il conseille de faire une démarche auprès de notre Archevêque. Vous savez que celui-ci nous est favorable, et s'est montré en toute circonstance notre protecteur — et nous n'avons jamais rien fait d'important sans le mettre au courant. D'autre part, il avait jadis refusé péremptoirement à M.M.M. de commencer une Congrégation à Glenstal. Comme tous les Évêques d'Irlande, il est très opposé à toute fondation religieuse dans son diocèse.

J'y fus le mercredi 25 mars, et fus assez bien reçu. Il me réitéra d'abord son refus absolu, puis, après lecture du document dont je lui apportais le texte latin (il n'avait encore entendu parler de rien), il accepta la discussion. Mais, comme il s'agissait de formation médicale, il se rabattit sur la nécessité d'avoir avant tout une maison à Dublin ou à Cork — et par conséquent l'approbation de l'Ordinaire de là-bas. Il ne voulut plus admettre que cela. "Adressez-vous à Dublin (il ne parla plus de Cork) et si l'Archevêque vous approuve, je prendrai en considération l'établissement d'un noviciat à Glenstal". Je lui dis alors que M.M.M. comptait écrire à Rome pour se mettre à la disposition du S. Siège, et il ne fit aucune objection; et l'entretien se termina au bout d'1/2 h. Je passai chez son secrétaire, et lui remis pour Sa Grace copie du document rédigé pour le Card. Préfet — dont je vous ai envoyé le texte hier (?). Après quelques hésitations, le Secr. crut devoir me prévenir que sans doute, avant de me donner réponse, l'Archevêque prendrait langue avec Mgr de Dublin.

Consultation chez le Nonce. Le jeudi 26 je me suis rendu chez le Nonce. Il me déconseille de m'adresser à l'Archevêque de Dublin. Celui-ci n'admet pas à aucun prix des religieuses, et surtout pas de religieuses hospitalières dans son diocèse. Il y a là-dessus, me dit le Nonce, une décision du Chapitre, qui est draconiennement observée. Cork, ajoute-t-il, serait favorable, et l'école de médecine de là-bas est meilleure que celle de Dublin.

Après une longue discussion, nous nous résolvons à abandonner pour le moment l'idée d'une congrégation religieuse. Nous demanderons l'avis du S. Siège, en nous mettant à sa disposition pour agir comme il lui plaira ; s'il nous dit de ne pas insister devant la résistance des Évêques irlandais, nous commencerons sous forme laïque. Après quelques années, les Évêques d'Irlande, voyant les faits, et reconnaissant que nous ne travaillons qu'en pays de mission, non seulement se raviseront, mais seront peut-être très heureux d'appuyer cette œuvre irlandaise.

Réponse de l'Archevêque de Cashel. Le vendredi (lettre reçue le 27), l'Archevêque de Cashel me répondait que jamais il n'avait autorisé la formation à Glenstal d'une société même laïque, aux termes du Tit. 17, et que d'ailleurs il ne le pourrait faire qu'après consultation du S. Siège. Cette réponse ne fait nulle allusion à l'adresse de M.M.M. que je lui ai remise. Elle est peu pertinente et ne change rien à la situation présente. Je me suis contenté d'en accuser réception, et je ne continuerai pas la discussion avant d'avoir reçu une réponse de Rome.

Me voici de nouveau à Dublin — toujours pour la même affaire. Ce départ a été décidé brusquement, et je suis enchanté de m'y être résolu. Le Nonce a été content de pouvoir me dire certaines choses que Miss M. n'avait peut-être pas suffisamment saisi dans sa manière d'envisager le problème, et de m'entendre lui exposer de vive voix comment s'était passée l'entrevue de Thurles. Il a vivement conseillé de remettre l'affaire aux mains de D. Pierre, qu'il juge l'un des hommes les plus capables de la bien mener. Aussi, après une nuit de réflexion (entendez : de bon sommeil — il fait calme ici comme en un monastère —) et une nouvelle conversation ce matin, nous avons tiré une Copie définitive du document à mettre sous les yeux du Card. de la Propagande (Fumasoni Biondi, ami personnel du Nonce). J'ai rédigé une lettre à D. Pierre, et le tout va partir incessamment pour Rome — le temps de faire une nouvelle copie du mémoire de Miss Martin, pour en éliminer la mention de l'Archevêque de Cashel — crainte que voyant son nom, la Congr. ne s'adresse à lui pour renseignements ; cela est une précaution tout à fait caractéristique de Mgr Bearzotti, dont la finesse consiste peut-être surtout à prévoir tous les dangers, même parfois les plus imaginaires.

