Letter from Lionel Percy, Bunlin Lodge, Milford, County Donegal, to Fr. Pacificus Jennings OFM Cap, guardian, Ard Mhuire Friary, re items which he would like to acquire before the demolition of the old Ard Mhuire Friary building. The items include the ‘mahogany bookcases in the library’ and ‘the stone steps outside the building’. The file also includes an inventory for an auction of mainly livestock and agricultural equipment at Ard Mhuire on 13 Mar. 1971.
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.
An image of the exterior of Ard Mhuire Capuchin Friary in County Donegal. A typescript title on the image reads 'Capuchin Franciscan Friary / Co. Donegal'.
A view of the rear of Ard Mhuire Friary (formerly Ards House) in County Donegal. A manuscript annotation on the reverse of the print reads 'rear view of Ards House'.
Letter from Louis J. Walsh (1880-1942) to Fr. Colman Griffin OFM Cap., guardian, Ard Mhuire Friary, welcoming the arrival of the Capuchins in County Donegal. He writes: 'I hope … above all that the Holy Mass is being offered up every morning in the halls where alien lords revelled and plotted against our religion and our race. … Your monastery will add wonderful richness to the spiritual life of Tír Chonaill and of Ulster and bring down countless blessings on us all'. He also suggests that Ard Mhuire Friary would serve as an excellent location ‘in which lay men could make retreats’.
Photostat copies from an unidentified publication referring to the history of Dunfanaghy and its hinterland with reference to the Stewart family of Ards.
An article on the history of Doe Castle on the shores of Sheephaven Bay near Creeslough, County Donegal. The article was compiled by Sheila MacMahon. A note from the author to Fr. David Kelleher OFM Cap. is extant on the reverse of the last page. The file includes a colour postcard print of a painting of Doe Castle and a short note re the restoration by a local branch of the Legion of Mary of broken or neglected Penal-era Mass Rocks in the area around Doe.
