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Copy cable message from Fr. Colman Griffin OFM Cap. Provincial Minister, to Fr. Stephen Murtagh OFM Cap. He informs Fr. Stephen that the ‘Government refuses [to] send money [to] America’. This likely refers to strict currency controls imposed by the Irish government during World War II (referred to in Ireland as ‘The Emergency’).

Copy letter from Fr. Colman Griffin OFM Cap., Provincial Minister, to Fr. Stephen Murtagh OFM Cap. regarding the administrative changes in the Western American mission. The letter suggests that Fr. Alban Cullen be placed in a ‘comparatively quiet place such as Santa Inez, rather than a busier house, to ensure he has ‘plenty of work to do’. Reference is also made to the legal standing of the Roseburg (Oregon) property. The Capuchin leadership in Dublin is confused about whether the property actually belongs to the Order or is merely ‘parochial property’.

Copy letter from Fr. Colman Griffin OFM Cap., Provincial Minister, to Fr. Stephen Murtagh OFM Cap. referring to unresolved property matters and the whereabouts of missing friars. Clarification is sought on the status of a house at Mission Santa Inés. There is significant concern regarding these two friars (Fathers Richard and Leopold). Father Colman states that he has not seen or heard from them in three weeks.

Copy letter from Fr. Colman Griffin OFM Cap., Provincial Minister, to Fr. Stephen Murtagh OFM Cap. focusing on a major expansion project for Flintridge High School and the complex financial negotiations surrounding it. Father Colman and his Definitory (Council) effectively defers to the local experts, telling Father Stephen to proceed with what he and his Consultors deem best. If Father Stephen can raise the loan locally in the United States Custody, the leadership in Dublin will apply to Rome for the necessary ‘Rescript’ (official permission). Mention of a letter regarding McKenzie Bridge in Oregon is also made, with Father Colman noting the ‘relinquishment of that place’ is now open.

Copy letter from Fr. Colman Griffin OFM Cap., Provincial Minister, to Fr. Stephen Murtagh OFM Cap. He notes there are 34 Fathers currently in America. However, for the purpose of these specific Masses for the Father General, two (Fathers Bernard and Isidore) are excluded, bringing the total number of Masses to 32.

Copy letter from Fr. Colman Griffin OFM Cap., Provincial Minister, to Fr. Stephen Murtagh OFM Cap. seeking clarification on several critical points regarding the negotiations with the Archbishop of San Francisco. Father Colman is concerned that the Archbishop’s hesitation regarding the term ‘monastery’ implies he wants the building under his jurisdiction rather than the exclusive ownership of the Capuchin Franciscan Order. He asks if the Archbishop’s promise to cover $25,000 to $30,000 in debt means the property will eventually belong to the Order once the debt is paid, or if it remains ‘Parish property’.

Copy letter from Fr. Colman Griffin OFM Cap., Provincial Minister, to Fr. Stephen Murtagh OFM Cap. regarding the ongoing property issues in Burlingame, California. Father Colman shares a Latin response received from the General Curia in Rome (dated 14 May). He notes he is ‘glad to learn that Fr. Thomas is progressing’ and offers prayers for his restoration to good health.

Copy letter from Fr. Colman Griffin OFM Cap., Provincial Minister, to Fr. Stephen Murtagh OFM Cap. regarding several administrative and personnel matters. He expresses satisfaction with a report from regarding two novices, Br. Walter and Br. John. He confirms that the leadership still find it ‘impossible’ to send more friars to America at this time. This was largely due to the extreme travel restrictions and dangers of World War II.

Copy letter from Fr. Colman Griffin OFM Cap., Provincial Minister, to Fr. Stephen Murtagh OFM Cap. regarding administrative and personnel issues. The Provincial Minister grants Father Stephen extraordinary powers for the duration of the war, specifically allowing him to correspond directly with Rome. He notes Father Oliver had been very ill but is presumed to be recovering. Father Colman also mentions that Fr. Terence, Fr. Eustace, and a young Brother Fergus to be sent to a Foreign Mission in Africa.

Copy letter from Fr. Colman Griffin OFM Cap., Provincial Minister, to Fr. Stephen Murtagh OFM Cap. regarding issues pertaining to the legal and administrative governance of the Capuchin friars in America. The Provincial Minister addresses Father Stephen’s suggestion to set a time limit for friars returning to Ireland for ‘vacations’. He clarifies that, historically, friars have no inherent right to holidays. The letter provides a timeline of when various California and Delaware locations were formally established or recognized by rescript (or official papal authorisation):
1910: Hermiston & Bend (Oregon)
1913: Roseburg (Oregon)
1923: Watts (Los Angeles)
1924: Ukiah and Santa Inez (California)
1927: Easton (California)
1930: St. Francis (Los Angeles) and Wilmington (Delaware)
1935: Establishment of the Novitiate in Wilmington
The Provincial Minister mentions that records for four houses taken over from the English Province in California are missing and that the Secretary of the English Provincial will be contacted to provide copies.