Letter from Fr. Stephen Murtagh OFM Cap. to Fr. Colman Griffin OFM Cap., Provincial Minister, providing an administrative update on several personnel and financial matters. He notes that Fr. Thomas Dowling’s health is declining significantly; he is in the hospital and ‘can escape being laid low for some months’. Fr. Isidore Kennedy is back in the hospital after an operation and will be there for several weeks. Fr. Stephen notes that the medical bills (around $100 per month for each) are a heavy burden on their ‘small funds’. He also suggests it would be ‘imprudent’ for him to travel to Dublin for the August Chapter meeting, citing the risks of travel during wartime. Regarding the Minister General’s ‘request for a school’, Fr. Stephen is hesitant due to the high cost of building. He is looking for a large, existing house that could be converted cheaply and is inquiring with the Chancery office for options. He reassures the Provincial Minster that he will not take on any ‘great financial obligation’.