Le résultat le plus important de notre longue conversation d'hier est que, vu l'opposition certaine de l'Arch. de Dublin à tout établissement de religieuses, surtout hospitalières dans son diocèse, nous ne poursuivrons pas pour le moment la fondation de communauté tant rêvée par Miss Martin. Je ne l'ai pas revue assez longtemps seule ce matin (elle est naturellement chez elle, tandis que je suis l'hôte du Nonce) pour savoir l'impression que lui fera ce changement de front, mais la formule que j'ai suggérée me semble la meilleure, et ne peut la décourager : demander au S. Siège approbation de leur désir et encouragement — et se mettre entre ses mains entièrement lui demandant de leur donner des directions, et particulièrement sur ce point-là : doivent-elles se former dès maintenant en congrégation religieuse, ou lancer leur œuvre, et même commencer à envoyer des sujets en mission, où on les demande déjà, et partir sous forme laïque?

Cela n'est pas détaillé naturellement dans le document envoyé au Card. ni dans la lettre que j'y ai jointe, mais je l'ai expliqué à D. Pierre.
Je repars tantôt pour Glenstal, et compte toujours sur vos prières & votre bénédiction — ainsi que sur vos sages conseils.

Reverendissime Père
Nonciature, 29 mars 1936
votre fils très humblement et filialement
ENGLISH TRANSLATION (AI)

My good & dear Father,

Here is the memorandum I promised you from Dublin the day before yesterday. Do not think that the laurels of D. Eugene or Fr. Maur keep me from sleeping: I have no desire to found a new Congregation. Miss Martin got in touch, not with me, but with my predecessor — and I was some time, even after becoming Prior, before knowing exactly what she was planning. I have formed no preconceived ideas on the matter, and I wait, without any impatience, for God to show the path to these brave girls. In the meantime, if I speak of them and of this work in the first person — "we" — it is because, for two years, they have truly been part of Glenstal; they have the spirit of the house so much, are so devoted to us, and render us, with an unalterable good humor, so many services, that I cannot help but consider them as being of our family, and I would do anything to help them reach their goal.

Miss Martin herself is a soul of prayer, a valiant will — she is a person of the world, and is, from this point of view, very useful to me in my introductory work in Dublin society, for the recruitment so difficult for my School.

She has shown herself of an unsurmountable supernatural patience, waiting on God for the sign that would tell her to act. We all believe that the call of the Propaganda is that sign. Consequently, we would like to be able to get to work as soon as possible, and we will only be able to do so after a reply from Rome. It [Rome] will judge the Bishops, and allow us to take a position.

Thank you for what you will do for them and for us, and pray a little...

Some notes to illustrate the request of the Medical Auxiliaries [of the Missions]

Origins.
Miss M[arie] M[artin] of Dublin, after three years in Africa, in the capacity of lay nurse, auxiliary to the Missions, had returned to Ireland for health reasons. What she had seen over there had revealed to her the immense need for medical aid for mothers and babies. Immediately upon returning, she made several attempts to group together good wills, and to start a religious congregation. There were misunderstandings, incomprehensions; she withdrew into prayer and a life of charity within her family, awaiting God's hour. In 1934, a missionary bishop, Mgr Shanahan C.S.Sp., who had known her in Nigeria, advised her to start something. Reading the books of Marmion, and the Benedictine traditions of her family (her 3 or 4 brothers were students at Downside) brought her to Glenstal.

A) Now D. Gerard, then Prior, found himself at that moment in great difficulties. You know that here the kitchen services, parlor, etc. are done by women — and he had used series of cooks, maids, nurses (for the School), etc. It seemed to him, as well as to M.M.M. that they could be of mutual service.

