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Letter from Fr. Edwin Fitzgibbon OFM Cap., Provincial Minister, to Fr. Thomas Dowling OFM Cap. referring to an application for a third man to help with his missions in America. Father Edwin explains that they can do nothing from Ireland until the end of summer. He mentions that Fr. Raphael Quinn is also looking for a third man. He plans to write to a Fr. Joseph Fenelon to see if he can assist with the matter. He reports that Fr. Laurence Dowling has been unwell for the past couple of months but is now recovering and will go to the Isle of Man for a fortnight of rest. Father Edwin also describes an ‘immense amount of work’ in Ireland, noting they have 50 Missions and Retreats scheduled between March 1st and Easter.

Letter from W.M. Wooldridge to Fr. Laurence Dowling OFM Cap., Rochestown, County Cork. The letter discusses a recent meeting in Helena, Montana, with Bishop Brondel regarding the year-long proposal to establish a Catholic mission in Hinsdale. The bishop advised that because the Jesuit Order controls the territory, the matter must be referred to Rome; however, Wooldridge expressed a willingness to assist and suggested Father Laurence write to him directly. Additionally, the agent notes that local leading Catholics in Northern Montana are eager to co-operate, concluding that a thorough investigation would show widespread community support and that the bishop remains highly interested in developing the region.

A photograph of Fr. Laurence Dowling OFM Cap. (seated, second from the right), and his brother Fr. Thomas Dowling OFM Cap. (seated, second from the left) with presumably other siblings and relatives.

Letter from Monsignor James P. Cantwell to Fr. Thomas Dowling OFM Cap. He expresses his delight that Father Thomas is returning to California from a trip abroad (likely Ireland) and bringing Father Laurence with him. Monsignor Cantwell notes that times ‘continue to be bad’ with ‘no immediate hope’ for improvement. He expresses a lack of confidence in national leadership, stating, ‘There is no hope in Hoover’, and observing that there are more people out of work than ever before. He suggests that global recovery depends on Germany being ‘put on her feet’. He mentions ‘a lot of talk’ about Bishop Mitty (John J. Mitty) coming to San Francisco.

Letter from W.M. Wooldridge to Fr. Laurence Dowling OFM Cap., Rochestown, County Cork. Wooldridge is described as an industrial agent for a railway company in Hinsdale, Valley County, Montana. The letter discusses the potential establishment of Irish priests in Montana, noting that the current local bishop has not taken kindly to the idea despite local interest. Wooldridge mentions discussing the matter with a well-known County Cork man, John McGuire, and expresses a strong desire to see Capuchin members establish a church and college in the rapidly developing Milk River Valley, where Catholic growth has stalled compared to other denominations. The letter closes with personal updates regarding local families.

Letter from W.M. Wooldridge to Fr. Laurence Dowling OFM Cap., Rochestown, County Cork. The letter outlines a proposal to establish a Catholic church and an industrial training school in the Milk River Valley in Montana. Wooldridge notes that while Bishop Brondel was initially hesitant due to a past incident with an unauthorized priest, the bishop has become supportive. The letter emphasizes the region’s rapid development, the strong presence of influential Catholic families, and the unique opportunity to build an educational institute that bridges the gap between common schools and universities. Wooldridge explicitly offers his cooperation, leveraging his position and connection with the Great Northern Immigration Department, and suggests that Father Laurence consult with a Mr. William Murphy to further discuss the valley’s potential.

Letter from W.M. Wooldridge to Bishop John B. Brondel of Helena, Montana, concerning the establishment of a Catholic mission, college, or industrial training school in Northern Montana. He shares that Mr. Henry O’Hanlon, a prominent merchant from Chinook, strongly supports the idea. Drawing a historical parallel to the humble beginnings of the University of Notre Dame in Indiana, Wooldridge argues that current conditions in Montana are ideal for establishing a foundational institution that could grow into something highly creditable. He notes that within the next year, arrangements could likely be made to secure 160 acres of land near the town for this purpose, backed by the moral and financial support of the area's energetic Catholic business community.

Photograph of a group of Capuchin friars taken on the occasion of a visitation by Fr. James O’Mahony OFM Cap. The group includes (standing) Fr. Fergus Lawless OFM Cap., Fr. Laurence Dowling OFM Cap., Fr. Conleth Killian OFM Cap.; (seated) Fr. Joseph Fenelon OFM Cap., Fr. Joseph O’Mahony OFM Cap., and Fr. Thomas Dowling OFM Cap.

Photograph of Capuchin friars at the Provincial Chapter in St. Mary of the Angels, Church Street, Dublin.

Photograph of Capuchin friars at the Provincial Chapter in St. Mary of the Angels, Church Street, Dublin.