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Glenstal Abbey Archive
IE IE/GLA IE/GLA · Fonds · 1700

Please visit our Archive website at : https://glenstalarchives.ie/

Description of collections:

Non-monastic collection:

Carbery papers, 1658-1759.
Sir Thomas Hackett papers, 1688-1720.
Cloncurry papers, 1880-1909.
Correspondence between Mother Mary Martin and Bede Lebbe, 1930s.
John Sweetman papers, 1911-1923.
Diaries of Richard Hobart (1784-1802), Sir Thomas Kane (1837) and J. Grene Barry (1869-76).
Gaelic League Ard-Craomh minute book, 1907-15.

Monastic collection:

Foundation correspondence.
Legal and administrative documents.
Financial, farm and school records.
Seniorate minute books, 1927-80.
Material relating to congresses, 1952 onwards.
Material relating to the foundation in Nigeria, 1974 onwards.
Private papers of deceased monks.
Glenstal Abbey Auth Rec
Mother Mary Martin Letters
IE IE/GLA IE/GLA/2020-03-06/9/2020-03-06/11 · File · 1934-1936
Part of Glenstal Abbey Archive

Early days of M.M.M, formation of aspiring sisters, Rule of Glenstal in formation of aspiring sisters, Agreement between Glenstal ande Ms Martin when ladies were working here.
Sent to and by the former Prior of Glenstal

Glenstal Abbey Auth Rec
New years day letter thanks
IE IE/GLA IE/GLA/2020-03-06/9/2020-03-06/11/2023-05-05/546 · Item · 06-01-1935
Part of Glenstal Abbey Archive

Caritas
Dear Father Prior
Many many thanks for your letter of
New Years day
+returning I.
Letter so promptly.
Ishall deal with all that relates to
Glenstal + the reopening of The College first
Iwrote to Miss Leydon to return to Glenstal
on Monday the 17th if she has any difficultie
about which she wishes to see me to come
by 9.15Am train to Dublin, she ought to
catch the 5 pm to Limerick, if Ohe does
not need to see me, she may go direct to
Glenstal. I told her to find out cheapest
route.
It would be well for Mary to have fires
set in Dormitories, + if possible have the floors
waxed + teachers. rooms + Matrons in order.
Cook says she can spare Mary_
Mai will have plenty of time to have
her department in order.
Matron wrote me a very good letter, she seems
Epiphany Sunday
1935.

full of joy and energy for the next term.
I shall certainly send a companion to Miss
Leyden- but ir will not be for a few weeks.
If I send Miss O' Rourke it means she must
give up her office + resign_ she will have to give
them a couple of weeks notice. She ofcarse is the
only one of the four earning and unless things
were very definite as to he possibility of
continuing at Glenstal to would be very unwise
for her to resign. On the other hand if they
have a fairly regular life + start religious
instructions on the vows, she will be one of
the ones that would benefit most from them

  • would be a help to Miss Leyden and
    someone I would feel great confidence in
    having there
    Miss Moynagh would be a good worker
    humble + spiritual but not of the same character.
    More Miss Leydons type. As her teeth were all
    very bad, I advised her to have them all
    out. This she had done before Christmas. I
    am awaiting a letter from her in which she
    will tell me how soon she would be fit to
    go to Glenstal if I needed her

    Thank you very much for granting me

The material request I wrote about. I agree
with you in all you say on these matters

  • feel just as you do about these money
    matters. I shall do as you request + hope you
    will also draw up your own ideal then we
    can discuss the whole question .
    Naturally I am sorry we shall not see
    you this month. hon The other hand for The College
    I am glad you are not leaving Glenstal so
    soon after The opening. Also this gives no
    all more time to pray + reflect over all matters
    so important only because they are dealing with
    Gods Eternal Will.
    I think till my return it is just as
    well to give my room to Miss Leydons
    companion that would leave Cook + Mai
    Mary + Miss Leydon. If you think it better
    to have Mary + Cook well + good or if
    you think Lizzie would like it + that it
    would do her good, she + Miss Leydon
    could share the front. room
    It is better for
    you + Matron to arrange this matter but
    certainly I prefer to have my room used
    it will make things more comfortable + healthy.
    Dear Father now I come to thank you for