B) Organisation. The Archbishop of Cashel, when approached, refused without hesitation, clearly, any authorization to attempt anything that would be a religious congregation. But, out of benevolence for Glenstal, he consents to M.M.M. taking into her hands the direction of the female staff: she will choose the subjects, and, in agreement with the Prior, will ensure a complete staff for the Priory, and especially for the School, which the Archbishop values above all. Glenstal will be able, in exchange, to give these young girls continuous religious direction, by way of instructions, etc.
We have lived on this status since March 1934. Little by little, subjects having come attracted by the missionary work glimpsed, we have been able to eliminate the other women. Hence peace and security, religious atmosphere — and budgetary relief, for they are not paid, and live without demands from our table. This saves us from 120 to 150 Pounds st. per year — not counting the savings from waste (conscientious and careful persons).

Meanwhile we were studying. Fr. Vermeersch had been consulted by the former director of M.M.M, Fr. Kelly, S.J. He had advised notably to begin as a Lay Society (is this the term? I mean the Pious Associations without vows, Tit. 17 of the Code of Canon Law) with private vows. When the time came, Rome would easily recognize their time of formation as a novitiate or part of a canonical novitiate, and one could without delay have a religious community.

C) In anticipation of this future, they lived a common and regulated life, and tried themselves at observances.

The first step. In February, two of the young girls having spent a year and more here, we decide to have them start their professional training. There is in Dublin only one Catholic maternity hospital (the most famous, the "Rotunda", is Protestant), Holles Street Hospital, run by lay people. The administration committee accepts to receive them for a very reduced fee, because they are destined for the Missions. But it asks for guarantees for this: a vow, or as is done in several missionary societies of Ireland, an oath to consecrate themselves to the Mission. We agree therefore to have them make private vows, binding them to the projected work — and they are going to enter Holles Street next April.

Instruction of the S.C. of Propaganda. It was then, when everything was arranged for Holles Street, that we became aware — by reading an English newspaper, the Catholic Times (not one Irish newspaper spoke of it!) of the instr. of the S.C. of Propaganda dated Feb 11. I suggest immediately writing to the S.C. to thank them for this watchword, and to put oneself at the disposal of the Holy Father. The Nuncio, consulted, approves, but, either spontaneously, or because he believed that such was my opinion, he advises making an approach to our Archbishop. You know that he is favorable to us, and has shown himself in all circumstances our protector — and we have never done anything important without informing him. On the other hand, he had formerly refused peremptorily to M.M.M. to start a Congregation at Glenstal. Like all the Bishops of Ireland, he is very opposed to any religious foundation in his diocese.

I went there on Wednesday, March 25, and was received quite well. He first reiterated his absolute refusal, then, after reading the document of which I brought him the Latin text (he had not yet heard anything about it), he accepted the discussion. But, as it concerned medical training, he fell back on the necessity of having first of all a house in Dublin or in Cork — and consequently the approval of the Ordinary over there. He would not admit anything else. "Address yourself to Dublin (he spoke no more of Cork) and if the Archbishop approves you, I will take into consideration the establishment of a novitiate at Glenstal". I told him then that M.M.M. intended to write to Rome to put herself at the disposal of the Holy See, and he made no objection; and the interview ended after 1/2 hour. I stopped by his secretary, and gave him for His Grace a copy of the document drafted for the Card. Prefect — of which I sent you the text yesterday (?). After some hesitations, the Secr. thought he should warn me that doubtless, before giving me an answer, the Archbishop would confer with Mgr of Dublin.

Consultation at the Nuncio's. On Thursday the 26th I went to the Nuncio's. He advises me against addressing the Archbishop of Dublin. The latter does not admit at any price nuns, and especially not nursing nuns in his diocese. There is on this, the Nuncio tells me, a decision of the Chapter, which is draconianly observed. Cork, he adds, would be favorable, and the medical school over there is better than that of Dublin.

