The series contains correspondence, publications, posters, circulars, newspaper cuttings and ephemera relating to various commemorations of Fr. Theobald Mathew OSFC from the late nineteenth century onward. The series has been divided into seven sub-series relating to a particular anniversary (centenary or bicentenary) or commemoration of Fr. Mathew and his temperance crusade.
The series comprises photographic glass plates with descriptions derived principally from annotations and captions on their original containers, boxes and covers.
The series contains the correspondence of Irish Capuchin missionary friars chronicling their work in both South Africa and in Northern Rhodesia (later Zambia). Much of the correspondence is with Provincial Ministers, Provincial Secretaries and Mission Secretaries and includes letters from overseas’ superiors regarding personnel and administrative matters, health care and education projects, evangelization and ministry, and financial matters. Many of the early letters provide personal accounts of the missionary’s activities with details of their work in the field.
The series includes records relating to the use of Ard Mhuire Capuchin Friary as a retreat centre in the diocese of Raphoe. The section includes material pertaining to retreats given to both the diocesan clergy and other religious as well as lay people, parish communities and school groups.
The series contains documents relating to the sale of Ards House and its 2,000-acre estate by the Stewart-Bam family. The estate was acquired by the Irish Land Commission in 1926. The Capuchin Franciscans purchased Ards House and a portion of its demesne in 1930 and converted it for use as a friary and theological seminary.
This section includes legal records relating to the management of properties at Ard Mhuire Capuchin Friary. The series also includes papers relating to the construction, renovation and repair history of Ards Friary and the Capuchin House of Studies. A sub-series includes correspondence, architectural plans, and financial records relating to the construction of a new friary and theological seminary on the existing Ard Mhuire site in the 1960s.
This section includes mainly administrative files relating to the ministries undertaken by the Capuchin community at Holy Trinity Church and Friary in Cork. The series includes records of masses, internal community records and minute books, correspondence, schedules and records of elections (mainly for the guardianship of the Cork house).
This section includes various books and journals of account (for example, ledgers of accounts payable, accounts received and cash receipts). The records detail annual audits and routine household and community expenditure. The series also includes records relating to tax returns and bills (property and municipal rates), and insurance policies covering fire, engineering, and public liabilities. Accounts of monies derived from street collections and annual quests are also included in this section.