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A copy of ‘The Connacht Champion’, Vol. 5, New Series 10 (21 March 1908). The edition includes an article on a mission conducted by Fr. Benedict Phelan OFM Cap. and Fr. Thomas Dowling OFM Cap. in Galway.

An image of Fr. Thomas Dowling OSFC (1874-1951) standing outside the entrance to the Father Mathew Pavilion at the Cork International Exhibition in 1902.

A short account detailing the early days of the Irish Capuchin mission in Oregon.
The Mission’s Origins: Reference is made to Fr. Thomas Dowling OFM Cap. returning to Ireland to report his and Father Luke’s investigations into this ‘neglected portion of the Lord’s Vineyard’.
Official Acceptance (1910): The text records that at a Provincial Chapter held at St. Mary of the Angels in Dublin in 1910, the work in Oregon was officially accepted by the Irish Capuchins.
The First Three Missionaries: Three priests (all from Kilkenny) were chosen to join Father Luke in Bend:
Father Leonard (Brophy)
Father Benignus (Brennan)
Father Casimir (Butler)

A letter from Archbishop Edward J. Hanna of San Francisco formally welcoming the Capuchin Fathers to their newly assigned parish, Our Lady of the Angels, in Easton (Burlingame), California. He acknowledges their successful missionary track record in Mendocino County, and expresses optimism for the parish’s future amidst regional growth along the Peninsula. He concludes by sharing his deep gratitude for the appointment of the Very Rev. Thomas Dowling as the parish’s very first pastor.

A clipping from article reporting on the first sacrament of Confirmation administered at the newly established church of Our Lady of Angels in Burlingame, California. The clipping is taken from ‘The Monitor’ (28 September 1929).

A ledger detailing the annual ‘Parish Statistics’ and ‘Financial Statement’ for St. Lawrence Church in Watts, California, dated 1 January 1927. Signed by Capuchin Franciscan pastors Father Joseph Fenelon OFM Cap., Father Thomas Dowling OFM Cap., and Father Gabriel Harrington OFM Cap. The document outlines both the spiritual and material state of the parish. Demographically, it records a population of roughly 1,123 Catholics, tracking memberships across local religious sodalities –
such as the Holy Name Society and Altar Society – alongside vital 1924 sacramental data, which includes 191 total baptisms, 20 marriages, and 30 deaths. Financially, the report balances an annual cash flow of $11,363.37 against identical expenditures, including substantial allocations for school operational funding. Under its liabilities, the statement of debt details heavy outstanding balances totalling $45,000, split between quarterly interest obligations held with the Farmers and Merchants National Bank ($36,000) and the First National Bank ($9,000).

Letter from Fr. Luke Sheehan OFM Cap., Bend, Oregon, to Fr. Thomas Dowling OFM Cap., Provincial Minister, referring to the status of several land deals for new churches. He also notes that two religious sisters have been collecting funds for Baker City. While Father Luke is unsure how much they will help, the Bishop has approved the effort.

Letter from Fr. Luke Sheehan OFM Cap., Bend, Oregon, to Fr. Thomas Dowling OFM Cap., Provincial Minister, regarding a pressing mortgage and financial debt in Hermiston, Oregon. He explains that the contractor in Hermiston is ‘pressing for his money’ and that the payment is significantly delayed.

Letter from Fr. Luke Sheehan OFM Cap., Bend, Oregon, to Fr. Thomas Dowling OFM Cap., Provincial Minister, acknowledging a ‘very welcome St. Patrick’s gift’ (money) and mentions that another £100 would help ‘straighten us out fairly well for the time being’. He mentions a ‘St. Patrick’s ball’ organized by the local ladies’ altar society, which is expected to raise at least $50. Father Luke discusses the Archbishop’s interest in a ‘city parish’ and the ‘Harrisburg question’.

Letter from Fr. Luke Sheehan OFM Cap., Bend, Oregon, to Fr. Thomas Dowling OFM Cap., Provincial Minister, referring to the expansion of the Capuchin mission in Oregon. He notes that when he arrived, there was only one church in Bend. Since then, they have built churches in Hermiston, Umatilla, and Madras. Father Luke lists the number of ‘Catholics’ and ‘souls’ in various towns to justify the expansion: Bend: 42 Catholics / 104 Souls; Prineville: 24 Catholics / 49 Souls; Redmond: 10 Catholics / 49 Souls; Madras: 14 Catholics / 24 Souls. He also affirms that the Catholic Church Extension Society has pledged $500 for several locations, including Redmond, Prineville, and Pilot Rock.