After a long discussion, we resolve to abandon for the moment the idea of a religious congregation. We will ask the advice of the Holy See, putting ourselves at its disposal to act as it pleases; if it tells us not to insist in the face of the resistance of the Irish Bishops, we will begin under a lay form. After a few years, the Bishops of Ireland, seeing the facts, and recognizing that we only work in mission countries, will not only change their minds, but will perhaps be very happy to support this Irish work.

Reply of the Archbishop of Cashel. On Friday (letter received the 27th), the Archbishop of Cashel answered me that he had never authorized the formation at Glenstal of a society, even a Lay one, under the terms of Tit. 17, and that besides he could only do so after consultation with the Holy See. This answer makes no allusion to the address of M.M.M. which I gave him. It is not very pertinent and changes nothing in the present situation. I contented myself with acknowledging receipt, and I will not continue the discussion before having received a reply from Rome.

Here I am again in Dublin — still for the same business. This departure was decided abruptly, and I am delighted to have resolved to do it. The Nuncio was happy to be able to tell me certain things that Miss M. had perhaps not sufficiently grasped in her way of envisioning the problem, and to hear me expose to him in person how the interview at Thurles had gone. He strongly advised putting the matter in the hands of Dom Pierre, whom he judges one of the men most capable of leading it well. So, after a night of reflection (meaning: of good sleep — it is quiet here as in a monastery —) and a new conversation this morning, we have drawn up a final Copy of the document to put before the eyes of the Card. of Propaganda (Fumasoni Biondi, personal friend of the Nuncio). I have drafted a letter to Dom Pierre, and the whole thing is going to leave incessantly for Rome — time to make a new copy of Miss Martin's memorandum, to eliminate the mention of the Archbishop of Cashel — for fear that seeing his name, the Congr. might address him for information; that is a precaution quite characteristic of Mgr Bearzotti, whose finesse consists perhaps above all in foreseeing all dangers, even sometimes the most imaginary ones.

The most important result of our long conversation yesterday is that, given the certain opposition of the Arch. of Dublin to any establishment of nuns, especially nursing ones in his diocese, we will not pursue for the moment the foundation of a community so dreamed of by Miss Martin. I did not see her again long enough alone this morning (she is naturally at her home, while I am the guest of the Nuncio) to know the impression this change of front will make on her, but the formula that I suggested seems to me the best, and cannot discourage her: ask the Holy See for approval of their desire and encouragement — and place oneself entirely in its hands asking it to give them directions, and particularly on that point: should they form themselves from now on into a religious congregation, or launch their work, and even start sending subjects on mission, where they are already asked for, and leave under a lay form?

This is not detailed naturally in the document sent to the Card. nor in the letter that I attached to it, but I explained it to Dom Pierre.
I am leaving shortly for Glenstal, and count always on your prayers & your blessing — as well as on your wise counsels.

Most Reverend Father
Nunciature, March 29, 1936
your son very humbly and filially