what I must value, the special course of
instructions to my daughters, as you so nicely
put it, if you find it convenient + necessary
I shall of course have no objection to them being
increasid It is a excellent plan to allow
them to confere with Dom David for
explanations + counsel if they need them
I shall leave things reen as they did at the
end of last term till the companion arrives
then we shall maps out things for the two
(there is alway a little danger of a Matron
getting +putting in one thing after another on
Her work is not heavy as things are at Glenstal
at prisent) I have written to Matron stating
Miss Leyden returns but that it is absolutely
necessary she has certain + regular time for
her spiritual exercises
.
Like you. at present I feel overwhelmed
wrth responsibilities a religious life is such a
high ideal, we shall be united in prayer for
The same great end, our own individual
perfection + them that as wished by God in
Glenstal + the future M.M.Mr .
I shall not speak of your coming.
I am grieved to hear Dom Gerard has received
Lerch reports, certainly they were not from me
or any of my subjects. I am ashamed.

Glenstal Abbey Auth Rec
Ending of Jubilee year
IE IE/GLA IE/GLA/2020-03-06/9/2020-03-06/11/2023-05-05/547 · Item · 05-05-1935
Part of Glenstal Abbey Archive

Caritas.
Dear Father Prior
I am praying and thinking much
you all to.day, ending up off the great
Jubilee year. how rich in graces are all
these days. I also wonder has Miss O' Rourke
provisioned you all, with her cooking as I
understood from Miss Cleary yesterday that Cook
was going away for this week-end.
As you say I fear Lizzie is not improving
any complaints there were about the food
last time. I now attribute to her carelessness
at times, she evendently needs constant
supervision to keep her up to the standard
required
this is what makes it so difficult
for you she is not a character one can
rely on-
i many ways she is suitable
can cook well when she wishes so I
think it would be a mistake to make
any change before the beginning of next
school year._ Miss Nugents presence would
Greenbank
Monkstown
Low Sunday 1935.

April 35
probably remove a great deal of your worries
leave you more time for more important matters
Personally I think if she will go down as
suggested in Fr. Kings letter with the idea of
getting in touch with M.M.M. fall in with the
spiritual life of "Marys" daughters doing my work
under obedience to you without in any way
committing herself to M.M.M. or we being
committed to her_ I liked her much, she has
all the natural qualities I lack so much
she knows her own mind + is capable with
a good spirit.
Before taking her on definitely as a
member of M.M.M. I would need to have
full particulars from the Mother Prioress, also
these few months at Glenstal would give
you + Dom David a good idea as to
her suitability for M.M.M. She was
educated by Benedictine Nuns in America
Dom Marmions books are what express
her spiritual outlook. I shall probably
see her again on Tuesday so as to know
her better before coming to a decision when
receive your wishes which are mine.
Now to the compliments I have heard as

you will be weary after all this
forgive me.
Will you please tell Miss O' Rourke
Miss Leydon I await their letters
of Sunday before writing Owing to
circumstances my time has been much
occupied interviewing people

With all good wishes to all the
Monks. united in prayer.
your obedient child for
Sr Mary
9.

regards the food during the last term -
At times the food was not good
2) Did not receive enough especially porridge
at breakfast time.
) They received black + white pudding nearly
every day for breakfast. till lately.
4) the food was excellent up to the last term
but now the general conversation + question asked
is Is it true the food is very bad at
Glenstal?
I asked Natron did she hear much
from the boys her answer is as follows
About the food lately- I honestly think.
there was very little to complain about
at any time
things were much better
I the kitchen lately Mary + Cook were
at peace.
She also says: I am
glad F. Prior seems pleased I see very
little of him but I hope if there is any way
that I could be of further help that he
will tell me
I don't like interfering
unless I am asked but I am very happy
interested in Glenstal + would love
to give any + all the help I could_
I think we have a good person in Matron
April 35
3.

of
manners and general conduct.
a thought struck me the other
day As the numbers are to small
to make a team for Foot. ball or
Hockey would it be possible to
make a small golf. course for the
teachers
Now just a word about M.M.M.
you will remember The two paper with
the agreements, could you let me have
the on back on which you have
agreed with the amount you consider
reasonable + just for the members
f M.M. M. to pay for their board and
Lodging till we have our own quarters
for ourselves 21 Also what
decision you have come to over the
holidays + The question of guests.
The reason why I need to know this
at present + is in the accepting of
candidates
they will have to be able
to defray some of the expenses during
their years of formation.

