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Fr. Juan Antonio (Joseph Antony) de San Juan en Persiceto OFM Cap., Minister General of the Capuchin Order, during a visitation to the Irish Capuchin friars residing at Ukiah in California. The group includes Fr. Joseph Fenelon OFM Cap., Fr. Anthony Holmes OFM Cap., Fr. Raphael Quinn OFM Cap., Fr. Leo Sheehan OFM Cap., Fr. Ambrose Brunton OFM Cap., and Fr. Sebastian Brennan OFM Cap.

Letter from Fr. Joseph Fenelon OFM Cap. to Fr. Edwin Fitzgibbon OFM Cap., Provincial Minister, about which friars in the Western United States mission wish to return home to Ireland in 1932.
Friars Requesting Return:
Fr. Sebastian: Notable for having been away from home for 30 years.
Fr. Reginald, Fr. Leo, Fr. Ambrose, Fr. Sylvan: All last visited Ireland in 1925.
Fr. Pacificus: Last home in 1923.
Fr. Enda: Last home in 1926.
Bro. Didacus and Bro. Conrad: Both will have been away for six years by this summer.
Bro. Brendan: Last home in 1926.
Father Fenlon notes that Fr. Luke Sheehan has not yet decided if he will return this year.

Copy letter announcing that Fr. Sebastian Brennan OFM Cap. has died at the age 76 at Santa Inés, Solvang, California. He is hailed as a beloved ‘pioneer Padre’ who laboured for over 33 years in the hills and valleys of Mendocino County. The text describes him as a ‘faithful Priest’ and ‘true Capuchin Franciscan’ known for his intense zeal, unselfish spirit, and dedication to both the white and Native American populations. He was particularly noted for his efforts in providing both spiritual and secular education for neglected children. His last visit to Ukiah was in early 1925 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of his ordination. The second page provides a detailed timeline of his life and ecclesiastical career.

A report providing a structural, financial, and demographic overview of the Catholic Ukiah Mission and surrounding out-stations. The document outlines the territorial boundaries and pastoral history of the mission under the administration of the Capuchin friars, listing its active churches and dependencies across regional stations like Hopland, Willits, and Covelo. Additionally, it details the mission’s financial standing – accounting for itemized receipts, expenditures, and bank balances – and compiles the exact census data and sacramental figures (baptisms, marriages, and conversions).

A clipping of an article reporting on a for a solemn high Mass to honour the Fr. Sebastian Brennan OFM Cap., on his fiftieth anniversary (golden jubilee) of joining the Capuchin Order. During the morning Mass, Father Sebastian renewed his solemn vows, assisted by several other friars including Urban Riordan, Fintan Roche, Adrian Sharkey, and Finbarr O’Callaghan. The celebration drew a procession of all priests from Mendocino and Lake counties, featured congratulatory telegrams from Archbishop Hanna and the Capuchin Provincial Minister.

Letter from Fr. Joseph Fenelon OFM Cap. to Fr. Peter Bowe OFM Cap., Provincial Minister, discussing church appointments and visitations in California. He writes ‘I was present in Ukiah, when Archbishop Hanna blessed the Corner Stone of the new Church there and a deputation again waited on him and on me for a Father to be appointed to the district of Willits. The Archbishop appealed to me to put a Father there, accordingly I have appointed Fr. Ambrose to the position, who is a very safe man, and as I have no Brother to go with him there, arrangements are being made to get an old lady as Housekeeper for the present. I was thinking of taking Fr. Sebastian to let Brother Paschal go there for some time, but as he is an old man he requires the help of a Bro. Fr. Urban will be in Ukiah with Fr. Raphael, and Hopland can get Mass every Sunday now, and also Willits’.

Letter from Fr. Joseph Fenelon OFM Cap. to Fr. Sylvester Mulligan OFM Cap., Provincial Minister, detailing several administrative changes, the movement of various friars, and the successful opening of an orphanage. Fr. Gabriel Harrington OFM Cap. is notably active, giving missions in Santa Inés, Santa Cruz, and later Alameda. There is also a mention of upcoming Confirmation services on the coast.

Letter from Fr. Joseph Fenelon OFM Cap. to Fr. Peter Bowe OFM Cap., Provincial Minister, referring to Fr. Albert’s ailing condition. He notes that Albert is ‘failing fast’. He is eating very little, and the Sisters have advised that his death could occur at any moment. Fr. Joseph plans to visit him later in the week or early next week. Fr. Dominic O’Connor insists on staying with Fr. Albert as leaving his side would ‘kill’ the ailing priest. Father Fenelon also notes that Fr. Sebastian is currently raising $1,000 for the Extension Society.

Photograph of a group of Capuchin friars during the visitation of Fr. Peter Bowe OFM Cap., Provincial Minister, to the United States mission. The photograph was most likely taken in Ukiah, California. A manuscript annotation on the reverse reads ‘Standing: Fr. Anthony Holmes (d. 1947), Fr. Ambrose Brunton (d. 1976), Fr. Urban Riordan (d. 1973), Fr. Raphael Quinn (d. 1940), Br. Seraphin O’Reilly (d. 1925); Seated (left to right) Fr. Joseph Fenelon (d. 1963), Fr. Peter Bowe (1856-1926), Fr. Thomas Dowling (d. 1951), Fr. Sebastian Brennan (d. 1936)’. The print is credited to Wagar Photo, Ukiah.

A group of English Capuchin missionaries in Mendocino County in California. The photographs on this page in the volume are titled ‘Pioneers of Mendocino County’. The group includes Fr. Sebastian Brennan OFM Cap.