ORIGINAL OCR TEXT

Me voici denouveau a Dublin - toujouts pour la meme affaire. Ce de
part a cte decide bruscuement,et ie suis enchante de m'y etre resolu. Le
Nonce a ete comtent de pouvoir me dire certaines choses que Miss M naw
vait peut-etre pas suffisamment saisi d- ns sa maniere d'envisager le KE
probleme, et de m'entendre lui exposer de vive voix comment s'etait pas
sse L'entrevue de Thurles, 11 a vivement conseille de remettre L'affaire
Aux mains de D.Pierre,qu'il juge l'un des hommew les plus capables de 1a
bien mener. Aussi,apres une nuit de reflexion (entendez.de bon sommeil-
11 fait calme ici comme en un monastere -Jet une nouvelle conversation
ce matin nous avons tire une Copie derinitive du document a mettre sous
les yeux du Card.de le Propagande (Pumasoni Biondi,ami personnel du Non-
ce),J'ai redige une Lettre a D.Pierre, et 1e tout va partir incessamment
pour Home - 1e temaps de faire une nouvelle cspie du memoire de mass Mar
tin,pour en sliminer la mention de L'archevaque de Cashel - crainte que
voyant son nom,la Congr' ne s'adresse a lui pour renseignements,ceka est
une precaution tout a fait caracteristique de Mgr Bearzotti, dont la fi-
nesse consiste peut-etre surtout a prevoit tous les dangersmeme parfois
1es plus imagihaires.
Le resultat le plus important de netre longue conversation d'hier est
Sue wu 1'opposition certaine de 1'Arch de sublin a tout etablissement de
religieuses,surtout hospitalieres dans son diocese,nous ne poursuivrons
pas pour 1e moment la fondation de communaute tant revee par miss Martin
Je ne L'ai pas revue assez longtemps seule ce matin (elle est naturelle
ment chez elle, tandis que je suis 1'hote du Monce) pour savoir 1'impres
sion Que lui fer ce changement de front, mais la formule que j'ai sugge
ree me semble la meilleure,et ne peut la decourager.demander au S.Siege
Approbation de leur desir et encouragement - et se mettre entre ses mat
mains entierement lui demandant de kud donner des directions,et particu
Lierement sur ce point la.doivent-elles se former des maintenant en con
gregation religieuse,ou Lancer Leur oeuvrc,et meme commencer a envoyer
des suiets en mission,ou on les demande deia,et partir sous forme lalque
Ccla n'est pas detaille naturellement dans le document envoye au Car
ni dans la Lettre que j'y ai jointe,mais je l'ai explique a D.Pierre,
Se repars tantot pout Glenstal,et compte tousours sur vos prieres &
votre benediction - cinsi due sut vos sascsconscllS.
Reverendissime Pere
Monciature,29 mars 1956
votre fils tres bumblement et filialement

Mor bon & cher Pere
Voici Je memoire que je wous avais prmmis de Dublip avant Hier.Ne
Eroyez pas que les lauriers de D.Dugene ou de p.Maur mempechent de dor-
mir ie nai nulle envie de fonder une nouvelle Congregation. Miss HartiE

Dueldues notes pour illustser le demands des Auriliaires LEdicades das
I orisinesx in pryemrt
HaMags (73 mise w.M. de publam,apren troie apmees A'AGrique, ep QualitE
Jar6 6e
misre iaique, auxiliaire des Miasions,&tait revepue ep irlande pour rai
septe. Ce du'tlle avait wu 1a bas Mm avait riwtlt 1'imense besoin de a
MEdioauy pour les meres et ies babas. Aussitot rertrie,elde tepta plusig
sais pour gouper des bonnes volontes,et amorber EHe congregatiop religo
Aere
Hinde d de cammice. Ailttir o boehe ou tht snort .on dna5 hoe o5
4 y eut des malentendus,des incomprthensions, elde se renferma dang
re et une vie de bienfaisance au seip de sa familde,attepdant lheure dg
Mn 105d,up eveque missionnaire,Mgr Shanahar C.S.Sp.,qui Mavait conn
Rutus,
Migarie,lui conseilla de commencer Quelque chose.La lec ture des livres o
mdon, ies traditions banGdicuanes de sa famille (ees 5 ou s freras ont &
vas a pownside) amenerenebt d clenstal.
M) Or S.GERard,GlGTS Prieur,se tTouvait eD Ge Moment dans de GAndS OmbaTTG
DAe
Kidaas. vous savez quf'ici ies services de cuisipe, pamdloir, ete. se Sont S
Dar des femmes - et il agait ust des series de cuisipieres, bonnes,inSin
Mrour MEcolel,etc. 11 lui sembla,ainei qurd M.M.M. que 1'op pourrait a9
putueldement service.
Af Organisation. L'Archevedue de Cashel, pressentirefuse sane hesiter,nabtement,ig

