Correspondence Fr. Thomas Rocks OFM Cap., Guardian, Ard Mhuire Capuchin Friary, with Fr. Brendan O’Mahony OFM Cap., Provincial Minister, and Fr. Nicholas O’Brien OFM Cap., Provincial Secretary, mostly regarding property and financial matters pertaining to the Ards foundation. The subjects include improvements to the Friary and Retreat House, the potential sale of a tract of land called ‘Manus Lough’, the financial demands of the Ards community, the leasing of a camping site to the CBSI, and the potential lease of the disused pier at Sheephaven Bay. The file includes a schedule denoting the subventions from the Provincial (Central) Fund to the Ard Mhuire building fund from 1950-77. A letter (18 Feb. 1977) from Fr. Nicholas reads: 'The first agreement for the use of the pier (then known as “the flagstaff”) was made by the then Guardian – Fr. Cassian O’Shea, [who was guardian from 1937-43] with “Irish Minerals Co.” of Arklow. … And it was during this time that the pier as we know it today was constructed including the extension back to the friary grounds and the protecting wall – later the shed and repair workshop was added'.
Copy circular letter from Fr. Kevin Moynihan OFM Cap., Provincial Minister, announcing the purchase of Ards House by the Capuchin Order. The letter reads:
'It is more than 350 years since the Franciscans laboured “for the glory of God, and the honour of Erin” in the historic Abbey of Donegal. Now they are returning and let us hope that this new Friary of the Order will be a centre of spiritual force, the influence of which will be felt, not only in Tirconaill, but in the whole of the north of Ireland'.
He also expresses his gratitude to Fr. Aloysius Travers OFM Cap. whose ‘untiring energy’ ensured the acquisition of the property. A note (added by Fr. Angelus Healy OFM Cap.) states that a meeting of the Provincial Definitory on 5 Mar. 1930 confirmed the plan to purchase of Ards House for a canonical foundation. It is also noted that Fr. Colman Griffin OFM Cap. was appointed guardian of the new foundation.
Letter to Fr. Berchmans McCarthy OFM Cap, guardian, Ard Mhuire Friary, from the Irish Catholic Church Property Insurance Company, 9 College Green, Dublin 2, enclosing a copy of car insurance policy for the community car.
Statement read at all Masses at Ard Mhuire Friary Church re the future of the Capuchins in Donegal. The statement reads: 'Our higher superiors now face the possibility of having to minimize or withdraw us from our retreat house ministry. They are also pursuing the possibility of inviting the involvement of other religious in this ministry. However, the bottom line is that we have no plans nor intention of leaving Ards'. The file includes a circular letter from Fr. Eustace McSweeney OFM Cap., Retreat Director, re changes in the management of the Ard Mhuire Retreat Centre which will see a greater input from the clergy of the diocese of Raphoe. With a copy clipping of an article titled ‘Donegal friary to end spiritual retreats’. 'Irish Times', 17 Mar. 2006.
Photographic print of Fr. Flavio Roberto Carraro OFM Cap., Minister General, with the friars of the Capuchin community at Ard Mhuire Friary. The group includes Fr. Fidelis O’Connell OFM Cap. Fr. David Kelleher OFM Cap., Fr. Benjamin O’Connell OFM Cap., guardian, Fr. Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap., and Fr. Joachim Lyttle OFM Cap. The file also includes a newspaper clipping of the photograph with caption details.
Photographic prints of Fr. Pascal Rywalski OFM Cap. (1911-2002), Minister General, and Fr. John Corriveau OFM Cap., Definitor General, with the friars of the Capuchin community at Ard Mhuire Friary. The group includes Fr. Albert Hayes OFM Cap., Fr. David Kelleher OFM Cap., Fr. Michael Duffy OFM Cap., Fr. Fidelis O’Connell and Fr. Pádraig Ó Cuill OFM Cap.
Photographic prints of student friars in Ard Mhuire Friary in County Donegal. The file includes images of the students at recreation and prints of the Friary Church. A manuscript annotation on the reverse reads ‘Students, Ards’
Photographic print of Fr. Angelus Healy OFM Cap. with five other Capuchin friars and a young girl. The photograph was taken at Doe Castle, County Donegal. One of the other friars is Fr. Bonaventure Murphy OFM Cap. Note: A manuscript annotation on the reverse reads: ‘Taken at Doe Castle, July 12th, 1930’.
