This section includes files relating to the Capuchin community resident in Ard Mhuire Friary. The series includes records relating to various aspects of their religious life, to their ministries and their interactions with the clergy of the diocese of Raphoe and with various lay fraternities and associations.
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. 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’.
A photographic print of a group of Capuchin friars and presumably the crew of a boat docked at Ards Pier in County Donegal. The group includes Fr. Godfrey Mannion OFM Cap., Fr. Angelus O'Neill OFM Cap., and Br. Angelus Leahy OFM Cap.
Photographic prints of the visit by Fr. Virgilio da Valstagna OFM Cap., Capuchin Minister General, to Ard Mhuire Friary. The file includes a group photograph of Irish friars with Fr. Virgilio. A manuscript annotation on the reverse of one of the prints reads: ‘Ard Mhuire, 1937, Front, left to right, Frs. Andrew, Cassian, Colman (Provincial Minister), Sylvester Mulligan, Fr. Minister General, Frs. Killian Flynn (Prefect Apostolic of Victoria Falls), unknown, Felix and Columban’.
File of photographic prints of Capuchin friars (and students) at Ard Mhuire Friary in County Donegal. One of the prints shows Fr. Colman Griffin OFM Cap., guardian from 1930-7, with students in the community.
File relating to the purchase of Ards House and a portion of the former Stewart-Bam estate by the Irish Land Commission to the Capuchin friars. The purchase (for £5,500) was finalized in April 1930. The file includes valuation reports, receipts (from the Irish Catholic Church Property Insurance Ltd.) and correspondence with the Land Registry Office, solicitors and the National Bank Ltd. Letters from the Forestry Department refer to the proposed acquisition of a portion (33 acres) of the lands adjoining Ards House for £330.