des personres consciencieuses et scigneuses.
Entretemps op Gtudiait. Le P.Wermeersch await GiGtsneults par Ma
A
ciep directeur de M.M.M,le P.Keldy,S.J.id avait conseilit notammept
de commencer comme Socitte lafque est ce le terme. ie weux dire 1oe
Aenociations pieuses sans woeux, Wiates e tit.Avid du M.It C. T.C.Javee
AbG fa G Aiuin
woeux privas. He moment yepa, Aome recopnmitrait facilament leur tempe
de Cormation comme noviciat ou partie de noviciat canbmidue,et on poue
rait sans tarder avoit une communaute religieuse.
Repie
D Lerin En pravision de cet avepir, eldes wivaient une vie commane et rEgtLe
u taaf6
reset s'essayaiept au cbservances.
E cea9J.
1 be premder sas. En fayrier,deur des seures fidles avant masst ici ur an et oie
or decide de leur faire commencer deur formation professionmelde. ly
D'y a a Dnblip qu'une materpite catholique (da slus. fameuse, la "aotune
dalest protestantes,lAopital ds Holdes AtGeettenu par des.afaues.he
comits diadmiristration accepte de les paerdrs recevoir pour un miner
wal tres reduit, parce que se destipant aux Missions.Mais id .demande
pour dela des garanties.voau, ou comme cels se Cait dans plusieurs so
cietis missionnaires d'irlande, serment de se consacrer d la Mission.
on copvient done de leur faire faire des woeux pritts,les attachant a
A'deuwre proiette - et eldes vont entrer a Holdes Street en ayrid prool
Minetoetion ds da a.G.de da Drorasardd. cs ciect ans dafa raracarmds ane tou
Atait arrangg pour Holdes Street,due nonsawons eu copnaissance - en
Aisant up sournal anglais,le Catholdc rimestpas. ur jourmal d'irlande
nien a parlejde l'instr. de la S.C.de la propagande en date du 1d 9
Se suggere aussitot d'acrire a la S.C. pour remercier de ce mot d.
ordre,et se mettre a da dispositiop du S.Pere.Le. Monce consultt apprq
We,mais,soit spontandment,soit parce Qu'id eroyait que tel Clait men
Adte,id conseilde de faire une demarche auores de notre archevsaue.
Mous savez dne celu -ci nous est faworable,et siest montre er toute

circonstance dfixxmx notre protecteur - et pous navons jamais rien faig
d'impertamt sans le mettre au courant. D'autre part,il avait xEgs refuse
paremptoirement (y.be Y9 a M.M.M.de commencer une Congregation a Glenste
Ma
comme tous les rveques d'Irlande,id est tres oppost a toute fondatiop rol
Rigieuse dans son diocsse.
3'y fus de merdredi 25 mars,et fus assez bien recu.11 me riitera d'a
Alh. . TAane,
bord sop refus absclu, puis,apres lecture de/r/TEStTueYiAM/ddMt du dcoumel
Se ( tuuti.
dont ie lui apportais le texte latip (id p'avait encore entendu parler de
riend,il accepta la discussion. Mais,comme il s'agissait de formatiop mede
cale,il se rabattit sur 1a neceasits d,avoir avart tout une maison a Du
blip ou a Cork - et par consdquent 1yapprobatiop de Ordinaire de 1a bas
M ne wonlut plus admettre que cela."adressez-woue a Dublin (d ne parla
Dlus de Corkiet si LArchevedue wous adrost approuve, se prepdrai ep const
diration 1etablissement d'ur nowdciat a Glenstal'. Je lui dis alors que
M.M.M. comptait (Crire d Rome pour se mettre a ia disposition du S.Siege,
H id ne Sit aucune objectio & et Mentretiem se tarmiba au bout diiya
h. Je passai chez son secre aire,et lui eMis pour Sa Grace opie du docue
Cor/fa:
ment redige pour le Card. Praefet - dent Je wous ai ervoyt le taxte dcluse
Hla Qe/
Arde ar.rea re Ja
remettre) Apres quelques hesitations,le Serc.crut devoir me privenir que
DAlet aane doute,avant de me donner reponse, M'Arclrevedue prendrait langue aveg
Mge de Dublin.
Sonsultatior ch 2 le Monce. Le ieudi 25 ie me suis rendu chez le Monce. 13 me d6
conseille de madresser a Archevsame de Dublin. Celui-ci niadmet paw 2
Aucup prix des religieuses,et surtout pas de religieuses hospitalieres da
sor diocsse.11 y a 1a dessus,me dit de Monce,une dtcisiom du Chapitse, due
SLlGe M
est draconkiennement cbsercie. Cork,ajoute,t-il serait favorable,et I'co
Du
de de medecine de id bas est meildeure que celde de publin.
Apres une Jopgue discussion, nous nous rGsolvope i abandopber pour i9
momemt l'idte d'une congregation religieuse. Nous demanderons davis du S.
Siege,ep nous mettat i sa dieposition pour agir comme ii lui paira, s'1
nous dit de ne pas insister devant la resistance des Eveques akErAasdE,

