A photograph of Fr. Luke Sheehan OFM Cap., Fr. Cassian O’Shea OFM Cap., and Fr. Leo Sheehan OFM Cap. in Rome in 1925.
A studio photograph of Fr. Cassian O’Shea OFM Cap.
Correspondence Fr. Thomas Rocks OFM Cap., Guardian, Ard Mhuire Capuchin Friary, with Fr. Brendan O’Mahony OFM Cap., Provincial Minister, and Fr. Nicholas O’Brien OFM Cap., Provincial Secretary, mostly regarding property and financial matters pertaining to the Ards foundation. The subjects include improvements to the Friary and Retreat House, the potential sale of a tract of land called ‘Manus Lough’, the financial demands of the Ards community, the leasing of a camping site to the CBSI, and the potential lease of the disused pier at Sheephaven Bay. The file includes a schedule denoting the subventions from the Provincial (Central) Fund to the Ard Mhuire building fund from 1950-77. A letter (18 Feb. 1977) from Fr. Nicholas reads:
'The first agreement for the use of the pier (then known as “the flagstaff”) was made by the then Guardian – Fr. Cassian O’Shea, [who was guardian from 1937-43] with “Irish Minerals Co.” of Arklow. … And it was during this time that the pier as we know it today was constructed including the extension back to the friary grounds and the protecting wall – later the shed and repair workshop was added'.
Photographic prints of the first community in Ard Mhuire Capuchin Friary. The copy print is annotated as follows: (left to right): Fr. Cassian O’Shea OFM Cap., Fr. Colman Griffin OFM Cap. (guardian), Fr. Felix Guihen OFM Cap. Standing: Fr. Andrew Carew OFM Cap. and Fr. Columban McGarry OFM Cap. The larger print is annotated as follows: seated: Br. Leopold (novice); Fr. Andrew; Fr. Colman (Guardian), Fr. Eunan, Br. Carthage. Standing: Br. Theodore (novice), Br. Robert (novice), Br. Norbert (novice), Fr. Eugene (Novice Master), Br. Evangelist (novice), Br. Colman (laybrother), Br. Roger (novice), Br. Alexius (laybrother), Br. John (tertiary).
Clipping of an article titled ‘Coming of the Capuchin Franciscans’ published in the 'Donegal Democrat'. The article refers to the history of the Ards Estate and to the arrival of the Capuchin friars in Donegal in 1930. With a copy print of Ard Mhuire Friary and a group of Capuchin friars including Fr. Cassian O’Shea OFM Cap. (1897-1981), Fr. Columban McGarry OFM Cap. (1901-1987), Fr. Andrew Carew OFM Cap. (1902-1987) and Fr. Finbarr O’Callaghan OFM Cap. (1879-1963).
Copy letter from Fr. Peter Bowe OFM Cap., Provincial Minister, to Fr. Antonine Wilmer OFM Cap., Definitor General, regarding administrative and personnel matters within the Irish Capuchin mission. Father Peter acknowledges receiving legal documents (Rescripts) concerning the mission in Ukiah, California. He forwarded the documents intended for the Archbishop of San Francisco to his Vicar General to await the Archbishop’s return. He expresses disappointment over Fr. Felix’s failure in an exam but remains optimistic about his talents. Fr. Cassian performed well despite health issues.
Fr. James ‘made his mark as usual’ and wishes to go to Louvain (Belgium) to finish his scholarship. Fr. Peter supports this, believing it will prepare him to be a teacher of Philosophy for the Irish Capuchin Province.
A group photograph of Capuchin friars probably on the occasion of ordinations at Holy Trinity Church in Cork. An annotation on the the reverse identifies the friars in the image: ‘Front: Frs. Fiacre (Guardian), Peter (Provincial Minister), the Most Rev. Cohalan, Bishop of Cork, Sylvester, Martin; Back: Frs. Macartan, Bonaventure, Cassin, Felix, Kieran, Pacificus, Edwin, Fintan, Conleth’.
Photographic prints of the visit by Fr. Virgilio da Valstagna OFM Cap., Capuchin Minister General, to Ard Mhuire Friary. The file includes a group photograph of Irish friars with Fr. Virgilio. A manuscript annotation on the reverse of one of the prints reads: ‘Ard Mhuire, 1937, Front, left to right, Frs. Andrew, Cassian, Colman (Provincial Minister), Sylvester Mulligan, Fr. Minister General, Frs. Killian Flynn (Prefect Apostolic of Victoria Falls), unknown, Felix and Columban’.
A compilation of recollections of Irish Capuchin friars compiled by an unknown author (but certainly written by another friar). The text contains miscellaneous remembrances and accounts of several friars including:
Fr. Laurence Dowling OFM Cap.
Fr. Cassian O’Shea OFM Cap.
Fr. Dermot O’Reilly OFM Cap.
‘The National Friars’ (Fr. Albert Bibby OFM Cap. and Fr. Dominic O’Connor OFM Cap.). Includes the text of a ‘short talk broadcast (in both news bulletins) by Fr. Michael O’Shea OFM Cap., from Saorstát Stations, October 18th’).
Fr. Matthew O’Connor OFM Cap.
Fr. Senan Moynihan OFM Cap. (references his editorship of ‘The Capuchin Annual’ and outlines his routine in terms of managing the publication and his several notable acquaintances).
Fr. Canice Bourke OFM Cap.
Fr. Maurice Dowd OFM Cap.
The second half of the volume appears to contain the texts of sermons or possibly retreat notes.