Glenstal Abbey Auth Rec
Did not see the tailor
IE IE/GLA IE/GLA/2020-03-06/9/2020-03-06/11/2023-05-05/548 · Item · c01-01-1936
Part of Glenstal Abbey Archive

Caritas .
My dear Father
card this morning but disappointed to
Iwas pleased to receive your
hear you did not see the tailor
time is going on + little done O
fear.
Yesterday Wednesday I saw His Excellen
He adked for you + said he was
glad you were writing to His Eminence
The Cardinal S.P. de 7. Ithink it would
e well to send on the letter to
His Excellency as soon as possible.
He has advised me to rent a house
for the 1st year Ishall do +
have a applied for lists of houses
to rent. He thought the financial
burden would be to great on the
house we thought so suitable.
after this I met Dom David
he looks well + as good + active
as ever in his heart + mind
from there Iwent to the
[1936]
Greenbank
Monkstown
Thursday

the afternoon for the college _

Will you try to see Miss M. Hayes
the boys liked her

Unfortunately Imissed Ms Duff
St Baptist again.
bring to the account of work
for sometimes as Imust start off
again looking for a house torent.
I think it will be a great relief
to you when all the visitors go so as
to have time for all the things you have to
Have you arranged anything about the
lavatories? The sweep? I have severals
times reminded Fr. John nothing done
They will make pillows outof
Please remember me to my children +
thank them for this letter+ poetry- Ask
Miss Murphy to send glasses ago to me

I pray much for you. may God
strengthen +guide you in all things
We must both work hard in union
Very nice for a college tie the one
without the writing marked with x is my
choice also Mother. You can have them
green with grey strips or grey with green
strip.
Switzers is also sending you patterns
of grey Flannel for Blazers with a
green binding + the estimate.
2) Clerys. They are sending patterns
or suits + sketch. also grey flannel
for Blazers + Caps. Pullovers
weeks time about. Foot. Tall Jerseys
Pants Gym costumes etc. Ithought this
the most satisfactory for you

They will also send the patterns
Ihope you will be able to come to
a definite decision soon any how O
we can add in in ink_

Glenstal Abbey Auth Rec
IE IE/GLA IE/GLA/2020-03-06/9/2020-03-06/12/2021-07-20/134 · Item · 01-01-1934 ca
Part of Glenstal Abbey Archive

Letter thanking Prior for Mass he said for her, and discussing various other topics.

TEXT

Caritas
96 Lr Leeson St
Dublin
Dear Father Prior
How am I to thank
you for saying Mass for me

  • also asking +- Davidx
    this gift is infinite oh if
    I were only worthy ff all the
    love + generosity you all have
    shown me since I went
    to Glenstal. Allowing me
    to help in a very small
    way in Glenstal I always
    regard as a very great
    privilege + now to be allowed
    in Gods loving Providence to
    suffer a little with Him for
    His Fathers Glory leaves me in
    a greater ditth thanever. I
    may honestly, say there is
    absolutely no reason for you
    to feel any remorse if
    there could be any fault it is
    all on my side but really
    I believed it is all in Gods
    plan for my sanctification
    His future Work + s think
    also for Glenstal in a more
    perhaps humble + hidden
    way
    All I regret is the
    inconvenience + extra work
    I have been the cause of
    laying on your shoulders +
    for leaving
    things in such
    disorder
    I feel very much for you
    with your further cross +
    anxiety over Rose I shall
    pray much for hhr quick
    I fear Mr O' Reilty will be
    disappointed these things cannot
    be helped + I thank you
    very much for all the
    trouble you have taken
    I asked my brother to telephone
    at once as S. O' Reilly
    called in yesterday hoping
    to meet Dom David who
    would perhaps have good
    news for them_ I am very
    sorry it did not suit your
    niece as it is a lovely
    home + a real catholic
    family.
    I sucerely hope
    Mc thorpes will her
    better.
    I know Mr Byme
    well he is one of the
    best know Architects in
    Dublin a personal friend
    our family.
    theso circumstances I may grow
    in greater love + union with God
    My great difficulty is to over
    come a terrible natural
    dread I have of anaesthetics
    but God gave me courage
  • great grace last time
    He will not refuse me
    again I know.
    I am delighted to hear
    about the Statue of Our Lady
    being finished + in the Chapel
    at must look very well
    with Our holy Father St. Benedict
  • what a blessing that united
    prayer of the whole of Glenstal
    at Our Ladys
    feet must
    do for the individual souls
    the monastery + school..
    shall be with you all in spirit.
    Sister Baptist knows Mr Thorpe
    if you wish you could write
    to her for any particulars.
    I am glad to hear Lizzie
    was able to get away to see
    her Aunt I hope she
    continues to give satisfaction
    Will you please explain to
    them, if they do not hear
    from me for the next we
    it is that they wish me
    to rest more + shall not
    be allow
    to write much
    after the operation for some
    days
    I shall drop you
    a line
    you can give them
    all the new. Tell them
    I count
    on their united
    prayer_.
    your English in improving
    greatly I suppose you have
    no difficulty in spanking
    now at all.
    Will you please remember me
    to Dom Columba + say how
    sorry I was to hear he had
    to have all his teeth out
    Also please remember me to
    all the Fathers teachers boys
  • staff.
    I had a very nice letter +
    picture from Dom Gerard.
    I shall drop him a line _
    With all good wishes
    grateful thanks for everything
    in prayer.
    your obedient child
    in Jesus + Mary.
    Sr Mary
Mother Mary Martin (Auth rec)
IE IE/GLA IE/GLA/2020-03-06/9/2020-03-06/12/2021-07-20/135 · Item · 29-12-1934
Part of Glenstal Abbey Archive