Dous commencerons sous forme laidue. Apres dueldues anndes,Les Evedues d9
Rande,woyant Mes faits,et reconnaissant due mous ne travaildons Qudep pay5
de mission,o seulemept se raviseront,mais seropt peut stre tres heureur
D'appuvec cette oeuvre irlandaise.
7T RAponse de MArchev3que de Cashel. He waxdrsdi jeudi 26tlettre recue le 27J'ArcB
Rvedue de fashel me repondait que jamais il nsavait autorise la formatiop a
Clenstal d'ume socittt meme Lafque,aux termes du Tit.19,et Que d'ailleurs
Jil ne le pourrait faire qu'apres consultatiop du S.Siege. Cette raponse Re
Nulle allusiop a Madresse de M.M.M. que jo
1i ai remise &
Ast aae pertimepteet ne change ien a la situation presente. Je me suis
Conterte der accuser reception,et se ae contiruerai pas 1a discussior aoe
Atre Me Are Alu Ha;de Cylcsttre.
A'doir recd ube reponse de Rome.
ment, toutef autorisation de tenter queldue chose qui serait une congrEg
Higieuse. Mais,par bienveillance pour Glenstal,'il consept a ce que M.I
EtAt pe A Eedte 5 dyelte & Aiee/re5
ne ep mains la directiop du personel fdmipin.elde choisira les sujets,d
Avec le Prieur,assurera up personnel complet pour le Prieurt .ot surtote
A'rcole. a iaquelde MArcheveaue tiert par dessus tout. . clenstal pourra
ge,donner a ces ieunee fidles une direction reli ieuse suivie, pac woie d
Lions,etc.
Mous awone vacu sur ce statut depuis mars 195d.Petit a petit,les sujet
Larn
Vepustattirges par Joouvre missiopnaire entrevue,pous awops pu (iminer
Doe autre femmes.b'on paix et stcurite,atmoephere religieuse - et soule
A lauLiar,
Dudgalaire,car eldas se sont pas paytes,et wivept sane exigences de notr
Cela ous eparmme de 120 i 150 Mst. par anssans compter des Aconog
Siest mise en rapport,non avec moi,mais avec mon predeceesueur- et j'ai
At& Queldue temps,meme devenu Piieur, avant de savoir exactement ce qu
Slle projetait. Je ne me suis pas fait d'ides praconcues en la matisre,
et Jattends,sahs pulde impatience que Dieu montre le chemip a ces bravee
filles. Entretemps, si je parle dselles et de cette oeuvre a la premiere
Dersonne - nous - c'est que,depuis deux ans,elles font veritablement par
tie de Gjenstal,elles ont te lement Mesprit de la maisop,nous sopt telif
ment devoudes, et ous rendent,avec une inalterable bonne humeur,tant de
Services,due je ne puis pas ne pas les considerer comme &tant de notre
famille,et je ferais tout pour les aider a atteindre leur but.
Miss Martip elle-meme est une ame de priere,ume wokontt vaillabte -
clle est persopne du monde,et m'est,a ce point de vue,tres utile dang
mes travauy d'approche dans la socictt de Dublin, pour le recrutement si
difficile de mon Ecole.
Mlle s'est montrde d'une patiende surnaturelle indemontable, attendam
de Dieu le signe Qui lui dirait d'agir. Mous croyons tous Que Mappel de
Ma P3opagande est cexsigne. Des Lors,nous voudrions pouvoir nous mettre
A Loeuvre au plus tot, et nous ne le pourrons qu'apres reponse de Rome
Elle sagera les Bvsdues, et nons permettra de prerdre position,
Merci de ce que wous ferez pour elles et pour nous, et priez up peu