Letter from [+McQuaid] to [D. Enrici] stating that he has received the three Apostolic Briefs from the Holy See and that the Nunciature may require the reference numbers for these documents, which he now encloses. He also asks what fee is due regarding the appointment of Mgr. Richard Casey as Privy Chamberlain.

Letter from Mgr. Paro to +McQuaid regarding ‘Orders of Chivalry’ which have been founded by private individuals. Many of these were old orders which have been extinct for centuries and have not been recognised or approved by the Holy See. The Secretariat of State wishes to advise the Hierarchy about these, especially one entitled ‘Sovrano Militare Ospedaliero Ordine de Cavalieri di S. Rita.

the Holy See requested an agreement with the Irish Government regarding the nomination of Archbishop Hector Felici but the government had not signified his approval. He wishes the Archbishop to convey this information to the Irish Hierarchy.

Letter from +McQuaid to Mgr. Montini regarding the current political situation in Ireland and the attitude of the new government of the Irish Republic to the Holy See. He says the delay in their reply has more to do with the absence of the Minister for External Affairs who has been on government business abroad. He also states that the ‘immaturity’ of the Minister has added to the delays as he ‘…loads himself with interviews, visits and speeches, which cannot be regarded as of major importance to his proper function’.

Letter from Mgr. Benelli to +McQuaid thanking him for the cheque for £20 which will be forwarded to the Holy See.

Letter from +Ryan, Bon Secour’s Hospital, Cork to +McQuaid stating he has been inundated with greetings from Trinidad. The Holy See has finally ended the association between the Port of Spain Diocese and the Dominicans. He mentions the birth prevention programme announced by the Trinidad government. The new Archbishop will be busy answering questions relating to this. 1 item

Letter from +Gracias, Rome to +McQuaid stating he will be visiting Ireland after the World Congress of the Lay Apostolate. He hopes to meet with the Archbishop during the visit. He mentions De Valera and his visit to Bombay and Mr. Walsh, Irish Minister to the Holy See. Annotated by +McQuaid.

Letter from +Conway to +McQuaid stating the Holy See has approved the use of the English version of the new ordination rites for Deacons, Priests and Bishops.

Letter from +Browne to +McQuaid thanking him for a copy of the revised draft catechism. He also seeks information on Dr. P. Browne as he wants to confer an honour on him from the Holy See. 1 item

23-25 April 1957 Correspondence between +Levame & +McQuaid regarding the ‘Lions Clubs’. The Association was founded in 1917 in Chicago and now can be found worldwide. It states its mission is to be humanitarian and philanthropic. The attitude to religion is said to be neutral. However, the Holy See wants the greatest vigilance around this group and if any lay spirit prevails, for example Freemasonry, the Holy Office is to be informed. Ordinaries should not take action on their own but only after seeking the advice of all Bishops so a common policy can be put in place. Every endeavour should be made to facilitate Catholic associations. +McQuaid mentions his awareness of the Lions Club and has already taken action.