Letter seeking advice regarding nursing training, and other matters relating to establishing a religious congregation.

TEXT
Caritas
29 Dec : 1934
MONKSTOWN
My dear i. Prior
To-day we sing the grand
Te Deum in thanksgiving
to
God for all the graces +
blessings of the old year my
praises go up to God thanking
Him for every thing especially
for the graces I received at
Glenstal + during
my illness
they were precious beyond
words next year I hope for as
all they will be even richer
even if it Means more toes .
I was very very pleased to see
Lizzie looking so well + happy
she too has greatly
improved
.
. she is
really happy at Glenstal + wants
to do her hest to please you all
I have written to Miss Leyden
to return to you on the 7 Jan.
if you would prefere her to
have a companion It could
send perhaps Miss Moynagh
or Miss O' Rourke till I am
able to go down myself. If
you would like this arrangement
then the work should be devided
they should have regular time
for prayer + if it were possible
to have instruction on the religious
life say once every two weeks
as well as the general instruction
to the maids
They should be able
if there were two to undertake the
Fathers mending. Owing to financia
circumstances
would have to ask you MONKSTOWN
to give them their full keep laundry
etc. I think Dom Gerard arranged
with Fr. John that M.M.M. travelling
expenses were paid, he will be
able to tell you, it was
so but
I always tried to do all I
could as long as I was in
The position to do so as I
feel we would be more than
repaid for the little we could
do for Glenstal in the spiritual
formation we would receive

  • the privilege
    being
    in
    a religious atmosphere.
    Now I am faced with all
    the sure signs + blessing
    a work
    That is really Gods To be successful
    at must live +
    practise all the
    characteris tie of far
    Divine Lords Life. One
    of the great blessings of last
    year is M.M.M. starts in real
    this
    poverty like the spirit o
    holy Season

    Wee are doing all we can in
    a quiet way up here to collect
    enough friends to pay the fees,
    for the nursing training
    Please let me know what you
    two were going I would
    prefere_ I
    like if possible that they had
    instructions on the vows as I
    think for the first few years
    we shall have to remain as
    secular with private vows
    practising the works we propose
    to undertake eventually as religious
    I await my return or your will
    looked forward visit to dicuss
    all our future plans
    for Glenstal + M.M.M. MONKSTOWN
    As for Miss Hayes T.G. she
    seems less better over the whole
    thing
  • wrote to. day to ask
    me when she might
    expect
    your visit.
    you will not
    hear further from
    her unless
    you write to her_
    I hope
    home
    alright
    fear
    her time was
    very
    rushed
    was very
    good
    her
    give her
    day
    me.
    The stumps are beginning to
    show healthy signs of healing
    I am still confined to bed +just
    temperature . It is
    running a slight
    A case of patience
    humility + perfect trust in God
    to cure me in His own time
    I must be striped of all self
  • this is a painful + long
    process _
    with all loving wishes to
    everyone for 1935.
    Your grateful
    obedient
    child in Jesus + Mary
    Mary
    31 just received enclose will
    yon read it, show it to Dom
    .
    Davide I would like to have
    it
    back by
    return
  • possible as
    I need it on Wednesday or
    Thursday - M.M
Mother Mary Martin (Auth rec)
IE IE/GLA IE/GLA/2020-03-06/9/2020-03-06/12/2021-07-20/136 · Item · 23-10-1934
Part of Glenstal Abbey Archive

Letter in French to the Prior regarding Mary Martin. Author not signed. Letter comes from Anvers, France.

Glenstal Abbey Auth Rec